There will inevitably be a need for use-specific loss prevention devices to facilitate the protection of cash and merchandise or to control use of internal and perimeter doors.

For example, if you display power tools on a typical power tool display fixture, it is necessary to either cable them to the display or employ a power tool alarm system. Both devices are effective ways of protecting power tools, allowing customers to handle them, but not steal them. The alarm system is particularly effective, providing a very high level of protection and being virtually foolproof.

You should also consider installing cash drop boxes at your POS checkouts. These steel boxes, securely mounted under the checkout stand at each POS terminal, provide a ready means for cashiers to deposit excess cash, large bills and even checks, throughout the day, thus precluding the need for periodic cash pickups. They come equipped with two keys and cannot be opened without both keys being used.

You may find that there will be certain locations in your store where evidence of shoplifting is frequently found and which are not covered by a camera. You can install a device called an annunciator in that aisle which will alert associates when a customer enters the area.

These practical security devices, as well as many other items of miscellaneous security equipment, are available from Ace Hardware Retail Loss Prevention's preferred vendor-partner Se-Kure Controls.

Contact Mike Mell, Se-Kure Controls national account representative to Ace Hardware, at 800-322-2435, Ext. 1107, or e-mail Mike at mikemell@se-kure.com for detailed information about all products available from Se-Kure Controls. Click on the Se-Kure Control logo for a link to their web site (includes their complete catalog).