The current unrest has exposed just how vulnerable retail businesses are to theft. Despite security gates and alarm systems, if criminals are intent on breaking into a store, they will, and then grab merchandise and be gone before police can respond. The only significant deterrent to this type of crime is the physical presence of a security guard.

Organized Crime Rings. Although it’s not known who is behind the looting now taking place, one thing for sure is that the number of break-ins by organized crime rings is on the rise. Retail crime rings scope out stores that have easy access to freeways and contain desirable merchandise that can be sold on the black market or online. A getaway car is parked near a store entrance. The driver waits while the theft is being committed. The thieves jump into the car with the stolen merchandise and they are off within seconds.

It doesn’t take unrest in the streets as a cover for these crime rings to steal. In Oakland, three sisters were charged with running a retail theft ring. The police found over $300,000 of stolen merchandise at their home. Near Phoenix, a couple was arrested and charged with trafficking stolen property, money laundering and racketeering. They paid others to steal beauty products. They then sold the products on Amazon and eBay. The police estimated that the couple made more than $2.7 million from their operation.

Element of Surprise. Retail crime rings rely on the element of surprise. If the crime occurs after hours, they’ll smash windows, rush into the store, seize targeted items and leave. They’ll use much the same tactics during store hours. They may enter all at once. Or, they may come in individually and, upon a signal, begin their stealing spree. Employees are taken by surprise and have no time to react.

Store Security Guards. Retail security guards patrol stores and shopping centers after hours. During store hours, guards are always on the alert for unusual behavior and are quick to react if someone tries to shoplift. A crime ring will think twice about proceeding if they see a security guard posted near the entrance. If a group of thieves rushes a store, guards are trained to respond and detain as many of the criminals as possible until police arrive.

To request a security quote for security guard services in California and Arizona, give Access Control Security a call at 877-482-7324  or go to https://accesscontrolsecurity.com/quote-request to get a quote.