THE PROBLEMS CONFRONTING MODERN SHOPKEEPERS AND MERCHANTS ARE DISCUSSED WITH EMPHASIS ON THE CRIME OF THEFT, AND ON THE NEED FOR A HIGHLY SKILLED SECURITY STAFF. ANY POLICY ADOPTED BY A MERCHANT OUGHT TO BE MADE VERY CLEAR TO THE EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS; A POLICY OF PROSECUTION IS RECOMMENDED IN ORDER TO DETER CRIMES. ENFORCEMENT OF A PROSECUTION POLICY BEGINS WITH A THOROUGH AUDITING OF THE PHYSICAL STOCK AND AN IDENTIFICATION OF STORE AREAS THAT ARE MOST AFFECTED BY CRIME. CAREFUL ASSESSMENT OF A STORE'S SECURITY PROBLEMS PROVIDES THE BASIS FOR DETERMINING THE SUITABLE TYPE OF SECURITY STAFF. POSSIBLE ARRANGEMENTS OF SECURITY PERSONNEL ARE DESCRIBED, EMPHASIZING THE NEED FOR THEIR SPECIALIZED TRAINING. SECURITY ISSUES CONCERNING EMPLOYEES ARE DISCUSSED INCLUDING TRAINING, SEARCH POLICIES, AND THE PROVISION OF LOCKERS FOR THEIR BELONGINGS. PRESENT LAWS APPLICABLE TO SECURITY DEPARTMENTS INCLUDE THE THEFT ACT OF 1968, THE CRIMINAL LAW ACT OF 1967, AND THE HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT OF 1971. THE INTRUDER'S REQUIREMENTS FOR EASY ACCESS TO GOODS AND FOR AN ESCAPE ROUTE CAN BE NULLIFIED BY METHODS OF PROTECTIVE STORAGE, KEY CONTROL, LIGHTING, AND ALARMS. THE SECURITY DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH AVAILABLE SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT AND SHOULD UTILIZE THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE SYSTEMS; E.G., GUARDING SMALL RISK AREAS BY LOCAL BELL ALARMS AND USING TELEVISION MONITORS TO PROTECT GOODS HANDLED BY CUSTOMERS. ALL EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE WELL INSTRUCTED IN THE HANDLING OF CASH, AND A HIGH STANDARD OF SALES DOCUMENTATION SHOULD BE REQUIRED. STORE FACILITIES SHOULD BE ARRANGED TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM VISIBILITY OF THE SELLING AREAS, WITH MERCHANDISE THAT CANNOT BE EASILY OBSERVED KEPT IN SECURED DISPLAY CASES. ALTHOUGH LOCKED CABINETS OR LIGHT CHAINS WILL NOT STOP A DETERMINED THIEF, SUCH DEVICES CAN DETER THE OPPORTUNIST. GUIDELINES FOR THE HANDLING OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS SUCH AS FIRES AND BOMB THREATS EMPHASIZE THE MAINTENANCE OF ORDER AND SAFETY. LOST AND FOUND ITEMS SHOULD BE EXAMINED IN AN EFFORT TO TRACE THE OWNERS, AND SHOULD BE KEPT SECURE. SURPLUS MATERIALS ONLY SHOULD BE DISTRIBUTED WITH MANAGEMENT PERMISSION. APPROPRIATE CONTROLS TO PREVENT COMPUTER FRAUD SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED, BUSINESS INSURANCE POLICIES SHOULD BE SELECTED WITH CARE. APPENDED MATERIALS INCLUDE OUTLINES OF CASH LOSS INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE AND CRIME REPORTS.