Theft Prevention 101: How Calgary Businesses Can Stay Safe During the Holidays

Why Holiday Crime Spikes—and What That Means for You 

For many Calgary businesses, the holiday season means extended hours, more customers, seasonal staff, and higher-value inventory. Unfortunately, these same conditions also create more opportunities for theft, both external and internal. 

Retailers face increased shoplifting. Warehouses may experience unauthorized access. And businesses with skeleton crews or remote teams are at higher risk for after-hours break-ins. 

Holiday theft isn’t just about merchandise; it can include stolen data, vandalism, and safety incidents. Taking proactive steps now helps protect your business during the busiest time of year. 

Holiday Theft Prevention Strategies That Work 

1. Install or Upgrade Your Alarm System 

A monitored alarm system is your first line of defence. Whether it’s a perimeter breach or motion detection inside the building, an alarm system can notify authorities within seconds. Make sure your system is: 

• Properly armed during off-hours 
• Tested before the holiday rush 
• Linked to updated emergency contacts 

If you haven’t upgraded your alarm in a few years, now is the time. Frontline Security provides modern alarm solutions tailored to your business size and layout. 

2. Enhance Video Surveillance Coverage 

High-resolution security cameras act as both deterrent and evidence. Position cameras at: 

• Entry and exit points 
• Cash handling areas 
• Stockrooms and loading docks 

Add motion detection alerts, cloud storage, and mobile access so you can check in remotely during evenings, weekends, or closures. Footage can be crucial in proving theft, identifying suspects, or disputing false claims. 

Access Control & Staff Awareness 

3. Implement Access Control Systems 

If you have multiple employees, vendors, or contractors coming and going during the holidays, access control is essential. Issue fobs or PINs instead of physical keys so you can: 

• Track who entered and when 
• Restrict access to sensitive areas 
• Remove access instantly if needed 

This reduces internal theft and ensures that only authorized people are on-site during high-risk periods. 

4. Train Seasonal Staff on Security Procedures 

Temporary employees may not be familiar with your safety protocols. Take time to: 

• Review closing/opening procedures 
• Reinforce policies for customer interactions 
• Encourage reporting of suspicious activity 

Simple awareness training can significantly reduce internal shrinkage and increase team accountability. 

Don’t Wait for a Holiday Incident to Act 

Security threats don’t wait for your schedule to slow down, and responding after a loss is always more costly than preventing it. A few smart upgrades now can save you stress, revenue, and reputation later. 

Whether you need an alarm system tune-up, new surveillance cameras, or access control for a busy site, Frontline Security is here to help. 

Secure Your Business Before the Holiday Rush 

Calgary’s holiday season should be profitable, not stressful. Frontline Security offers tailored theft prevention solutions for retail, warehouses, and service-based businesses across the city. 

Contact Frontline Security today to book your pre-holiday security assessment and protect your operations through the season with alarm systems, video surveillance, and access control.