Security guards and store inspectors against theft
Want to protect your store and merchandise from theft and damage? Call on Cerese Security, available throughout Belgium. Our agents are deployed on-site to monitor the premises, safeguard goods, and ensure the smooth running of commercial activities while following a pre-established protocol.
Prevention and intervention
Our store security and guarding agents aim to deter and prevent theft and other incidents. They are specifically trained to operate in retail environments, including shopping centers, while ensuring they do not disrupt customer experience or store operations.
If needed, our agents can also perform as dog handlers with trained dogs, skilled in detecting threats, locating people or objects, and serving as a powerful deterrent. These dogs pose no risk to shoppers, including children or other pets.
Surveillance of your home or business
Based on a contract whose terms we negotiate together, we provide you with:
- A system connected to your monitoring centre
- A guard with a vehicle who intervenes quickly in case of an alarm trigger
- A direct contact to keep you informed of the situation/li>
- A complete inspection of the premises
- A quick diagnosis to determine the cause of the trigger
Your home or business will thus be protected 24/7.
Theft deterrence
Is your store—or others in the area—experiencing a rise in theft? Losses can be significant, and theft statistics in Belgium are on the rise. Due to inflation, more people are attempting to steal merchandise.
The presence of uniformed agents near entrances or checkouts can deter a significant number of shoplifting attempts. Cerese Security’s trained agents are highly visible and attentive, discouraging potential thieves. Conflicts may also arise in stores—between customers and employees, or among customers. Uniformed security agents help de-escalate such situations and protect both staff and clientele.
Response to theft or incidents
Our agents are trained to monitor the environment and observe customer behavior. When suspicious behavior or theft is detected, they are authorized to intervene and request to inspect the person's bags.
If a security agent witnesses a theft, they can approach and detain the suspect. However, they cannot use force unless it is in self-defense. Our agents rely on diplomacy whenever possible, encouraging the return of stolen items. In cases of disputes—such as altercations between customers or with staff—our agents will move closer to the scene and use non-confrontational methods to calm tensions. Often, their mere presence is enough to defuse a situation. If not, they use calm and negotiation to achieve a peaceful resolution.
The main objective of our store security service in Belgium is to ensure commercial activities continue smoothly and conflict-free. Our aim is prevention, not provocation.
Your frequently asked questions
Is the presence of in-store security agents perceived positively?
Certainly—not by thieves! But for your honest and loyal customers, uniformed security agents are a reassuring presence. It projects a serious, professional image of your business and shows that you prioritize the safety of both people and goods.
Before starting a store guarding mission, we will assess your needs and create a tailored plan. The goal is to deploy the right number of trained agents. Too many agents may cause concern or suggest a threat.
In most cases, a single trained store inspector is sufficient to monitor checkouts and exits. The agent is trained to quickly spot suspicious behavior or theft.
Is the impact of security agents on theft significant?
Several studies confirm that security services reduce shrinkage—the difference between your theoretical and actual stock levels. Shrinkage includes losses, administrative errors, and shoplifting.
According to various reports, store inspectors can reduce shrinkage by 20% to 50%. The effect largely depends on how much of your shrinkage is due to shoplifting.
In any case, the presence of agents strongly deteriorates opportunistic theft, which represents most of the shoplifting. "Professional" thieves are rarer and can be deterred with additional security measures (security tags, locked cabinets, etc.).
Is permanent store surveillance necessary?
Our security company can work on a trial basis: one or more agents are deployed in your store for several weeks. At the end of this period, we assessed the results to determine whether our presence had a measurable impact.
Typically, the goal is to see whether recovered losses outweigh the cost of our service. We can also test a period without surveillance to observe whether theft increases again. If so, store inspectors can be reinstated to ensure continued protection.
Where should store security agents be stationed?
Ideally, our agents are positioned near checkouts and entrances/exits.
An agent at the store entrance sends a clear message: visitors are being monitored. This alone has a strong deterrent effect. If entry and exit are the same, the agent can inspect bags and verify receipts if anomalies are suspected.
Near the checkouts, the agent watches for attempts to sneak items past scanners—such as under a cart. Often, simply pointing out a forgotten item is enough. These “oversights” are much less common when an agent is present.
Our agents always approach such situations with diplomacy, as some forgetfulness is honest and unintentional.
Can security agents assist store visitors?
Ideally, agents should remain focused and not be distracted—especially since distractions may be deliberate. However, our agents are human and can integrate into your store’s customer service approach.
They may provide quick directions, report hazards (like fallen items or slippery floors), and contribute to a safer environment overall.
For any request regarding our various services, you can reach us by phone at the number below, or, for more convenience, fill in our form. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
02 851 64 91 Form