Warehouse theft has been a matter of concern for years. Large amounts of stock in a vast space make these areas an easy target. Minor disparities can go unseen and lead to high losses in the long run. Did you know that the prime source of theft is not external but its own employees? Internal theft is ever on the rise, and this can be a result of: - Ill feelings towards the company. - The need to seize an opportunity. - Financial Instability or stress. Simply put, workers steal because they can. Warehouses across the globe lose massive profits due to theft. And it only grows with time! On that account, you must protect the facility from both internal and external sources of theft. Here are some ways to help combat this problem:

Protect the Borders

The most basic part of securing your facility is to create a barrier. A barrier that distinguishes between the outside and your property keeps your premise out of access. The easier it is to access, the more likely it is to conduct theft. Usually, the simplest way is to use a fence. But fencing alone is not enough. Bright lights, CCTV cameras, access gates are some other ways to keep thieves at bay. It is best to invest in a high-quality system that can integrate various levels of security. Better systems will note and alert the police without any delay in case of a breach.

Secure the Entrance

Sturdy doors and locks with strong frames are a must for all points of entry. But maintaining them is just as essential as installing them. You need to make sure that no damage comes to the core material, hinges, frames, or locks. Bolts and screws are just as vital and should be tightly fit. Cameras should focus on all activity near all entry points – doors or windows. They instill a sense of fear of getting caught, which stops many. Else, they help identify the culprits behind theft too.

Install CCTV Cameras

CCTV cameras help keep an eye on every nook and corner of your facility. They must span the entire area and leave no blind spots. The best place for cameras is to cover the high-risk areas first. Hard-to-reach corners are a usual point of theft and must be in direct sight of a camera. Make sure to invest in high-quality cameras and data storage. You would want to have access to recent footage to note theft. Checking the footage from time to time can help observe acts that you may have missed out on before.

Use Alarm Systems

Alarms help notify theft at the right time to prevent loss and catch the culprit. Alarm systems come in many types. They can either be loud or silent, each playing its role in your security setup. A silent alarm helps police or security guards arrive at the scene without giving the thief time to escape in a rush. Other types such as motion sensors or glass break detectors help alert intrusions.

Set up an Access Control System

Access Control Systems help track and limit the flow of staff, especially in high-risk areas. An ACS will comprise credentials, readers, control panels, and door locks. Your staff will make use of credentials such as a smartcard, code pin, or biometric to enter certain areas. The reader checks the unique ID for approval before it permits entry. It only allows access to those on a stored list. While this is a great way to keep intruders out, it will also store the activity of your workers. In case of theft, you can search its database to look for the ones in the area at the time of theft.

Use Multiple Data Sources

Using multiple software applications like Dock Scheduling Software, Warehouse Management System, Accounting Software, Time and Attendance Software, etc. and regularly reconciling data from each can also be a great way to check warehouse theft from growing out of control. When operating a facility that has thousands of dollars in assets, a large workforce, and people/trucks entering and leaving regularly, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Taking these steps will prevent warehouse theft and pilferage. As a responsible business owner, the question to ask yourself isn’t if your warehouse operations will face theft – it’s when. Proper security measures can help mitigate this threat.

If you have questions, reach out to our team for a FREE Security Risk Assessment. We’ll evaluate your current security setup, identify any gaps and help you get everything in place to protect your business. Click here or call our office at 888-880-2536 to book now.