Is lax management causing employee theft in Atlanta GA?

June 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Internal theft, also known as employee theft, causes close to 50% of retail business loss each year. In the thirty years of preforming employee theft investigations I am still shocked by what a poor job most businesses do in common sense loss prevention. A good example of one of the instances was an employee theft investigation that I did where $5000 in fraudulent business checks were cashed. It turned out that the back stock of checks were unsecure in a storeroom with office supplies. Janitor’s stole20 some checks from the middle of the stack waited a month and them began to cash them. Those checks should have been secured under lock and key with strict access.

Every day we drop our guard because it is more difficult to do it the right way. Doing it the right way will prevent employee theft. The key is “prevention”. Or we say, “oh I trust that person, they would never do that”. Those words get more and more businesses in trouble everyday. When a management person says that they are basically saying that they have no common business sense.

Another case involved employees that stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in product from a distribution center they worked in. They were given keys to the facility that had millions of dollars of merchandise in it, with no alarm system. So coming back at night and loading up a truck was easy.

Internal theft or employee theft lurks around every corner. You have to be proactive to prevent it. Internal theft will not go away or stop on its own. In fact it will get worse. Get your policy manual off the shelf, dust it off, update it and make sure people understand that this is your “business bible”, live it and enforce it. That does not mean that it never changes, far from it. As your business changes your policy and procedures should change.

For more information on an employee theft investigation in Atlanta, GA contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

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Anti Shoplifting Gets a Boost – Atlanta Georgia

June 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Any retailer who has a high shrink figure knows it’s time to increase the anti shoplifting effort at his business.  Most estimates attribute 33 to 50% of all shrink to shoplifters.

There are plenty of retail anti theft devices on the market that promise to stop shoplifting altogether or at least greatly reduce it.  Some do and some don’t, some are enormously expensive and some are reasonable.

Retailers have shown measurable results when using retail anti theft devices made by Checkpoint Security Systems, including pedestals, Checkpoint tags, and Checkpoint labels to reduce shoplifting losses in their businesses.  Using Checkpoint Security Systems retail anti theft devices properly as part of an anti shoplifting strategy, with the application of Checkpoint labels and Checkpoint tags to high risk merchandise shows shoplifters that the retailer is serious about their means to stop shoplifting and has committed to not being a victim of thieves.

First of all the pedestal (the detection part) of the Checkpoint Systems equipment is visible to customers who enter the store, but it is not at all intimidating.  In fact, there are models that accept advertising panels in them to bring attention to sales or other information.  Checkpoint Systems has designed Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint labels to protect almost any type and style of merchandise, from ready to wear to hardware, depending on the needs of the retailer.

Next the Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint labels can only be removed or deactivated at the point of sale by the cashier who has access to special equipment designed for this purpose.  When an active tag or label passes through the pedestal’s field, an alarm sounds and a light flashes, alerting the staff as well as the customer that there is merchandise that needs attention.  Staff receives special training available from Checkpoint Systems that instructs them how to handle an alarm condition with the customer and the equipment.

The Checkpoint Security System provides both deterrence and detection at a very affordable and economical price.

Please visit the Online Retail Loss Prevention Store. 

For further information on Checkpoint Security Systems , Checkpoint tags , Checkpoint labels , Checkpoint Security System or other anti shoplifting suggestions and tips on how you can stop shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Alpha Security EASy Bottle Anti Shoplifting Bottle Lock

June 10, 2011 by

If your liquor store is experiencing shoplifting and “customers” opening and taking a drink then you need some bottle security. For example one of the most popular targets of the shoplifting public is Grey Goose vodka. Put an EASy Bottle bottle lock on the top of your Grey Goose bottle caps and the shoplifter will go elsewhere.

Alpha Security is a division of Checkpoint Systems.

Alpha Security makes anti theft devices that fit over the top of the bottle and encase the cap and upper bottleneck in a very tough hard plastic. The top of the EASy Bottle bottle locks are clear so you can see Tax ID stamps.

The slim clear top allows for a much cleaner looking display. In will not interfere with your customers shopping experience. Besides being an anti shoplifting device the EASy Bottle bottle locks will prevent customers from opening the bottle until it has been purchased.

These liquor bottle security devices come in different sizes to insure a snug fit that provides maximum protection. They are easy to use and can only be removed by your staff with an S3 key.

The EASy Bottle bottle lock from Alpha Security comes with either a RF or AM tag embedded inside. This non-deactivatable tag cannot be reached or damaged. The bottle lock has the word “alarm” printed on the front to let the shoplifter know that they are playing with fire.

The new S3 EASy Bottle bottle locks combine the highest level of bottle security with optimal merchandise aesthetics. This sleek design is perfect for high-end displays and maximum merchandising.

To purchase the EASy Bottle bottle lock liquor bottle security devices from Alpha Security Visit Our Website!

For more information about Alpha Security, bottle security, liquor bottle security, EASy Bottle, or bottle locks contact us at bottle lock or call 1.770.426.0547

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Clothing security– A simple decision for your business

June 10, 2011 by

You are a business owner. You would like to make a profit – not have your profits walk out of your front doors at the hands of shoplifters. There are so many ways to decrease shrink and increase profits, it can be difficult to choose amongst all of the options.

If you business sells clothes, clothing security tags along with a clothing alarm are options to consider when researching loss prevention ideas for your company. Security tags on clothes are an excellent deterrent to the shoplifter that comes into your business looking for the easy steal.

Clothing is a very common item for shoplifters to target, because it is easy to conceal and bunch up. A large amount of clothing can fit into the average sized purse, under a jacket, in a pocket, or where ever else the creative shoplifter can think to conceal. When a shoplifter is deciding whether or not to steal from you, if you have clothing security tags they can definitely influence their decision. Shoplifters do not want to have to figure out a way to get rid of clothing security, this is especially true when they can target the business that does not use security tags on clothes.

The investment in clothing security will be minimal compared to the increase in profits that you can experience as a business owner. You can bring lower prices to your honest customers if you can reduce your losses due to shrink by investing in kinds of clothing security tags. When you do not have any type of clothing alarm utilized on the items you sell, you will experience increased loss, guaranteed. And to recoup that loss can be detrimental to your business and your loyal, paying customers.

It’s a simple concept. Reduce your loss and increase your profits through clothing security.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store Website.

For more information on clothing security , clothing security tags or security tags on clothes contact us at clothing alarm or call 1.770.426.0547.

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Prevent shoplifting, recognize the risk!

June 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment

 

It can be extremely frustrating for a business owner to suffer a large loss due to shoplifting. Owners and managers sometimes do not know where to begin to fix this issue. In order to effectively prevent shoplifting, you must recognize the factors within the business that make it at a greater risk to shoplifting, and then take measures to correct these factors while still providing a pleasing shopping environment to the honest customer. Businesses do not want to cater to the shoplifter; just the paying shopper.

Businesses should consider keeping small expensive items or high theft items in locked cases or behind counters where employees control access to these items. Having a policy in place to where the customer has to pay for the item at the counter is a good idea as well. Theft can be greatly reduced by keeping these types of items secure until a customer is ready to purchase them.

Other constants in your store may help prevent shoplifting. Having employees located near restrooms and fitting rooms. Also teach employees to check the number of items going into fitting rooms, and verify that the same number is coming out. Additionally, fitting rooms should be locked when not in use, and unlocked only when a customer is ready to try something on. This simple policy can greatly help prevent shoplifting through the fitting rooms, because the potential shoplifter has to get the attention of an employee in order to go into the fitting room. Shoplifters do not like to draw attention to themselves.

Having security tags, two way mirrors, and CCTV are additional ways you can prevent shoplifting. Keep signs posted that CCTV security systems are in use. Also, have visible camera globes, especially in corners and other areas attractive to shoplifters. Utilizing a merchandise alarm with security tags is also a good theft prevention technique.

We may not be able to eliminate all shoplifting, but with a few of these suggestions we can go great lengths to prevent shoplifting within our businesses.

To purchase different anti shoplifting devices visit our website.

For more information on how you can Prevent Shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.

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The Key to Retail Theft Prevention

June 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment

As a business in the U.S. today, with an economy that is tough (to say the least) it is important to maintain retail theft prevention.

There are a lot of things to consider with retail theft prevention and anti shoplifting initiatives. Everything from store hours to merchandise protection standards have to be looked at. How can a small chain of stores with limited resources create a retail theft prevention environment? Well it’s not as difficult as it sounds. Normal anti shoplifting initiatives will take money up front, but if you want to stop shoplifting and boost profits bring in consultants. Trying to do it yourself will only create a headache and lost dollars that could have been used to pay for a consultation in the first place. To stop shoplifting, you must know where you are being hit the hardest and what solutions are available to prevent it. Typical shoplifters go for the merchandise that is easily accessible, and have no retail anti theft devices like Checkpoint security tags with a Checkpoint Security System; merchandise can easily be taken from the store and sold for fast cash. Retail theft prevention involves rolling up your sleeves, taking a good solid look at the business and realizing what anti shoplifting initiatives it will truly take to stop shoplifting or significantly impact it. Retail anti theft devices, such as Checkpoint security tags with a Checkpoint Security System, are good solutions, however, without the appropriate knowledge and execution may prove ineffective.

As an industry professional for many years, I have had the opportunity to see and incorporate programs that have successfully impacted loss and have seen the benefits of a retail theft prevention program from its inception. Part of any program to stop shoplifting has to involve retail anti theft devices. As they work, retail anti theft devices will protect your merchandise and boost your profits, but only if you execute the program properly. Retail anti theft devices keep your merchandise is store and available for customers to buy.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint Security Tags or a Checkpoint Security System.

For more information contact us at retail theft prevention or call 1.770.426.0547

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So What’s Your Problem?!? Bottle Security To The Rescue

June 8, 2011 by

Shoplifters cleaning your liquor and wine out like its spring-cleaning or something? Are you loosing so much money or sanity that you wonder if it is worth it? Can’t hire any more people because your already thin margin will take too much of a hit?

First we need to figure out what your problem is. What type of shoplifting problem do you have? What is occurring in your store? Is your merchandise just disappearing? Is it being opened on site and consumed or poured off into another container? There are three levels of bottle security you should look at fully before you make your decisions that will fix the problems.

Bottle security using Checkpoint labels. Once you have a Checkpoint system in place at the doors you can consider this solution. You or your staff places a Checkpoint label on the bottles that are experiencing theft. If that bottle is concealed and the shoplifter tries to take it out of your store the Checkpoint system will detect it and alarm. Checkpoint labels come in many sizes and shapes. They are plain, have fake barcodes, are black and come in many sizes that can be printed on directly with the printer you already use to print pricing labels.

Bottle locks are the next step. The first one to consider is Steal Grip by Alpha Security. This hard tag wraps around the neck of the bottle and locks in place with a special locking mechanism. If the shoplifter attempts to steal the bottle the Checkpoint system at the doors goes into alarm. However, once a paying customer purchases the bottle the cashier simply removes the bottle lock with a special key. Bottle locks are then reused over and over.

The next level in Bottle locks is the EASy Bottle, EASy Guard and Crystal Guard also by Alpha Security. Let me also state that Alpha Security is the undisputed leader in liquor bottle security, bar none! These products such as EASy Bottle go over the top of the liquor or wine bottle. The bottle lock is locked into place and at that point a thief cannot open the bottle or steal it. If they attempt to take it out the door the Checkpoint system will also alarm. The difference between them is that EASy Bottle is the first generation. It is solid black. Crystal Guard comes in four sizes and has a clear acrylic top. You can see the cap and tax stamp. EASy Guard is the latest and greatest. It also has a clear top but its locking mechanism is even better for applying and removing. Both Crystal Guard and EASy Guard us her new S3 Detacher key from Alpha Security. This is great stuff!

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for the best in Liquor Bottle Security

For more information on Alpha security, Bottle lock, Bottle locks, Bottle security, EASy Bottle or Liquor bottle security contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

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Clothing alarm – 3 Combat Evil Shoplifters with Good Clothing Security

June 8, 2011 by

Sometimes in a retail environment it can seem if your business is in a fight of good versus evil.  You, the business owner, are “good.”  You are trying to sell clothing to the consumer at competitive prices while still earning a profit so your business can survive.  The evil you experience is the loss of that profit due to shoplifting.  Such loss results in higher prices for those “good” customers that choose to pay.  Higher prices and lost profit are all affects of the “evil” that can be experienced in today’s retail environment.

There are weapons available for businesses to combat the evil that is shoplifting.  Clothing security, such as security tags on clothes, can stand up to the shoplifters and preserve those profits that you so desperately need.  Experiencing increased profits and reduced loss for minimal investment is what all “good” businesses want to achieve.

Security tags on clothes on your high theft clothing items.  These clothing security tags are reusable, and are removed once the clothing is purchased in your store.  They are a visual deterrent to the evil shoplifters that lurk amongst us, seeking to steal the very goods that you choose to offer to your paying customers.  Shoplifters want to be able to steal freely, not have to fight with clothing security tags in order to steal items.  Shoplifters also do not want to risk a clothing alarm sounding when they steal clothing.  They do not want to draw attention to themselves, thriving only on lack of attention to their evil pursuits.

Shielding your business from theft is great for business and great for profits.  Clothing security like a clothing alarm and clothing security tags can help you achieve success and win the classic good versus evil battle within your retail environment.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store

For more information about clothing alarm or clothing security or clothing security tags or contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547.

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Prevent Shoplifting – Nuisance or Necessity?

June 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment

There comes a time when every retailer asks how far he needs to go to prevent shoplifting.  The key here is to prevent theft before it escalates into a negative that adversely impacts the bottom line to the degree that it threatens the business.

 Retailing would be much simpler if there were no theft.  Operating costs would decrease, inventory would remain where it’s supposed to be, and net profit would rise.  There would be no reason to budget for shrink.

 As long as there are stores, there will be shoplifters, so retailers should and do plan ahead to prevent it.

 A fact about shoplifting at the store level is that if no action is taken to prevent it, it will only get worse.  It doesn’t matter what merchandise is for sale, from penny candy to diamond rings, if a shoplifter has access and opportunity, he will make the attempt to steal it.

 The degree of effort taken by the retailer to prevent shoplifting depends on many factors: location; merchandise; clientele.  A store in an urban area selling designer denim, frequented by teenage shoppers may need to plan differently than a rural farm supply store with a stable customer base.

 Every retailer should emphasize customer service and employee education to prevent shoplifting, but most retailers go beyond to include merchandise layout, CCTV, EAS, uniformed or plainclothes loss prevention staff.  All these methods need to be measured against return on investment.  How much shoplifting do I have, what items are being taken, and how much can I stop using one or a combination of methods designed to prevent shoplifting?

 Ultimately, that is a decision the retail business owner must make to be sure that his business doesn’t become a target of shoplifters because of inadequate prevention measures and doesn’t get the reputation of being known as an easy mark in the shoplifting community.

 Do what’s necessary to prevent shoplifting in your retail store.

 Please visit our Online Retail Loss Prevention Store.

 Call 770-426-0547 for a free consultation on ways to prevent shoplifting or click here for more information.

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Communication and Internal Theft

June 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Proper communication is key in preventing internal theft. Without it you open yourself and your company up to a great deal of potential loss. For several years I worked as a Corporate Fraud Investigator for a local supermarket chain. As great as that position was, when the time came I moved on and took another position at a completely different company. Apparently no one got the memo. The other day a few friends and I were on our way to a baseball game and stopped in to pick up a few tailgating supplies. One of the managers recognized me, shook my hand, asked how I had been and then promptly opened the door to the surveillance office for me using his key.

I understand that my previous position as Corporate Fraud Investigator afforded me some trust, but that manager missed all the employee theft red flags: He hadn’t seen me in a while. I was accompanied by people he had never seen before. I was dressed for a baseball game (completely unprofessional). I had to quickly explain the situation to the manager who was completely embarrassed.

The fact is: lesser men would have taken that opportunity to commit some kind of internal theft. After all, as a Corporate Fraud Investigator I would have known exactly how to get around any of the usual behaviors that might have given me away as a thief. Most employee theft happens as a result of perceived opportunity. Had I been a disgruntled ex employee I might have easily taken advantage of the situation. An individual may not have gotten to work intending to steal but because a door was left opened or unlocked, merchandise untagged, or any other safety measure not taken they will. This occasionally opens a Pandora’s Box where that individual begins to seek out similar situations throughout the company and before you know it you’re out of thousands of dollars all because the proper precautions and necessary communication wasn’t taken in order to prevent internal theft.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store

For more information on an Internal Theft Investigator in Atlanta, GA ; Employee theft or Internal theft contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

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