Retail security guide: How to keep your shop safe and secure

Retail crime remains a significant challenge for businesses across Hong Kong. While the city continues to maintain a relatively safe operating environment, theft, fraud, and organised retail crime can have a direct impact on profitability, operational efficiency, and customer experience.

According to the Hong Kong Police Force, there were 7,923 shop theft cases recorded in 2025, representing a decrease of 9.6% from 2024. However, shop theft still accounted for a substantial proportion of the city's theft-related offences, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by retailers of all sizes.

Beyond traditional shoplifting, retailers are also increasingly exposed to fraud-related threats. Hong Kong recorded 43,212 deception cases in 2025, accounting for nearly half of all reported crimes in the city. Police reported that e-shopping fraud alone reached 12,505 cases, underlining the growing importance of both physical and digital security measures for modern retailers.

For many retailers, especially those operating multiple stores or managing high-value inventory, even a small increase in shrinkage can have a significant impact on margins. Retail crime can result not only in direct financial loss but also in increased insurance costs, operational disruption, staff safety concerns, and reputational damage.

So where does Retail Security fit into all of this, and why should it be a concern when you’re focused on finding some normalityafter so many months of disruption? As you’ll soon discover, it means that the security challenges all retailers facehave rapidly evolved, and so too must the retail security systems that protect them.

You’ll need a system that fits into your business, to provide cost-effective and round-the-clock protection, and to serve as a valuable business asset. As one expert put it, the security industry has had to make up four-years' worth of changes to technology in the space of a year.

What are the essential first steps to Retail Security?

There was a time when ‘Retail Security’ meant hiring a security guard to mind your store during open hours. But modern security challenges come in many shapes and sizes – not just somebody having something stuffed up their shirt.

It’s best practice to follow these steps if you’re opening a shop that needs a new Retail Security system, or if you’re thinking of upgrading your existing one.

1. Understand the security risks facing your retail business. While the types of threats vary by location and store format, shop theft remains one of the most common challenges for retailers in Hong Kong. Police statistics show that retail theft and shoplifting cases increased during 2024, reflecting the continued pressure on retailers to protect merchandise, staff, and customers. In the first nine months of 2024, Hong Kong recorded 6,704 shoplifting cases, representing a 13.6% increase compared with the same period in 2023.

   Retailers are also facing a broader range of security concerns, including burglary, organised retail crime, fraud, and repeat offenders targeting high-value products such as health supplements, cosmetics, and consumer goods. Hong Kong Police reported 3,678 retail theft cases in the first five months of 2024, an increase of 12% year-on-year, prompting calls for stronger loss prevention measures, CCTV surveillance, and enhanced in-store security practices.

   Ask yourself, are there any crimes that are more common or more damaging due to the type of store you run? Jewelers will have different security challenges and best practices to convenience stores, for example.
2. Take a site survey to identify weak areas. How could you possibly know how to secure your shop until you know where your weaknesses are? We recommend you have a site survey conducted by a security professional, as they’ll know exactly what weaknesses to look for and help you find the best solutions to overcome them.
3. Consider your own unique needs. Retail Security is about more than catching thieves nowadays and you need a system that’ll serve your unique needs. Do you want a CCTV & Video Surveillance system that lets you watch a live and recorded feed on your mobile phone, wherever you are? Perhaps you’d also benefit from daily insights like customer-traffic and peak hours to help you manage your business effectively.

As I’ve said before,a reputable security professional will be happy to help you through this process and answer any questions along the way. We know Retail Security can seem overwhelming, especially when you’ve got a business to run! That’s why it is essential to install a system that works for your business without interrupting your workflow.

Request a site visit by Securitas. 

What are the common Retail Security systems shops use?

Each store will have its own best fit for a security system, but here are some of the most common components that you will find in a Retail Security system in small to medium shops. You’ll probably find that a combination of more than one component will be needed to keep your shop safe from various threats.

• Intruder Alarm - This system comprises of an external siren that is triggered by detectors strategically placed in your store. The system is controlled by a panel with a built-in key-pad but some systems can be managed remotely using a mobile device such as your phone. 
• Door Contact - These are very common and work similarly to an Intruder Alarm detector. Door Contacts are an essential part to most Retail Security systems as doors are the most common entry points for intruders. 
• PIR Sensors- Passive Infrared Sensors (PIRs)are electronic sensors that are placed strategically in your building to track movement. They work bymeasuring infrared light radiating from objects detecting general movement, which can then trigger a response that may be setting off an alarm or alerting emergency services.
• Panic Button – Often discreetly placed somewhere around the service area, Panic Buttons can be pressed by employees to send a distress signal to emergency services. Useful in cases of robbery or violence. 
• CCTV & Video Surveillance – CCTV & Video Surveillance is a proven deterrent when visible to criminals and is now providing more vital evidence than ever to support criminal investigations. Modern systems can also be controlled remotely, allowing you to view live or recorded footage, and analyse it in real-time on a simple mobile app.

This may explain why CCTV security sales have exploded in recent years. Globally, the video surveillance market was valued at USD 52.56 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach USD 138.69 billion by 2032. [King's Research]

Secure your retail business the smart way!

How can Securitas help protect your retail business? With Securitas Hong Kong, you'll feel less stressed and safer running your store, at any time and from anywhere.

We can help you choose the right equipment and service package to suit your needs, with simple monthly subscriptions and managed all through a single app. Take a look and request a callback today!