4 Ways to Protect Your Alberta Cannabis Store From Theft

Earlier this year in one of our blogs, titled ‘Alberta Leads Nation in Marijuana Stores: Here’s how to Protect Your Shop From Thieves’, we covered research from Statistics Canada which found Alberta to be the leading province in Canada for both the number of cannabis stores and cannabis retail sales.

There were 75 legal retail cannabis stores in the province, which had sold a combined $33 million worth of legal cannabis since October 17, 2018, when marijuana was first legalized.

Since then, business has only grown. New data from Statistics Canada (reported via Global News) showed that from October 2018 to June 2019, Albertans spent $123.7 million on legal cannabis, the most of any province or territory in Canada.

Ontario followed, with $121.6 million, then Quebec with $119.2 million. The Northwest Territories saw the least, at $1.47 million.

With cannabis retail stores thriving in Alberta, they are increasingly being targeted by criminals. That’s where verified security systems come in. As a leading provider, Sonitrol Western Canada offers world-class solutions to help your cannabis retail store stay safe and secure. Here are four key ways verified security systems and related practices can protect you from theft.

1. Adopt Verified Security Systems

Your assets are valuable and deserve more than conventional alarm systems. Verified security systems elevate protection by combining detection with professional verification and response.

Here’s what sets verified systems apart:

• When an intrusion is detected, the alarm is confirmed through a 24/7 monitoring centre, which then notifies law enforcement. This helps avoid false alarms.
• Police response time for a verified alarm can be as fast as 3-4 minutes, significantly faster than unverified or less capable systems. 

For a cannabis store, which must manage high-value inventory and cash, this kind of system isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.

2. Establish Strong Workplace Policies and Procedures

Even the best security technology can be compromised without the right human protocols. Verified security systems work best when complemented by well-designed workplace policies.

Here are important policy components you should include:

• Training employees on what to do during a crime—violent or otherwise.
• Never letting staff work alone, especially during cash counting or asset transport.
• Clear procedures for high-risk tasks (e.g., moving inventory, handling cash) to minimize exposure.

These policies support your verified system by reducing risk from inside and outside threats.

3. Use Managed Access Control

Locks and physical keys have limits. Managed access control (keyless entry) systems are essential components of verified security systems.

Benefits include:

• Restricting entry to sensitive areas to only those with cards, badges, or fobs.
• Easy tracking of employee access by area and time.
• Minimizing risk of lost or copied keys being used for theft, internally or externally.

Combined with video surveillance and verified alarms, access control helps build a layered security environment.

4. Don’t Rely on the Previous Owner’s Security Setup

If you’ve moved into a new location or taken over an existing store, don’t assume the existing system is sufficient. Verified security systems need to be properly designed for your layout and risk profile.

Here’s what to check:

• Coverage: Are all vulnerable areas (doors, windows, storage, cash registers) monitored?
• System type: Is it verified (with monitoring and response), or a basic, conventional alarm system?
• Integration: Are CCTV, alarms, access control all working together?
• Tailoring: Does the system meet the particular theft or crime risks in your area or industry?

Why Verified Security Systems Matter

• Reduced False Alarms: Because alarms are verified before dispatch, there’s less chance of police being called unnecessarily.
• Faster Police Response: Verified systems get priority and quicker dispatch.
• Stronger Deterrence: Criminals are less likely to target businesses with robust, visible, verified security.
• Better Internal Control: With access tracking and clear policies, you protect against internal and external threats alike.

Want to learn more about how verified security systems from Sonitrol Western Canada can safeguard your cannabis retail store? Our experts can help you design a solution custom fitted for your risks, layout, and peace of mind. Contact our team of experts today.