Prevent Shoplifting Insurance – Is There Such A Thing?

February 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Every retail business owner has a plan to prevent shoplifting, because of the negative effect that it has on profitability.  Despite business owners’ efforts, retail businesses have actually close or relocated because of inventory loss cause by shoplifters.  Because of these reasons, and an attempt to maximize profitability, any investment that is intended to stop shoplifting is measured by the real return on that investment.

There is no insurance policy that I’m aware of that covers shoplifting losses.  Even if there were, the deductible and premium would make it uneconomical.

One of the problems that arise in the effort to prevent shoplifting is the process of identifying the shoplifter.  Shoplifters don’t wear a sign that identifies them as shoplifters, and they come in all shapes, ages, sexes, and sizes.  The fact is that no one can absolutely identify a shoplifter by the way they look or even by the way they act.   Even if they were identifiable by looks or demeanor, they still have to be caught in the act to be sure.  And personal attention from sales staff will certainly deter the shoplifter, but as a practical matter, sooner or later, every shoplifter will have and opportunity to steal.

The most efficient way to prevent shoplifting is to simply keep your merchandise from sneaking out the door in the first place.

This is exactly what EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) is designed to do.

A strategically located Checkpoint security system (Checkpoint Systems are a leader in EAS technology) can provide an invisible barrier to keep your merchandise from being “liberated” by a thief.  The business owner determines what merchandise should be protected and attaches Checkpoint tags or Checkpoint labels to the merchandise.

When the tag that is attached to the merchandise passes through the system at the door with out being removed or deactivated, an alarm sounds, alerting staff (and the shoplifter) that merchandise in need of attention is being removed from the floor.  Just the deterrent factor alone will soon pay for the system.

It’s not insurance, but Checkpoint Security Systems thousands of retailers millions of dollars of inventory loss every day.

See how Checkpoint Security Systems can help you prevent shoplifting.  Call 770-426-0547 or click here – Stop Shoplifting – for more information.  Be sure to visit our Online Retail Loss Prevention Store for even more ideas.

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Stop suffering profit loss with Checkpoint Systems

February 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment

You business is suffering…from shrink.  Loss of merchandise at the hands of shoplifters is a frustrating dilemma for business owners.  However, you do not have to just sit back and accept the fact that shoplifters are targeting your business.  There are options available, such as Checkpoint security systems that can be effective at deterring and preventing losses to your business from theft.
Checkpoint tags are a visible deterrent that shoplifters do not want to have to deal with when they target your business.

Why have the extra hassle of figuring out how to get around a checkpoint security system when there are other businesses that are unprotected?  Checkpoint systems are a proven industry leader in this innovation and are a worthwhile investment to those wishing to explore anti shoplifting options.
As a business owner you need to offer merchandise that your customers desire and are willing to purchase.

When you sell items that are considered high theft, or appealing to those that shoplift, you are taking an additional risk by having these items available to your honest customers as well.  Protecting this high theft merchandise with checkpoint tags allows you to afford to offer this desirable merchandise without having to offset shrink with higher prices.

Honest customers appreciate your investment in retail anti theft devices.  While they may not realize it when they are shopping at your business, you ability to offer reasonable prices and in-stock merchandise is appreciated, and is directly related to your investment in retail theft prevention.

Checkpoint security systems offer the merchandise protection you need to be a competitive business, not a victim of theft.

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

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Clothing Security Tags to the Rescue

February 14, 2011 by

Did you ever wish that your merchandise could let you know when it was being stolen?  Every retailer has gone to get a piece of merchandise of the sales floor and found it missing, knowing that it went out the door with some sticky-fingered shoplifter.  Clothing security tags are the next best thing to merchandise that can call for help when it is being swiped.

Clothing security tags and labels come in enough shapes, sizes, and applications to protect almost any type of apparel.  Checkpoint Security Systems manufactures and distributes the most technologically advanced EAS system for use in a retail environment, saving storeowners millions of dollars every year by protecting high value/high theft merchandise from bridal gowns to boots from walking out the door with a shoplifter.

Without being too technical, when merchandise protected by Checkpoint Systems

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Initiating an Employee Theft Investigation – Atlanta Georgia

February 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Once you’ve observed the signs and believe you have internal theft taking place within your organization it’s time to begin an employee theft investigation. What this basically means is you have to now gather evidence to find out who is involved in the internal theft and how they’re doing it. On your network television shows it may be ok to drag someone in with a gut feeling and try to force a confession out of them, but in real life that’s a great way to get sued. So I encourage you to do your due diligence and investigate the situation thoroughly and only interview the suspect once the evidence is confirmed.

Let’s say you’ve noticed a pattern of cash shortages. These shortages take place on the same day and time every week. You check the schedule and find that during the majority of the shortages the same individual was always working the cash register. Now it’s time to review the footage. At no time do you ever see the subject take money out of the register and pocket it. Also, any “no sales” rang on that register do not correspond to the times and dates of the shortages. So unless the subject is a distant relative of Harry Houdini there’s no way that they’re responsible for the shortage, right? Wrong!

There are many different ways to commit internal theft; therefore an employee theft investigation must be multifaceted. Check your footage again and you may find that your subject is always ringing up the same 2 customers on the days of the shortages. These customers purchase fairly inexpensive merchandise but they receive a great deal of change back every time. The customers are obviously working in collusion with the subject. Whether they divvy up the money later or he’s just giving it away it is now obvious what is causing the shortage and how the subject is doing it. With this evidence you may now proceed with the rest of your employee theft investigation.

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

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Clothing Security Takes a Step Forward

February 12, 2011 by

Clothing security has always presented a problem for retailers.  Clothing generally is highly desirable and easily concealed.  In many cases, it is also expensive.

So to the clothing retailer, clothing security is a daily part of doing business.

The desirability and price of the product often defines the level of security devoted to clothing.  For instance, a natural fur jacket that retails for thousands of dollars may be taken from a locked case by an attendant and shown to no more than two people at a time.  Some seasonal merchandise such as imperfect t-shirts with the logo of the Super Bowl loser may be located outside the store on a rack for a sidewalk sale.

Various anti shoplifting methods have been tried by retailers to prevent costly losses to thieves: Alternating hangers to prevent grab and runs; locked chains through the sleeves of leather jackets to prevent their theft; Specially made locking displays that keep merchandise attached; Locked glass display cabinets; and many other mechanical means have been tried with varying degrees of success.

Probably the best balance between clothing security and customer accessibility is met by and electronic system provided by Checkpoint Systems.  Clothing security tags are attached to the merchandise and can only be removed or deactivated by an employee of the store.  If not removed or deactivated, an alarm sounds as the merchandise passes the sensors that are strategically placed at the exit of the store, or even in the department.  This serves the dual purpose of alerting staff that an article is being taken fro its location, as well as a deterrent to those who are thinking about shoplifting from the store.

Accessibility means more sales and clothing security means less loss.  Together, this means more profit for the store.

Interested in more information about security tags on clothes?  Call 770-426-0547 or click here:  Clothing Security.  Visit our Web Store by clicking here: Online Loss Prevention Store.

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Anti Shoplifting Efforts Get a Boost in Atlanta Georgia

February 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Shoplifting that becomes more than a nuisance and has a serious impact on the bottom line calls for serious anti shoplifting efforts on the shop owner.

Shoplifting is so expected among retailers that it affects everything in the retail world from store design to merchandising to number of staff and the number of work hours scheduled.  Shoplifting is even a budgeted item (inventory reserve) because everyone in the business knows that retail theft is a given.

Retail anti theft devices of varying degrees have been found to have a positive impact on the rate of inventory loss for the retailer and proven to be cost effective as a means to stop shoplifting.

Technology has played a great part in the improvement of retail anti theft devices, from closed circuit television to electronic surveillance that detects merchandise as it leaves a store or department without being paid for.

Checkpoint Security Systems manufactures anti shoplifting solutions for almost any application or budget.  Once only affordable by the largest retailers, there are now Checkpoint systems that pay a quick return on investment for any size store or boutique.  Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint labels are designed to be used on merchandise of any size and shape.  Boxes, soft goods, bottles, whatever needs protecting, Checkpoint systems are made to improve the retailer’s profit margin by preventing the dollars to walk out the door courtesy of the five finger discount.

Some retailers restrict their effort to high theft/high value items such as baby formula or leather goods.  The storeowner or manager is the best judge of how to use his anti shoplifting assets, including those made by Checkpoint Systems.

Call 770-426-0547 from Atlanta Georgia or anywhere to discuss solutions for shoplifting issues, or click here to Contact Us.  Be sure and visit our Online Loss Prevention Store to see the latest in retail theft prevention.

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Prevent Or Stop Shoplifting Economically

February 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Since shoplifters come in all shapes, sizes, colors and ages, how can we prevent or stop shoplifting on their part?  We don’t know who is a potential shoplifter and who isn’t.

First of all, most people are not shoplifters, so they shouldn’t be made to feel like one, so we’ll look at the more subtle anti shoplifting measures to take to prevent this crime from happening in the first place.

Look at the arrangement of your store.  Are there out-of –the-way areas or blind spots where even the most casual shoplifter might be tempted to conceal some goods?  Arrange fixtures to maximize the view from the register area or other areas where staff is present.

Train your staff to know your merchandise so that someone intent on changing price tickets or barcodes will have another obstacle to overcome – a knowledgeable associate.  Be sure all merchandise is correctly marked and priced as a way of retail theft prevention.

Keep shelves, bins, and racks full.  Arrange merchandise so that associates will know when any is missing.

Display expensive, small, desirable items like designer sunglasses under lock and key.  When demonstrating them to a customer, limit the number that are out of the case so that you can keep up with them.  This will deter the casual thief, and your customers will understand.

If you use fitting rooms for customers to try on clothing, be sure to keep them clear of merchandise, hangers, and tags.  This lets the shoplifter know that the associates are on top of their inventory, knowing what goes in and what comes out, another way to reduce or stop shoplifting.

The most important deterrent to a shoplifter is exceptional customer service.  Acknowledge each and every customer as they enter you area and anticipate their every need.  A conscientious and alert employee is the single most effective deterrent to prevent or stop shoplifting.

Of course if the measures aren’t effective at your locations, there are retail anti theft devices available.

For further anti shoplifting information, call 770-426-0547 or click here:  stop shoplifting.  Visit our Web Store by clicking here.

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How to Prevent Shoplifting – Atlanta Georgia

February 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

 As I’m sure you’ve discovered by now there is no fool-proof way to prevent shoplifting. Your goal is simply to make your more desirable merchandise difficult to get to or come away with undetected. This will usually have the desired effect of deterring the average shoplifter and sending them elsewhere to do their shady business. However, in certain situations you may come across shoplifters of another kind. The drug addicted and mentally challenged pose a different set of problems for the loss prevention investigator. They normally don’t realize what they’re doing or can’t control their impulsive natures. So, how do you combat this?

 The other day I walked into one of our sites and saw that a co-worker had already apprehended a middle aged woman that I have come to know very well. This was her 9th time being arrested for shoplifting at one of our locations. The woman is obviously mentally challenged and driven by impulses she can’t control. Now unless you’ve got the heart of a Hitler you can’t help but feel sorry for her and the cards she’s apparently been dealt. At the same time you can’t just let her walk out with your merchandise either. In order to prevent shoplifting in a case like this you have to be continually vigilant.

 “She’ll be back.” Those were the words the responding officer left us with when he walked out with the woman in handcuffs, and he’s right. There’s no question that as soon as they let her back out into society she’ll be back in this or another store where she’ll begin the process all over again. Until the justice system catches up to our needs the loss prevention investigator must keep their eyes peeled for individuals like this and continue to “soldier on” if you will. Like I said earlier, there is no fool-proof way to prevent shoplifting but your understanding of the situation and dedication to the job can make the process much easier.

For more information contact us at Prevent Shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Prevent Shoplifting Game Plan

February 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

To prevent shoplifting in a retail environment requires a game plan.

Almost everyone agrees that shoplifting is a major problem for retailers, annually costing an estimated $24 to $40 Billion in the US.  It is safe to assume shoplifting affects every retailer in the country to some degree.  In the worst cases, the harm inflicted by thieves is enough to close a business down, especially in tough economic times when businesses have to cut expenses to the bone just to survive.

The means and methods used to prevent shoplifting are varied: customer service training, awareness training, CCTV surveillance, and electronic article surveillance are measures many retailers have incorporated into their business plan.  Still others incorporate store planning, merchandise layout, checkout locations, and merchandise exposure into their strategy.

Shoplifting prevention should be a part of every business owner’s strategy to increase profits by reducing losses.

The retailer’s expertise lies in displaying and selling merchandise.  Retail loss prevention has become a specialty within the industry that contributes a significant effort toward profitability by reducing inventory shrinkage, a major profit killer.  Advice from a competent and experienced retail loss prevention agent can make a huge impact on inventory loss from the receiving door to checkout, everywhere retail loss occurs.  A loss prevention agent will make an invaluable partner in developing a game plan to prevent shoplifting and internal theft and in recommending what investments to make in improving the numbers relevant to inventory shrinkage.

For a free consultation with an experienced loss prevention agent to help identify problem areas, call 1-770-426-0547 in Atlanta Georgia and elsewhere, or click here:  Loss Prevention Investigator.

 

 

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Signs of Internal Theft – Atlanta Georgia

February 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Previously we discussed signs that an employee may exhibit to clue you in to possible internal theft. Now, I wanted to tell you about some other signs to look for from others that may let you know you have a potential problem. It’s estimated that $52 billion a year is lost due to internal theft so it may be beneficial for you to know and understand what to look for and how to stop a costly problem before it starts. Customers are a great source of information. They may not always be right as the old adage says, but they’re always worth listening to.

If you get constant customer complaints about shortages or substitutions in their orders you should begin to become suspicious. Frequent refunds (especially of the same kinds of merchandise) by one employee should send up a red flag. Sometimes a customer may see something on your sales floor but not want to get involved at that point. So be aware of any anonymous phone calls or letters you may receive explaining an illegal or immoral act. It’s easy to dismiss these as pranks, but I caution you to give them the proper weight and investigate them thoroughly.

In today’s business climate you’re always looking for an edge so you probably encourage your employees to build a relationship with potential customers. However, beware that this can become a slippery slope. Watch for any employee that seems a little too close to the customers and always be weary of a customer that comes in and demands to only deal with a certain associate. There are many different signs to look for that may clue you in to wrong-doing inside your business. Internal theft is a big problem in business today, but it’s one that can be managed if you pay attention to the signs and act accordingly.

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

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