A guarding contractor has carried out research into retailers‚Äô security procedures in the wake of the recent riots. The survey found that 60 per cent of retailers said security had not become more of a priority….
A further 55 per cent of retailers were also unconcerned about the possibility of unrest occurring again in the next two years, believing that trouble on the scale witnessed in the summer was unlikely to return. Due to the cost of lost stock, repairs to buildings and lost trading hours whilst maintenance was carried out, the recent riots are estimated to have cost retailers tens of millions of pounds.
Daniel Warwick, managing director of DW-OZ Security – the security firm that conducted the survey, said: “Although the riots may be fading into the memory for some retailers, they cannot afford to be complacent about their security. The unrest served as a wake-up call for a number of stores and many have been pro-active in reviewing their procedures.”
DW-OZ staff experienced the riots firsthand, as the company provided 50 people to man various locations across Manchester city centre during the recent unrest.
Warwick added: “Retailers may think that the trouble has passed and is unlikely to return, but they need to consider how they are going to protect their goods, staff and customers in the future. Implementing the appropriate measures is key and stores would be well-advised to look again at their practices if they have not already done so. The riots showed that prevention is always better than cure.”
Dave Mackie – group business development director at CBG Group, the independent insurance broker and financial services intermediary – commented on the impact that improved security measures can have on insurance premiums. He said: “Retailers can significantly reduce their premiums if they take proactive steps towards risk improvements. Discounts of around 20 per cent can be achieved if positive actions are taken to improve security.”
DW-OZ Security provides security for a range of commercial and residential properties, events and schools. It also offers mobile patrols, manned guarding, close protection and concierge services. W-OZ Security is based in Manchester and was established in 2008 by Daniel Warwick. A Security Industry Authority Approved Contractor it’s also a registered member of the SAFEcontractor scheme.
