17 security considerations for the holidays

any “blind spots;” all areas that contain valuable merchandise should be visible to staff as well as customers.

9. Don’t advertise absence. While the holiday season is all about being with family, jewelers shouldn’t be too public about heading out of town. Be mindful of social media posts, including status updates and vacation pictures. Posting about traveling puts the store, its employees and even retailers’ homes at risk for invasions, crimes and thefts.

10. Deck the halls, but not too much. While some seasonal décor is festive, don’t clutter up the store windows with so many decorations that it blocks the view of the outside.

11. Evaluate ahead of time. Conduct a full review of the store’s security camera system and DVR, if applicable, and double-check the hard drive recording capability of the DVR. This should be done on an annual basis anyway, so scheduling that yearly check for just before the holidays is not a bad idea.

12. Keep customers safe. Be cognizant of the security of customers and make sure they exit the store safely. They could even be escorted to their cars, especially after big-ticket purchases.

13. Go undercover. One retailer reports that they have “undercover” shopping bags that are completely plain, with no jewelry store logo. While these traditionally are reserved for customers who want to sneak a gift home, they also might work for people who don’t feel safe carrying a shopping bag that screams, “Jewelry inside!”

14. Speak in code. It’s a good time to remind staff that not everybody is on the nice list during the holidays. Practice the code word that’s been developed for when the staff needs to be on high alert and observe how they react. If there is no reaction or there is confusion, they need more practice.

15. Talk to the police. Get a refresher course from the local police department on procedures they like retailers to use in the event of crimes, shoplifting particularly, and ask them to share any tips they have for retailers around the holidays.

16. Perform a closer inspection. Sometimes, customers have been the victim of a crime and they don’t even know it. Be sure to inspect jewelry and watches before providing any type of product service. Discuss any damage or possible gemstone swaps with the client. The last thing a store needs is to be accused of switching a stone.

17. Be aware of the running scams. Know what the latest frauds are that criminals are perpetrating against jewelers. One retailer warned of old European-cut moissanites with abraded cutlets that partially hide the double refraction from the eye, making the stones appear singly refractive like a diamond.

This is the second in an occasional series of holiday-themed lists National Jeweler is providing for its readers. The first ran in September and covered general holiday suggestions, including how to handle social media and collect customer information.