Staff Editor — Page 291

Signs of Employee Theft – Atlanta Georgia

March 10, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

It is estimated that 1 in 3 workers commits employee theft, and often they do it repeatedly. It is obviously important to determine who that 1 person is without alienating the other 2 potentially good and honest workers. There is, of course, no sure fire method of detecting a thief prior to the crime. There are, however, a number of warning signs that you’d be wise to look for. Be aware of employees who begin making large purchases or change their spending habits drastically. If they were trying to scrape up lunch money last week and they’re buying a big screen TV today you should start paying attention.

Some people who are planning employee theft will begin to find reasons to work unsupervised. They’ll come in early or volunteer to stay late to ‘finish a project’. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re stealing, but it is something to keep an eye on. Anyone with excessive absences is also a red flag. They may have a drinking or drug problem, this is always bad news for an employer. Even if it’s nothing that sinister, maybe just a prolonged sickness. Well, with doctor visits come doctor bills and they may be now looking for a quick and easy solution to paying those off.

Many employee theft cases involve outside partners. Be aware of anyone who has a lot of family and friends visiting them at work, especially if they insist on going through a certain person’s register. Sure, they may just have a great personality that people want to be around, or it may be something else. Any strange cars parked behind the building or near the dumpsters should also be noted. There are many different ways to spot a crook. These are just a few warning signs that can put you ahead of the curve when it comes to battling employee theft.

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: corporate fraud investigation, corporate fraud investigator, employee theft, employee theft investigation, internal theft, white collar crime

Dream of profit, not loss, with Checkpoint systems

March 9, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Wouldn’t we all like to stop shoplifting in our businesses? Could you imagine the profit to be made if there was no such thing as shrink? But unfortunately, such a thought is a dream. But there are anti shoplifting measures you can take to maximize your profits by significantly reducing your loss from theft. The next best thing to no shrink is reduced shrink by using retail anti theft devices.

Checkpoint security systems are an option you can use to reduce loss due to theft in your business. By having Checkpoint security tags on clothing, for example, you can send a clear message to potential thieves that may come into your business. That message is that you are serious about retail theft prevention, so you protect your merchandise from people just like them.

Checkpoint labels and Checkpoint tags can be placed on your merchandise so that if it leaves your business without being paid for, employees are alerted. These types of anti shoplifting devices are like having an employee guarding every item you sell, preventing shoplifters from taking the merchandise without paying for it. It’s a minimal investment that is well worth the expense in order to protect the merchandise you wish to sell.

The ability to stop shoplifting does not have to be a dream. You can make your anti shoplifting ideas a reality by investing in merchandise protection. Checkpoint systems can help you in this endeavor by being a deterrent to the would-be shoplifter, as well as an alert when theft does occur in your business.

Live the dream with a profitable business, not one that has to succumb to the loss caused by out of control shoplifting activity. Checkpoint security systems and retail anti theft devices will make that dream come true!

For more information about anti shoplifting or stop shoplifting or Checkpoint security systems or retail anti theft devices or Checkpoint labels or Checkpoint security tags or Checkpoint tags or Checkpoint systems contact us at retail theft prevention or call 1.770.426.0547.

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: Anti-Shoplifting, Checkpoint labels, checkpoint security system, checkpoint security systems, Checkpoint security tags, checkpoint systems, Checkpoint tags, Retail Anti Theft Devices, retail theft prevention, stop shoplifting

Securing clothing through proactive solutions

March 9, 2011 by Staff Editor

Clothing Security has always been a challenge in the world of the softlines retailer.

How do we keep the merchandise in stores safe but at the same time make the merchandise shoppable. There was no easy way to provide clothing security to stores. Some stores chained merchandise to the display rack or limited merchandise on the salesfloor. These methods at times proved very effective at preventing theft, but also prevented an even more important aspect, sales.

Clothing security, thankfully, has become much less difficult in the past years. Now, don’t get me wrong, clothing security is still a challenge and as long as merchandise exists for sales, thieves will steal (or at least try to).

As you visit different stores and look at the clothing security, pay closer attention to security tags on clothes. This type of defense is very common with department stores and specialty clothing retailers. Why? Because it is very effective in deterring shoplift activity. Security tags on clothes provide an obvious presence and discourage the non-professionals immediately.

As a former loss prevention agent, my job included monitoring the security tags on clothes program. Daily, I went around the store to hot merchandise and ensured each item followed the security tags on clothes program to the “T”. I knew as long as the merchandise had clothing security tags, I would not have to pay as much attention, and could focus my efforts in more lacking departments.

Clothing security tags are relatively easy to install and take no more time than stocking the merchandise on the salesfloor. However, the payoff for using clothing security tags properly can be huge.

Loss Prevention has always encouraged retailers to utilize security tags on clothes, and many retailers have taken the advice passionately. There are still some out there that are on their own program, but for how long?

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: clothing alarm, Clothing Security, clothing security tags, security tags on clothes

Prevent Shoplifting and Promote Nudity

March 9, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

One retailer’s efforts to prevent shoplifting recently kept a man in New Jersey from running down the road naked, according to the Associated Press. [Read the article here…]

The 58-year-old man was caught with $43.00 worth of merchandise including a USB card, two spoons, a nutcracker, decorative tree, and T-shirts, a highly diverse selection of merchandise to be sure.

When asked why he stole the items, he explained that he had lost a bet and could pay the debt either by shoplifting or running naked down the street. He remarked that he should have taken of his clothes and gone into the street because the fine for nudity was less that the penalty for shoplifting.

I personally have heard some crazy excuses given by shoplifters, but this is one that’s new. (I have heard the “lost a bet” excuse, however.)

I’m sure the store is happy that he didn’t shoplift naked, although the thief would have had nowhere to hide his loot.

This is a case of a person who entered the store with the intention of stealing from the retailer, who obviously thought his chances of being detected were small. He also had a chance to be very careful, since merchandise choice didn’t seem to be a decision factor.

Retailers, in order to prevent shoplifting, set up all types of barriers to make it more difficult to get to the objects (locking displays, cables) or increase the risk of detection to such a degree that the shoplifters avoid the store (CCTV, loss prevention agents, theft detection technology.)

Checkpoint Security Systems is a viable anti shoplifting tool for many retailers that have taken a positive step to stop shoplifting. The presence of a Checkpoint System at the entrance and the use of Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint labels on merchandise are the only deterrent needed to send most shoplifters to another store to settle their bets. Most shoplifters recognize Checkpoint Systems, Checkpoint tags, and Checkpoint labels, and avoid those retailers who use them. Those who decide they can beat the systems soon find themselves approached by a staff member responding to an audible alarm as the merchandise passes by the Checkpoint System.

It is less entertaining to prevent shoplifting than to have a naked guy run down the street, but it is a lot better for business.

Call 770-426-0547 to speak with a knowledgeable loss prevention agent or click here for more information. Please be sure and visit our Online Retail Loss Prevention Store.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Prevent Shoplifting

Anti Shoplifting – Is Your Return Policy Too Liberal?

March 8, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

In spite of anti shoplifting efforts, according to a recent survey merchandise returns amount to over $219 billion a year. Nearly $12 billion of this is fraudulent. This category of retail loss is significant.

Why has this category of retail loss kept increasing?

From the thief’s standpoint, obtaining full value of the goods is preferable to fencing the merchandise for cents on the dollar, or attempting to sell it on the brown market for less than the full retail price. There are so many ways to return stolen merchandise to the store: using duplicate or counterfeit receipts; legitimate receipts accompanying stolen merchandise; and buying merchandise from a discounter and returning to a full service retailer, are only some of them.

The source of the stolen merchandise brought back for return may be a result of internal theft, sweethearting, or more likely shoplifters.

It is doubly painful for the retailer to pay retail for his own merchandise that he usually buys wholesale from a vendor.

To become a harder target in this area of retail loss while maintaining great customer relations is a balancing act faced by retailers every day.

Shutting of the supply through anti shoplifting efforts is one way to tip the scales in the retailer’s favor.

Checkpoint Systems’ line of retail theft prevention products allows full access to the customer to inspect the merchandise, but prevents it from being stolen by detecting Checkpoint security tags attached to the merchandise as the shoplifter attempts to exit the store. This not only announces that merchandise is being taken, but serves as a deterrent to potential shoplifters who know why the Checkpoint security tags are attached.

For assistance with your anti shoplifting strategy, call the experts at Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. at 1-770-426-0547 or click here to contact us. Please visit our Online Retail Loss Prevention Store for the latest in Loss Prevention products.

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: Anti-Shoplifting, Checkpoint security tags, checkpoint systems, retail theft prevention

EASy Bottle Cap Locks

March 8, 2011 by Staff Editor

When it comes to protecting your liquor stock the EASy bottle cap locks are well… easy. You simply select the appropriate size for the bottle you are trying to protect (they come in 3 different sizes: small, large and x-large) then just press it down on the top of the bottle and voila! You now have a bottle that cannot be opened and is therefore of absolutely no use to any criminal. The only way to gain access to the bottle at this point is with an EASy bottle key, which should be kept at your point of sale and removed only after payment has been rendered.

Not a day goes by that I don’t see at least one shady looking individual walk into one of our liquor departments. They decide what they want and then begin pulling on the caps to see if they can get them off. I’ve watched certain people walk around for up to a ½ hour fiddling around with the caps, trying to figure out how they work so they can defeat them. Finally they give up, put the bottle down and walk out empty handed. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what their intentions were.

This is an effective deterrent for internal theft as well. I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard of management coming in and finding empty bottles in the garbage or hidden in out of the way places when they arrive first thing in the morning. Well, it’s obvious that the night crew had a bit of a party while they were stocking, cleaning, etc. Whether it be from external shoplifters or your own employee pilferage, the EASy bottle cap locks can help you protect your liquor stock and improve your bottom line.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store

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

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: Alpha Security, bottle lock, bottle locks, bottle security, easy bottle, liquor bottle security

Security Tags on Clothes are Cause for Alarm

March 8, 2011 by Staff Editor

Security tags on clothes are cause for alarm, not because they are dangerous or might hurt someone, but because they will cause an audible alarm to occur when stolen merchandise passes through the field of a Checkpoint Systems antenna.

Clothing security is necessary, of course, because certain items of clothing are prime targets of shoplifters. Whatever the latest fad is in fashion, whatever is trendy, and whatever is expensive are more often than not the items that are pilfered. Hardly anyone steals plain white athletic socks when an almost identical pair with a cool logo is displayed nearby. By the same token, name brands of anything tend to be stolen while the generics stay on the shelves.

My thought is that people steal clothes more for greed than need. I know that stores that sell higher end clothing have more need for security tags on clothes and anti shoplifting devices like those developed by Checkpoint Systems than your local thrift store. So if people could buy shirts at a thrift store for under five dollars, why steal seventy dollar shirts and risk arrest?

Apparently, some people feel it’s worth it, because expensive clothing is stolen every day.

To protect desirable and popular merchandise from thieves, retailers have turned to Checkpoint Systems for solutions to the problems caused by shoplifters. Security tags on clothes serve the dual purpose of prevention, by warning potential shoplifters that they are likely to be detected and by the alarm itself, which alerts the staff that an item is leaving the store that hasn’t been paid for.

So which alarm is better? The alarm that sounds when security tags on clothes pass the Checkpoint Security System, or the alarm caused by an unacceptable inventory shrink?

Get your shrink under control by calling 770-426-0547 or click here [clothing security] for more information. Be sure and visit our Online Retail Loss Prevention Store.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Clothing Security, security tags on clothes

Loss Prevention Investigator – Atlanta Georgia

March 8, 2011 by Staff Editor

The job of the loss prevention investigator can be a complicated one. You are the main line of defense that a company has against shoplifters and dishonest employees. As such it is your responsibility to investigate shrinkage and loss, determine where they originated from and, if necessary, apprehend the individuals responsible for that loss. The job’s not over there though. You may also be called up to testify in a court of law as to the criminal activity of the person you apprehended. For this reason you must be thorough and communicate your thoughts effectively.

Sadly enough, most people are not eager to take responsibility for their actions and accept the consequences. Therefore they enlist the services of legal council to try to find any loophole possible to get them out of trouble. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve showed up to court in my Sunday best just to have the defense attorney take one look at me and plead guilty. See, if your case is airtight (and it should always be) there last hope is if the loss prevention investigator doesn’t show up to court. The case gets thrown out and the criminal walks.

Now if something like that happens (or you simply lose your case due to poor preparation or communication) you have a new set of problems on your hands. A defendant that has been found not guilty by a court of law can then return and attempt to sue you and your company. This is why it is so important that you always have an airtight, prosecutable case before making an apprehension, maintain good records, and have the ability to convey your thoughts calmly and professionally to a judge if necessary. These are all key to being a successful loss prevention investigator.

For more information about loss prevention agent or loss prevention consultants contact us: Loss Prevention Investigator or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: loss prevention agent, loss prevention consultants, loss prevention investigator

Employee Theft Investigation – Atlanta Georgia

March 8, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

I’m often called upon to train new hires in this field on how to conduct an employee theft investigation. One of the first pieces of “off the record” advice I usually give is this: keep your distance. No matter how professional we are we all have feelings. No matter how strong your convictions are about right and wrong there is always the possibility of compromise, or worse, the assumption of impropriety.

Way back when I first started in this line of work I made fast friends with a cashier in the store I was assigned. We went to lunch together, had deep personal conversations, the works. One day one of the other detectives observed her slipping some extra merchandise in the bag for a family member. We began an employee theft investigation and I called her in for an interview. She confessed immediately. She cried, I cried, we all cried. It was a blubber-fest. In the end I recommended the termination of my very good friend and felt like a heel for months afterwards.

In another example, I had developed a friendship with an older gentleman; a war vet. (I love the stories the old veterans tell) Time passed and it became obvious that he was committing fraudulent returns and pocketing the money. Again I began an employee theft investigation, but this time called in a colleague to do the interview. I was so angry because I felt he had used his relationship with me to garner favor and enable him to continue his criminal activity. Now I’m not saying that this is a hard and fast rule that you must follow, however I believe that maintaining a professional barrier will make things easier for you when conducting an employee theft investigation.

For more information contact us at Employee Theft Investigation or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: employee theft, employee theft investigation

A New Form of Internal Theft – Atlanta Georgia

March 8, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Just this past week I was introduced to a new form of internal theft. This particular kind involves 2 people: the employee, of course, and a customer/ counterfeiter. That’s right. We all know counterfeiting exists and just about any retailer with good sense has invested in a continuous supply of counterfeit detector pens by now. What happens when one slips through the cracks though? We don’t normally prosecute the cashier who accepted the counterfeit bill, do we? No. Even in the most extreme cases that employee is usually reprimanded or written up and they return to work immediately.

I was recently made aware of a counterfeit $20 bill that was taken at one of my stores. No biggie, right? However, it is routine to review the footage to try to determine where the bill came from so I did just that. Turns out that the cashier that accepted the bill was one that I have had my eye on for some time. This prompted me to probe deeper into the incident. I found that the bill had been passed to the cashier by someone known to be an associate of hers. She never used the counterfeit detector pen or even held the bill to the light to check for the magnetic strip. This alone only proved negligence, not internal theft.

The negligence, however, gave me a reason to talk to her. In the subsequent interview the cashier admitted to knowingly accepting the counterfeit bill. She believed that since she did not manufacture or pass the bill that she was not guilty of a crime. The authorities saw it differently and she is now in a jail cell awaiting prosecution. Be aware, crooks are going to new extremes to commit crimes these days and they may use some of your less intelligent employees to help them do so. Make no mistake, knowingly accepting a counterfeit bill is a form of internal theft.

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: corporate fraud investigation, corporate fraud investigator, employee theft, employee theft investigation, internal theft