Role of the Loss Prevention Agent – Atlanta Georgia

March 13, 2011 by

 In most organizations the loss prevention agent is the first line of defense between you, the business owner, and the would-be criminals who are trying to rob you of your profits. External theft, or shoplifting, prevention is what most people associate the job to be about. They either work undercover on the sales floor, pretending to be shopping while providing surveillance of all activities going on within the building, or they’re posted in a camera room monitoring the store’s CCTV system for any wrong-doing. Once a shoplifter is spotted it is the loss prevention agent who goes out to apprehend and detain them until the police arrive.

 The loss prevention agent is also responsible for investigating internal, or employee, theft. There will often be times when in the course of their day they observe a cashier taking money from the till or free bagging merchandise for a friend or relative. In those direct and concrete cases it is their duty to apprehend the employee and any conspirators involved in order to keep the money or merchandise within the store. In more complicated cases the loss prevention agent may simply be called upon to build a case and gather evidence against an individual or group of individuals. His/ her superior will then come in to conclude the case.

 No two days are alike in this line of work. One day you may be faced with a group of raucous teenagers who are causing a diversion in one part of the store while their associate fills a backpack full of clothing. The next day an assistant manager may be observed pinching a $100 out of the cash room till and placing it in his pocket. Later that day a group of thugs may run in, grab a handful of merchandise and run out. The loss prevention agent must stay vigilant and be ready for any and all circumstances.

For more information about loss prevention consultants or loss prevention investigator contact us at Loss Prevention Agent or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Prevent Shoplifting and “Sticky Fingers”

March 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment

What measures prevent shoplifting by juveniles and impulse shoplifters? 

When I managed a loss prevention department for a major retailer and dealt with shoplifters almost daily, I noticed that certain type of shoplifters that I called a “casual shoplifters”, almost always had certain characteristics in common.  Generally these shoplifters, who were middle class and up, didn’t come to the store to steal, but conceived the idea once inside.  When apprehended, they almost always had the means to purchase the merchandise, either cash or a credit card.  In the case of juveniles, they were often out shopping for a particular item, but decided it was to their advantage to steal the item and use the money (sometimes that their parents had given them for the item) for something else.

Adults would be shopping for a particular item as well, and would either decide that it was “too expensive” or to upgrade to a better brand of clothing.

At any rate, the opportunity would present itself because of inattention by the staff or a hidden area of the store, the merchandise would be concealed and walk out the door carrying its value and profit with it.

How much of this goes on?  The report card for retail loss prevention is found in the rate of inventory shrinkage for its particular responsibility, and all efforts to prevent shoplifting are reflected in that.  Casual shoplifting makes up a percentage of the loss, but fortunately is probably the easiest type of shoplifting to prevent.

Casual shoplifters are the most easily deterred by the sudden appearance of a salesperson (or anyone else for that matter), the presence of CCTV cameras, proximity of other shoppers, or the use of retail anti theft devices.

Simply put, an EAS system such as one of the models provided by Checkpoint Security Systems, detects merchandise that has not been paid for as it leaves the store.  The Checkpoint security tags that are placed on the merchandise allow the customer to handle, touch, and even try on the merchandise, but announces to the potential shoplifter that it is going to take considerable effort and risk to get out of the store undetected with his loot.

There is a device from Checkpoint Security Systems that is designed for almost any retail environment, merchandise, or situation.

Any retailer who is seriously considering ways to prevent shoplifting and improve profits should explore a retail theft device from Checkpoint Security Systems.

To discuss options available to prevent shoplifting, call 770-426-0547.  For further information, click here: Stop Shoplifting.  See our Online Loss Prevention store by clicking here.

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Internal Theft Methods – Atlanta Georgia

March 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Internal theft is growing in the United States. It is estimated that 75 – 80% of all theft that a business endures comes from one of that business’s employees. It is obviously important that you, the business owner, make internal theft a priority in your day to day operations. These are just a few examples of how some employees commit this type of theft. The most popular method is concealment. Just like a regular shoplifter the employee simply places merchandise or goods in a handbag, briefcase, backpack, etc. then they wait for the end of their shift and simply walk out with the goods.

Another popular method is “tossing”. This is where an employee takes whatever merchandise they intend to steal and loads it into a trash bag. From there they simply go out to the dumpster and toss that trash bag away. Later, when the store’s closed or they’re sure that nobody is looking they’ll return to the dumpster, get the trash bag out and they’re off with your merchandise. There are also quite a few less obvious methods of internal theft.

An employee may purposely be overcharging customers on certain merchandise. They then take the extra money and pocket it. They may be working with others and giving away merchandise, a method known as “sweethearting” or simply allowing friends and family to use an employee discount on merchandise. They may also be giving out cash, checks or vouchers for returned merchandise that was never actually returned. There are many different types of internal theft. These are just a few that you need to be aware of.

For more information about corporate fraud investigation or corporate fraud investigator or employee theft or employee theft investigation or white collar crime contact us at Internal Theft or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Bottle Locks Defy Theft and Deny Use

March 12, 2011 by

The use of bottle locks made by Alpha Security deny shoplifters access to both the bottle and the contents in a retail liquor store.

The bottle lock goes over the cap where it can only be removed by an employee with a proprietary key.  The lock prevents the bottle from being opened while it is attached, so that even if the product is removed from the store, the use of the product is denied the thief because the only way to remove the contents is to break the bottle.

In addition to the preventive aspect of benefit denial, the bottle locks are compatible with EAS (electronic surveillance systems) manufactured by Checkpoint Systems.  Just like a Checkpoint Security Tag, the bottle lock will activate the Checkpoint Security System as the merchandise passes out the door if not removed by an employee.

Bottle locks allow the retailer to bring high end, more expensive brands out of hiding, so that customers won’t have to ask for them from locked displays or from behind the counter and onto the sales floor where it can be seen and touched.  Sales increase as theft decreases, a great combination for a retailer.

Each bottle lock is reusable and designed to deliver excellent performance for years.

There’s no better way to keep bottles where they belong than protecting them with bottle locks from Alpha Security.

Want to know more about liquor bottle security and bottle locks?  Call 770-426-0547 or click here.  Visit our Online Retail Loss Prevention Store.

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Liquor Bottle Security – Try EASy Guarde

March 12, 2011 by

In the liquor bottle security world Alpha Security is the top of the line. Alpha Security has released a new product in the continuing war of liquor and wine bottle theft and shoplifting. The EASy Guarde is a bottle lock designed to not only prevent shoplifters from removing the bottle from the store. It stops thieves from consuming the spirit on the property.

There are two earlier versions, which are still in production and have good features but Easy Guarde is the top-of-the line in liquor bottle security. The bottle lock top is clear so price labels; tax stamps and the like can be seen on the cap. The EASy Guarde contains either a RF or AM hard tag built right. This will trip your Checkpoint Security System if the shoplifter attempts to steal the bottle. The original Easy Bottle is a bulkier unit over the other bottle locks.

The locking mechanism is a very cool improvement over Crystal Guard. Instead of twisting to lock or unlock you press down on a button to lock and the spring release pops up when you press down again to release the EASy Guarde. These are bottle locks that make life simple and secure. The new locking style is a much tighter grip than the early Easy Bottle design.

Of course, the liquor bottle security cap will require a key to remove it. There have been some changes in that area also. The original Easy Bottle Cap used a very simple key that could not be used with any other Alpha Security product. The newer units use an S3 key. This is a special key made only by Alpha Security. It is not just for liquor bottle security or a bottle lock. The S3 can be used with the entire Alpha Security line. This includes other hard tags but also the Steel Grip bottle lock line.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store

For more information about bottle locks or EASy Guarde or Easy Bottle contact us at bottle security or call 1.770.426.0547

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What Does a Clothing Alarm Really Say?

March 12, 2011 by

The presence of a clothing alarm says the owner of the business is serious about clothing security and keeping prices low for his customers.

Clothing merchandisers know that losing goods to shoplifters is a major expense that comes directly from the bottom line.  To protect property from thieves using retail anti theft devices such as those by Checkpoint Security Systems, sends a message shoplifters are not welcome in the establishment.

Shoplifters of all kinds know and avoid stores that have the Checkpoint Systems antennas standing at the door and the “Protected by Checkpoint Security Systems” warning and logo visible at the customer entry.

The clothing alarm says to the professional shoplifter, “You’re going to have to work too hard to steal merchandise here.  Better go to an easier store.”

To the amateur shoplifter, clothing security says, “Too much chance of getting caught in this store.  You might want to reconsider stealing from this store”

Security tags on clothes remind the impulse shoplifter, “Think again before you put that item in your bag.  You may have some explaining to do.”

The clothing alarm says, “This store cares enough about me to keep shoplifters out so I don’t have to pay for their crimes,” to legitimate customers.

And of course the Checkpoint Security System says, “Someone is leaving with merchandise they haven’t bought!” as the shoplifter passes through it with stolen merchandise.

Send and receive the right message by using a clothing alarm system.

Interested in a clothing alarm?  Call 770-426-0547 or click here for more information.  Visit our Online Retail Loss Prevention Store here.

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Solutions to Prevent Shoplifting That Work

March 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

There are only a few  ways to prevent shoplifting that not only work well but are also cost effective.  It is important to clearly understand the issue you are experiencing so that money isn’t spent “winging it” or based on a guessing game.

One of the most popular “winging it” solutions smaller retailers use is the installation of a camera system. This is believed to be a deterrent but in many cases this is not true.  There are three types of shoplifters: Impulsive, Amateur, and the Professional.  The impulsive shoplifter may be deterred by the installation of a CCTV/ camera system because they believe you may be watching them; however, amateur and professional shoplifters realize that you are not staring at a CCTV monitor 24 hours a day and they don’t care if they are recorded on video that will be viewed long after they are gone. A CCTV system is used by larger retailers for liability defense more than anything else in cases such as evidence in a slip and fall lawsuit. 

Some retailers may believe their burglar (or security) alarm is an  solution to prevent shoplifting.  This is  designed to protect the premises when the store is unoccupied and subject to burglary.  Shoplifting occurs during business hours and the burglar alarm is turned off.

Most major retailers use an EAS – Electronic Article Surveillance – system to prevent shoplifting.  Checkpoint Security Systems offers the most technologically advanced EAS system, using RF (radio frequency) detection vs. the older technology of AM (acousto-magnetic.)

These systems employ pedestal antennas at entry/exit points that will detect protected merchandise when approaching the unit.  This is an active system that alarms when the event is occurring. The cost is generally far less than a comprehensive CCTV system and the solution will deter theft at the rate of a proven 50% to 70% immediately.

Call 770-426-0547 or click here to help prevent shoplifting. Visit our Retail Loss Prevention Store here.

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Checkpoint Systems Needed at the Jail

March 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment

At least Checkpoint Systems might have helped recover the stolen merchandise while it was still usable.

According to the City Pages of the Minneapolis/St. Paul News [link here], a 270 pound female shoplifter was observed squatting on the floor of a fur retailer in Bloomington, and stuffing a fur coat valued at $6500 up her dress, while an accomplice attempted to distract the salespeople.  An alert employee asked the shoplifter what the heck she thought she was doing, whereupon the shoplifter pulled up her dress to show the employee a bare behind.

While the employees tried to recover from the sight, the shoplifter and the lookout drove away with a third person.

Later in the day, the shoplifter was arrested when she was in a car that was pulled over by the police.  She was brought in for questioning, and while she admitted stealing the jacket, she denied having it with her.

The shoplifter was booked into the jail, searched by a pat down and a metal detector and placed in a holding cell. (This is where the Checkpoint Systems antenna and Checkpoint security tags may have come in handy).

The 46 year old spent the entire New Years’ three day weekend in the jail with the merchandise still in her underwear, doing whatever people do when they’re in jail for three days.  I’m guessing a shower wasn’t on the agenda.

She denied having the fur until she was told she was being transported to the county lockup, when she pulled out the coat and handed it over.

The article didn’t say if the boutique got their coat back, or even if they wanted it back.

If the shop had been using an anti shoplifting device such as a Checkpoint Security System, the shoplifter most probably would have picked on a different store, as the system detects checkpoint tags no matter where they are concealed, evening the underwear.

The jail might consider a Checkpoint System to be sure no stolen merchandise is kept in the jail for the weekend.

How can a Checkpoint System help you control shoplifting losses?  Call 770-426-0547 or click here for more information.

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Bottle Locks Get Respect

March 10, 2011 by

Bottle locks meet a specific need in the liquor and package store industry.  Everybody benefits from their use but the shoplifter and the sampler.

An acquaintance of mine is a rep for a liquor distributor.  He was complaining because his customers (liquor stores) would not carry what he called “top shelf bands” because of the high incidence of theft.  And he told me that one of his customers had taken a particular brand of vodka off the sales floor and put it behind the counter because of sampling.  This seems to happen most frequently with the most expensive and best brands of product.

I wasn’t aware of sampling, but apparently there are some people who will come into a liquor store, remove the caps from selected bottles, and taste the contents.  Of course this ruins the product, and drains profits from the owner, but putting product behind the counter is going to hurt sales.

He did notice that stores that had begun using bottle locks from Alpha Security were able to keep product safely on the shelves with no risk of sampling, and were more than willing to display the high end brands on the shelves where potential buyers could, pick them up, inspect them, and read the labels, which in turn drove sales up, making my friend and the store owner happy.

There are bottle locks that fit virtually any type and size of bottle, preventing it from either being stolen or the subject of unauthorized tampering.

Alpha Security bottle security solutions are a win-win for the liquor retailer.

For more information on bottle locks by Alpha Security, call 770-426-0547 or click here.  Visit our Online Retail Loss Prevention Store here.

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Clothing Security Tags Protect the Necessities

March 10, 2011 by

Clothes are necessities for everyone and clothing security tags protect the fashion or read-to-wear retailer from supplying these necessary items at no cost to the wearer.

Clothing is available at price points that are very economical all the way up to very expensive for quality designer fashion.  There are always some shoppers who are going to try to upgrade at the retailers expense by shoplifting the merchandise.

Fortunately for the retailer, there is an excellent and economical way to prevent the theft of clothing by deterring and preventing theft through the use of clothing security and a clothing alarm.

An electronic article surveillance (EAS) system from Checkpoint Security Systems increases the risk of detection for thieves by making inventory virtually scream, “I’m being stolen!” as it leaves the store.  Shoplifters realize that the threat of being detected and possibly prosecuted is too great in a store that uses any of the retail anti theft devices provided by Checkpoint Security Systems.  Then a potential shoplifter becomes a customer and purchases clothing that is within his shopping budget.

Many merchants see the use of a device from Checkpoint Security Systems as a simple choice: Protect merchandise with clothing security tags or take the chance of losing goods to shoplifters.  The chances of a shoplifter visiting a protected store is far less than choosing a store with minimal risk of being caught or detected.

Everybody has to wear clothes.  Be sure that they won’t be wearing “free” clothes stolen from your store by using security tags on clothes for protection.

Learn more about clothing security tags here: Checkpoint tags, or call 770-426-0547.  Take a look at our Online Retail Loss Prevention Store here.

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