10 February 2025
We would like to thank you to everyone who attended our “Protect Your Business” information session at the Katanning Hardware & Garden Centre. Over 20 local business owners and staff gathered to learn about crucial strategies to safeguard their businesses from shoplifting and other security concerns.
A special thank you to Dave and JD for sharing their invaluable insights, and to the Katanning Hardware & Garden Centre for hosting this informative event. Your support in bringing this session to life is greatly appreciated!
The session covered a range of vital topics to help protect your business:
- Approaching Suspected Shoplifters
- Bag Checks & Barring Entry
- Reporting an Incident
- Security Measures
- Recognising Shoplifting
- When to Involve the Police
As a business owner, ensuring the safety and security of your business should always be a top priority. The Western Australia Police Force recommends the following steps to help prevent theft and protect your premises:
- Install Surveillance Systems – Use security cameras to monitor and record activities within and around your premises. Clear, quality footage is crucial for helping with investigations and potential convictions.
- Improve Lighting – Ensure that all areas, especially entry points, are well-lit to deter potential thieves.
- Secure Entry Points – Use sturdy locks and reinforce doors and windows to prevent unauthorised access.
- Train Employees – Educate staff on recognising suspicious behaviour and the protocols for handling potential theft situations. Staff safety should always be a priority.
- Greet Customers on Entry & Offer Assistance – A friendly greeting not only enhances customer service but also acts as a deterrent to potential shoplifters by showing staff awareness.
- Limit Cash On Hand – Regularly deposit cash and use safes to store money securely.
- Use Inventory Controls – Implement inventory management systems to track stock and identify discrepancies promptly.
- Establish Clear Policies – Develop and communicate policies regarding bag checks, returns, and customer conduct. You have the right to ask customers to leave their bags, prams, or trolleys outside your store.
- Engage with Local Authorities & Report Incidents – Report thefts and other incidents to the police as soon as possible. The quicker you act, the more likely it is to prevent further losses.
- Refuse Entry & Ask People to Leave – You have the right to refuse entry to your premises and ask customers or individuals to leave if their behaviour is suspicious or inappropriate.
Bag Searches If you’d like the option to carry out bag searches where appropriate, ensure you have a sign stating that bags may be checked as a condition of entry. This sign needs to be clearly displayed and visible to customers before they enter your business. If you have this signage in place, customers who have entered your store have accepted your right to search their shopping bags as a condition of entry.
If a shopper refuses to allow you to search their bags, you can:
- Ask them to leave your store.
- Refuse to sell them products.
- Call the police if you suspect they have stolen from your business.
Resist Naming and Shaming While it might be tempting to share footage of shoplifters on social media or display photos of them in your store, doing so could cause you problems. If an offender is being dealt with criminally but their photograph is still on display (either physically or online), the offender could claim they are being victimised. While this doesn’t have any criminal repercussions, the offender could take civil action against you.
Report Crime to Katanning Police
We encourage all local businesses and residents to report any suspicious activity or crimes to the Katanning Police. You can do so by calling 131 444 for non-urgent matters.
By working together and implementing these proactive security measures, we can make Katanning a safer place for everyone. Thank you again for attending, and we look forward to seeing you at future workshops!
