When you think of security guards, you might think of bouncers at a nightclub or bar. Today, security presence is becoming far more common; whether it’s at a bank, mall, grocery store, or a coffee shop.
More and more businesses are hiring security to safeguard their livelihood and to protect their employees and customers.
RLP Security Services Ltd. is a new security company to the region, providing uniformed guards and mobile patrols inside the city of Sault Ste. Marie.
In today’s climate, security presence is probably in more places than you realize.
Nicolas Rabaa is the president of RLP Security Services Ltd. and says one of the main reasons people hire security staff is to reduce “shrink”. Shrink is any kind of lost revenue, whether that’s from external or internal theft.
The amount of internal theft is rampant in many businesses, which is why they turn to external security services like RLP. On average, almost half of lost revenue due to shrink is from internal theft, whether that’s shoplifting or tampering with merchandise.
“40 per cent of all retail shrink is internal,” Rabaa said. “It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a product leaving the store. It could be damaging a product and then using that product. It’s not a loss, but that’s where shrink comes in. It’s not a loss that walked out the door, it’s lost revenue.”
On the surface, an external shoplifter seems more brazen, but revenue loss due to an internal employee theft can far outweigh that of external sources. That’s why many businesses choose to have a second set of eyes on their business with a guard from RLP Security Services Ltd. Security acts as a visual deterrent for anyone considering vandalism or theft inside the store.
Not only do guards and mobile patrol services help deter theft, they also provide peace of mind for customers and employees at stores and businesses. Having a person in uniform at a moment’s notice is a great benefit whenever someone is in distress.
“It provides them with a sense of security,” Rabaa said. “They can shop knowing that God forbid, if something happens, there is somebody that will help them out.”
In the case of an external shoplifter, the owner has a choice in how they handle the situation. Some businesses have a “no touch no pursue” policy, where security will take a description of the shoplifter and call the police.
Some places prefer the shoplifter is charged and arrested for theft on the spot. It’s completely up to their discretion, and RLP Security Ltd. will handle the situation however you see fit.
Having a security presence in a place of business might seem like overkill in some situations. The truth is, with a guard or mobile patrol on hand, employees can focus on their job and tend to customers, rather than pursuing a shoplifter and taking matters into their own hands.
“A lot of businesses, especially the little mom and pop shops, they would rather have their employees focusing on stocking shelves and customer service than having to deal with someone switching price tags or someone pocketing a bunch of meat in their jacket,” Rabaa said. “That’s where we come in. We monitor all that. Our business is protecting their business.”
Considering adding security guards or mobile patrol to protect your business in Sault Ste. Marie? Contact RLP Security Services Ltd. at 877-586-8180 or visit their website, RLPSS.ca.
