EASy bottle security and the store manager

April 14, 2011 by

In years past, bottle security was a difficult task, and EASy Bottle locks were not available. As time went on, technology grew and bottle security became a much easier reality.

As a District Loss Prevention Manager, I took over a store that had been experiencing poor inventory results, specifically in the liquor aisle. Looking at their numbers, it was obvious that merchandise about $25 was disappearing. This store had tools to make bottle security effective, yet they were not executing the program. Initially, I asked the manager if he knew of the any bottle security programs his store had available to them. He said he was told of a program called EASy Bottle security but didn’t know much about it. I went on asking more questions of the store employees and each said they knew of the program but were told by the manager to not worry about EASy Bottle locks right now because a bottle lock doesn’t make sales, merchandise makes sales. At this point, it was pretty obvious that the store manager was reluctant and somewhat negligent at managing his store. He had the tools to help prevent loss and boost his sales, yet he chose not to use them.

I asked the manager to the office and sat with him. I had a couple of bottles of liquor in the office, and a case of EASy Bottle locks. As we sat in the office, I trained him on EASy Bottle locks and showed him how easy it really was to install this bottle lock. It took no time at all. I explained the need for bottle security in his store, and showed him the negative reports reflecting the poor performance of his liquor aisle. Putting a bottle lock on merchandise over a particular price point would significantly decrease the amount of loss his store has been experiencing.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store to purchase a bottle lock

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

 

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: , , , , ,

Anti shoplifting a top priority for many retailers

April 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Anti shoplifting efforts can sometimes go unnoticed by many managers in the retail world. It is just as important to protect your assets as it is to making the sale.

A small grocery store was having issues with inventory disappearing from their shelves. This store was a specialty market dealing with international foods. In this single store chain, they were having a very profitable year. In preparation for inventory, they noticed merchandise missing, processes and procedures they had establish were not being followed. Shoplifting was a big problem in their store too. Focusing their preliminary efforts on anti shoplifting, the store requested and implemented a loss prevention agent program. The agent’s responsibility was simple: Apprehend shoplifters and stop shoplifting. Over the course of the next month, the stores anti shoplifting results were proven. Shoplifter after shoplifter was apprehended, some of the customers this store thought were the best and most trusted, had for years been ripping them off.

Next, the store decided to go with a Checkpoint security system. After they personally reviewed the product, and after recommendations from a loss prevention consultant, the store felt a Checkpoint security system was a great choice for a continued anti shoplifting program. Once the Checkpoint security system was installed, the store noticed a dramatic decrease in instances of shoplifting. The loss prevention agent witnessed potential shoplifters deterred as a result of the checkpoint tags placed on high theft items. Checkpoint tags were an obvious and visible deterrent, and the store now had the proof.

As time went on, the store realized the importance of having an anti shoplifting program that included a Checkpoint security system and continued to drives sales with better results. Installing the checkpoint tags on merchandise was fast and easy, and helped maintain the sense of security and customer focus.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store today and stop shoplifting

For more information to help you stop shoplifting contact us at anti shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , ,

Make shoplifters go elsewhere with clothing security

April 13, 2011 by

We recently dealt with a shoplifter that stole a bunch of merchandise, including clothing.  She decided, after already providing her identification and returning the stolen merchandise that she was not going to wait for the police.  So she ran from the loss prevention office, out into the parking lot, and hid under a semi truck parked there.  She waited patiently then until police arrived.

While this behavior was strange, it all worked out in the end.  The clothing was returned, and the shoplifter went to jail.  While this behavior after being apprehended might not be common when all shoplifters are caught, the fact that she was stealing clothing was very common.  With clothing security tags, however, this type of theft can be prevented.

Security tags on clothes act as a visual deterrent to the potential shoplifter.  A clothing alarm makes a statement that you take the security of your merchandise seriously, and that a shoplifter should not try to challenge your proactive approach to loss prevention.

Clothing without clothing security is asking to be stolen, but your business does not have to be a victim to these types of thefts.  It is extremely frustrating to realize the extent of loss due to theft.  With security tags on clothes you have an outlet to funnel that frustration into protective measures.

Whether they hide under a semi or jump into a Lexus with the clothing that you sell, that they just shoplifted, you can stop these shoplifters in their tracks with security tags on clothes.  Clothing security tags are up for the challenge and ready to get to work for you.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store to see our products for your clothing alarm and clothing security program.

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.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

The Role of the Loss Prevention Agent – Atlanta Georgia

April 13, 2011 by

One of the most important roles of the loss prevention agent is his/ her ability to identify a shoplifter and subsequently apprehend that individual. Now, this sounds a lot easier than it actually is. Shoplifters generally fit into one of two categories: professional and amateur. For the professional shoplifter thievery is a business and because this is how they make their living they are subject to lash out or become violent when confronted. For the amateur, shoplifting is simply a crime of opportunity. They may be slightly easier to spot, but both can potentially lead to the demise of your business if you don’t take the proper steps to stop them.

Unfortunately there is no “average shoplifter”. They come in all shapes, sizes, ages, races and from any number of different backgrounds. That’s why it is essential that the loss prevention agent know what to look for when trying to identify them. If an individual spends most of their time watching the cashier, sales associates and other customers rather than actually shopping, that’s a good sign that they may be up to no good. Baggy clothes or large jacket or coats when they’re not called for is another red flag you should be watching for.

Remember: you don’t have to be a loss prevention agent to know that cameras aren’t allowed in restroom and fitting rooms. They shoplifters are well aware of this fact, so you need to keep a watchful eye on these areas. You may see an individual go into the fitting room with 4 items and come out with only 2, or they may enter the restroom with merchandise and come out with nothing in their hands. You still need to perform your due diligence and ensure that the merchandise wasn’t left in the room, but this is a good place for the loss prevention agent to begin his investigation.

For more information contact us at Loss Prevention Agent or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With:

Don’t steal from me! I have bottle security

April 12, 2011 by

To steal or not to steal.  That is the question.  If your business sells liquor and wine, you might have people contemplating this question on a daily basis within your business.

It’s a wise business move to help thieves answer this question by having bottle security.  Bottle locks, such as the EASy bottle cap by Alpha Security, fit on the top of your high end liquors and wines, preventing customers and shoplifters from opening bottles.  So not only can you now display these products openly for customers to browse, you no longer have to worry about someone opening them in the store and taking a drink.

Bottle locks are also a visible deterrent.  Thieves steal a bottle of liquor in order to drink it, not to fight with it for hours in order to get it open.  Those that wish to steal will probably move on to a business that does not have bottle security.  Why waste the time fighting a bottle lock?

Shoplifters are coming into your business, guaranteed.  Are they thinking about stealing from you?  Are they going to try to get a quick drink in the back of your store, or pocket a bottle in their coat and leave?  Or, like some more brazen thieves, are they going to push out a shopping cart full of liquor and wine?

Reducing your risk of theft and loss due to shoplifting will increase your profits, your instock, and allow you to display your liquors and wines for your honest customers.  Bottle security, such as bottle locks, can assist you with this task.  Help thieves answer the question of whether or not to steal from you by displaying bottle locks on your high end liquors and wines.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store to see Alpha Security , easy bottle and bottle lock products

For more information about Alpha security or bottle security or bottle locks or EASy bottle contact us at bottle lock or call 1.770.426.0547.

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: , , , ,

Decision-Making to Prevent Shoplifting in Atlanta Georgia

April 12, 2011 by Leave a Comment

A retail business owner is in the best position to make decisions on ways to prevent shoplifting.  Of course the decision should not be made without a complete analysis of the factors that contribute to the shortage problem and gaining all the information he can possibly obtain.  This is a decision that should not be made only by intuition.

The problem may become obvious.  Management may receive reports from customers or employees that have witnessed others shoplifting.  Merchandise mysteriously disappears from its place of display.  There are any number of signs that may indicate a shoplifting problem, the most serious being inventory loss that translates into lost profits.

One of the most effective ways to prevent shoplifting comes from Checkpoint Security Systems.  The use of antennas from Checkpoint Systems, along with Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint labels will not only alert store staff when an item that has not been paid for is leaving the store, but will deter all but the most determined shoplifter from attempting to shoplift from the store.

Antennas from Checkpoint Security Systems will detect protected merchandise of all kinds.  There are Checkpoint tags designed to protect everything from eyewear to shoes to golf clubs.  Checkpoint labels are used to safeguard groceries, boxes, packages, and certain types of clothing.   Almost any type of high theft merchandise can be protected from shoplifters by a label or tag from Checkpoint Security Systems.

Regardless of the size of the retail business, a Checkpoint Security System will prove to be cost effective because the profit from selling the merchandise that would have otherwise been shoplifted will quickly recover the cost of the system.

Click here to get information on a program to prevent shoplifting or call 770-426-0547 in Atlanta Georgia.  Click here to visit our Retail Loss Prevention Online Store. 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With:

Employee Theft Strikes Close to Home

April 12, 2011 by Leave a Comment

A recent article from the Plasticsnews.com website highlighted an unusual case of employee theft.

It seem the 78 year old husband of a 75 year old business owner submitted an expense report for $12,474 (hand written of course) annotated “Golf Weekend”.  The husband, executive vice president of the company, had only attached receipts totaling around $700, according to the company treasurer, who apparently isn’t related.  When asked about the discrepancy, he replied that he added wrong.  Then he claimed someone had altered the claim, but a police handwriting analysis disproved that claim.

When employee theft was suspected, the auditors went to work and uncovered “questionable claims” back to 2003 totaling almost $70,000 including a $1500 tip and $11,000 in golf clubs and related expenses.

The owner said that when she questioned him about it, he quit and they haven’t spoken since.

The employees in accounts payable of the 700-employee company said they didn’t think they had the authority to question the claims because he was the owner’s husband.

All this goes to prove a point.  There is never any employee who is above reproach in any company.  Sometimes – usually actually – employers tend to overlook certain employees as suspect because “she’s our most trusted employee.”  When you think about it who has more opportunity to commit internal theft than someone who doesn’t feel as though he will be suspected and who knows the company’s procedures and vulnerabilities backward and forward?

When in doubt, smart business owners bring in a disinterested third party such as a qualified loss prevention investigator to take an unbiased look at the operation, ask the right questions of the right people and get to the bottom of any employee theft.

Have questions about employee theft?  Click here for information or call 770-426-0547 to speak with an expert.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Fool me once… Don’t get ripped off buying a Checkpoint Security System

April 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

A few days ago I received a service call from a new client who needed service on an existing Checkpoint security system. The problem he was having is that two days after the system was installed it started to false alarm. After talking with the gentleman I found out that he had purchased the system from an uncertified company that was selling “refurbished” Checkpoint systems.

He had attempted to contact the company he had purchased the Checkpoint security system from but they were giving him the runaround and were not making any efforts to resolve his problem. After being unsuccessful with the “reseller of his refurbished system” he contacted Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. We promptly setup a service call scheduled for the following day. Upon arriving onsite the technician discovered what the problem was… everything.

The problem with an uncertified “reseller” is that they have not been adequately trained nor do they have the correct equipment to install a Checkpoint security system properly. If you have someone who does not know what they are doing, you risk a similar situation. From the unique type of wire that is used to the software that programs an antenna, only someone factory certified on Checkpoint systems will be able to ensure that your system will operate at its highest efficiency.

The “reseller” also sold this gentleman what he thought were Checkpoint labels. The problem was that the Checkpoint labels he bought were actually an aftermarket knockoff. These knockoff labels are very unreliable. Checkpoint labels are very hard to copy, these company’s that try to duplicate a label usually have at least one of two problems. Either a large number of labels will not alarm the system or it’s what is referred to as a “stubborn” label, which means that the label will not deactivate at the time of purchase and causes a properly purchased item to alarm a Checkpoint security system when your client leaves the store.

If you are considering purchasing a Checkpoint system, don’t make the mistake of using an uncertified reseller. Let us help you get the right parts at the right price the first time.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store and stop shoplifting once and for all with a real retail theft prevention program.

For more information on a genuine Checkpoint security system, Checkpoint systems or Genuine Checkpoint labels. Please contact us at anti shoplifting or call 1-770-426-0547

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , , , ,

Security includes security tags on clothes

April 11, 2011 by

Security tags on clothes are an important part of the retail world. In a tough economy, shoplifting increases and so does the need for clothing security.

Clothing security has always been somewhat of a strategy used by many retail loss prevention and operations departments. Providing the necessary clothing security tools was another challenge. Many times, retailers failed to execute the necessary methods to ensure clothing security tags in their business remained effective. Today, the retailer is faced with the challenge of a lagging economy. Sales for many are not easy to come by. Protecting their assets has never been more important.

Security tags on clothes can seem like another item to worry about in the store. In reality, the focus of the management should be on clothing security tags and ensuring all necessary departments are outfitted with security tags on clothes.

Just the other day, I was visiting a store. The manager told me about the small clothing business next store frantically trying to recover merchandise from a shoplifter, with little luck. Apparently, the clothing store manager had witnessed a couple of thieves stuffing apparel into bags. After about 30 minutes, the thieves made their way to the front of the store where they exited. The manager followed. The thieves ran, and the manager gave chase, leaving his store unsupervised and putting himself in a dangerous situation.

This manager left his store to chase after a couple that had just demonstrated criminal activity. Earlier in the year, he refused to put security tags on clothes and felt that his store needed no clothing security. Upon his returning to the store, he was told by the lone cashier that another person had just run out of the store after they witnessed the manager leave.
Talk about chicken with their head cut off. A simple clothing security program involving putting security tags on clothes would have saved this manager a whole lot of frustration.

Remember a clothing alarm puts money on your bottom line not the shoplifters

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store to learn about your clothing alarm options!

For more information about a clothing alarm or clothing security tags contact us at clothing security or call us at 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

EASy Bottle security support store profits

April 10, 2011 by

EASy Bottle security offers a solid solution to preventing theft. Recently, a loss prevention agent working in a small grocery store witnessed a scenario that proved to him and the manager, EASy Bottle locks and security work.

While working a hard area of the store, the loss prevention agent was somewhat skeptical of the new EASy Bottle security program the store had rolled out. Being knew in the field of loss prevention, he doubted the EASy Bottle program would slow down shoplifters.

Prior to the agent being in the store, the manager had experienced several instances of liquor theft and after two horrible inventory results, he decided to ask for a bottle security program. He knew bottle security was really the most effective way to control his losses in store. Looking around, he found out about EASy Bottle security and heard this bottle security program could work for him. By installing a bottle lock on the top of every liquor bottle above the designated price point would do the trick. His employees were initially worried about the time involved with installing the bottle lock.

As the bottle security program rolled out, the employees realized installing a bottle lock took no more time than to place the bottle on the shelf.

As the loss prevention observed from a concealed location, a regular customer entered the liquor aisle and selected a bottle of liquor. He put the liquor bottle in a plastic store shopping bag he was carrying. The customer assumed the bottle lock on top was to simply prevent someone from opening the bottle in the store. The loss prevention maintained unbroken observation as the regular customer headed for the front of the store. The customer waves to the manager and exits, the loss prevention agent close behind. BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, the bottle lock activated the exit antennae. The loss prevention agent approaches the customer, identifies himself and recovers the customer and the $50 bottle of vodka.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store for more about bottle security or Alpha Security or bottle lock .

For more information contact us at EASy Bottle or call us at 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »