Retail Theft and Loss prevention for stand-alone stores, shops, chains & malls.

Retail security is a specialized service that provides trained security personnel to protect retail stores from theft, fraud, property damage, and in-store conflict. It includes uniformed guards, loss prevention officers, and patrol coverage.

A retail security guard monitors customer behaviour, deters shoplifters, helps with crowd control, responds to incidents, and ensures that your retail space remains safe and orderly at all times. They may also assist with emergency procedures and interact with law enforcement when necessary.

A security guard provides visible, uniformed protection and serves as a deterrent to potential threats. A loss prevention officer (LPO) works undercover to detect, investigate, and stop shoplifters discreetly, often using in-store surveillance and behavioural monitoring techniques.

Yes. Barclays Security offers flexible contracts, including part-time, after-hours, weekend-only, or seasonal retail security for high-traffic events like Black Friday, Boxing Day, and end-of-season sales.

Rates vary based on location, hours, and the level of risk involved. On average, retail security services in Canada cost between $22 to $38 per hour. Contact us for a customized quote based on your retail environment.

Yes. Our guards are trained to coordinate with mall operations teams and law enforcement. We can integrate into existing protocols or provide standalone security solutions based on your needs.

Retail security refers to the measures taken to prevent theft, protect employees and customers, and secure store assets and inventory.

 It also refers to loss prevention, shoplifting prevention, and on-site guard services designed for retail environments.

 It involves:

• Uniformed/uniformed guards
  
• Surveillance monitoring
  
• Bag checks and access control
  
• Employee theft monitoring
  
• Customer service as a deterrent

• Deterring shoplifters with presence
  
• Monitoring suspicious activity
  
• Intervening during theft
  
• Coordinating with law enforcement
  
• Maintaining a safe shopping environment

• Obtain a security license (e.g. Ontario Security Guard License)
  
  
• Apply with retailers or private security firms
  
  
• Complete on-the-job training in observation, de-escalation, and theft detection

1. Physical Security - guards, locks, surveillance
   
2. Digital Security - POS systems, inventory tracking
   
3. Procedural Security - store policies, audits, customer service

• Use CCTV and mirrors
  
  
• Train staff to recognize suspicious behavior
  
  
• Keep high-value items locked
  
  
• Greet every customer (deterrent psychology)
  
  
• Employ undercover (loss prevention) officers

• Conduct background checks
  
  
• Limit access to cash or inventory
  
  
• Rotate shifts and responsibilities
  
  
• Use POS alerts and transaction audits
  
  
• Reward honest behavior and set a strong ethics culture

• Electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags
  
• Store layout optimization
  
• Customer engagement
  
• Bag checks
  
• Anti-theft signage

• Place guards near exits
  
  
• Install visible cameras
  
  
• Set up secured entrances and exits
  
  
• Restrict fitting room access

• Live surveillance monitoring
  
  
• Floor walkers (undercover guards)
  
  
• Receipt checks
  
  
• POS system pattern analysis
  
  
• Real-time communication between staff

• Create a theft-resistant store design
  
  
• Increase staff visibility
  
  
• Regularly update and test anti-theft technology

• Customer engagement
  
  
• Visible security guards
  
  
• CCTV cameras and mirrors
  
  
• Anti-theft signage
  
  
• Alarmed exits

 A layered approach combining human presence (guards), surveillance (CCTV), and technology (EAS, access control).

• Small, high-value items like:
  
• Cosmetics
  
• Electronics
  
• Alcohol
• Designer clothing
  
• Razor blades and baby formula

 Interaction. Greeting customers is proven to psychologically deter theft.

Yes-visible cameras reduce theft by creating the perception of being watched.

• Proactive employee training
  
  
• Real-time surveillance
  
  
• Internal audits
  
  
• Professional security patrol

• Observe and confirm the act
  
  
• Notify law enforcement or security
  
  
• Avoid direct confrontation unless trained
  
  
• Document the incident

• Return the item if possible
  
  
• Accept responsibility
  
  
• Understand the legal consequences
  
  
• Avoid repeating the behavior

• Avoiding eye contact
  
  
• Watching staff instead of shopping
  
  
• Frequently entering fitting rooms
  
  
• Wearing bulky clothing or carrying large bags

• CCTV + human surveillance
  
  
• Floor walkers (plain-clothes LP agents)
  
  
• POS/inventory reconciliation
  
  
• Suspicious behavior monitoring

• Only trained personnel should approach
  
  
• Remain calm, polite, and non-confrontational
  
  
• Ask open-ended questions (“Can I help you with that?”)
  
  
• Never accuse unless you are certain

 If caught outside Canada, and it leads to a criminal record, it can impact your entry eligibility depending on the severity. Canada considers moral turpitude crimes (like theft) when assessing visas or immigration.