A retailer’s battle between good and evil

January 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Early in my employment in retail theft prevention , I received an email detailing a tool an individual had used for shoplifting.  Attached to the email was a picture, which the asset protection employees had lovingly labeled a “booster buggy.”  It was a child’s stroller, and with a blanket over the front of it, it did not look suspicious at all.  But if you lifted that blanket, the crafty shoplifters had built a box in the seat of the stroller, complete with foil lining, black tape on the outside, and a flip lid.  It was used to conceal and walk out with quite a bit of our business’s merchandise.

If these shoplifters would only have put their creativity to work for good instead of evil, the world might be a better place.  Unfortunately, because of crimes like this, retail prices are higher for the honest customers.  Businesses must utilize the resources that are available to stop shoplifting in order to combat this “evil” that all business owners face.

Retail anti theft devices can aid in this battle against “evil”, by deterring those that intend to shoplift from you.  Shoplifters want easy access to your merchandise and a quick get-away, and retail anti theft devices take away both of those opportunities.  They are a wise resource to utilize on your anti shoplifting crusade.

Having an effective retail theft prevention program for your business is also a mighty weapon against shoplifting.  Educated employees that provide good customer service, retail anti theft devices, key controls, closed circuit television, and a variety of other variables all can help stop shoplifting in your business.

With good retail theft prevention, the “evil” of shoplifting can be defeated in your business, allowing for “good” profits. Make your anti shoplifting program a priority for 2011 and enjoy a more profitable year.

For more information about retail theft prevention or stop shoplifting or retail anti theft devices or anti shoplifting contact us at stop shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547.

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Identity Theft and the Criminal Background Check

January 19, 2011 by

Identity Theft and the Criminal Background Check

What would you do if you needed a job, but thought that a criminal background check might turn up negative information on you, like the credit cards you stole and used, or the four shoplifting arrests you’ve had?

An idea used by some people to get by this minor inconvenience is to assume someone else’s identity.  Then, unless your potential employer submitted your fingerprints to a background check expert, no record, at least for you, would show up in a criminal background check.

Admittedly, many companies go beyond the basic criminal background check as part of their pre employment screening process, but others don’t.  Using another’s identity is fairly commonplace among illegal immigrants who can’t legally work in the US without a valid social security number, but is also used by legal residents that have something to hide, or are fugitives from justice.  Those with a past to conceal often use the identification of a friend, relative, or acquaintance that they are able to get the identification from and use it until they either quit or are found out.

There is also the possibility that the person whose identification is being used has a criminal history, but that is a whole new problem, both for the employer and the applicant.

There are other steps to take to validate identity.  Be very careful when examining identification documents such as a driver’s license or social security card.  Both of these can be easily faked.  Compare suspected documents against those that you know are genuine and note any differences, be sure lamination is correctly sealed and hasn’t been tampered with, and that the physical description and photo matches the applicant.

A criminal background check on a person with phony identification is worse that no background check at all, because it has been paid for, and the results are worthless.  Extra effort to determine true identity is sometimes worth it.

Questions? Call 770-426-0547 or click here.

 

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The Loss Prevention Investigator and the Potential Shoplifter – Atlanta Georgia

January 19, 2011 by

Imagine for a moment that you’re a loss prevention investigator and you’re on the job – alone. You spot an elderly Caucasian woman carrying an oversized pocketbook near the lingerie department. A sales associate approaches her but she quickly dismisses them then makes her way to a secluded corner of the store. Soon after an African-American man in his early 20’s comes in wearing baggy jeans and an oversized hooded sweatshirt. He is wearing a ball cap that’s pulled low over his eyes and he heads directly to the Electronics department. Again, you’re alone and you are now faced with a decision. Who do you keep under surveillance? Why?

A loss prevention investigator faces choices like these on a daily basis. However, you have to remember that stereotyping is not an option. To single out someone based on race, creed, religion, gender or age is immoral, and more importantly illegal. Now I know some of you are thinking, “Come on, everybody stereotypes a little bit. They don’t mean anything by it.” And you’re probably right. However, the loss prevention investigator does mean something by it. They mean to catch and prosecute those who break the law. They mean to go to court and testify to the validity of their choices and their actions. This is serious business.

So, who do you keep under surveillance? Well, it’s a trick question. The elderly lady has the means in which to conceal merchandise – her oversized pocketbook, and her avoidance of the associates and customers make her behavior understandably suspicious. The young man’s attire is his means in which to conceal and is simultaneously suspicious in certain circumstances. You are completely justified, for these reasons, to watch either one. If you’re a loss prevention investigator the choice is yours.

For more information about loss prevention agent or loss prevention consultants contact us at Loss prevention investigator or call 1.770.426.0547

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Employee theft: Helping themselves to your profits – Atlanta Georgia

January 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Some retail studies show that one third of all theft that a business may experience is caused by employee theft .  When a business owner looks to hire an employee, he hopes that the employee will be trustworthy and able to perform their job in a manner that helps in the function and profitability of the business.  No business owner hopes to have employees contribute to their shrink percentages.

Internal theft can be prevented or reduced in a variety of ways.  Managers and owners should maintain a good relationship with employees.  Those that are disgruntled are less likely to care about stealing from their employer than those that are happy with their jobs.  Businesses with low turnover rates have been shown to have reduced rates of internal theft in some cases.

Policies and procedures need to be in place for a business’s vital areas, and these need to be followed by everyone.  Business owners and managers need to realize that all employees could potentially choose to create a loss for their business, regardless of the fact that they have previously been a trusted employee.  Circumstances may change in an employee’s life to where he or she may be able to justify a theft from his employer.  Policies have to be enforced for every employee in order to prevent the opportunity to steal.

Another best practice is to have a background check conducted on all prospective employees.  This will weed out the candidates that may have been caught and prosecuted at another business for internal theft or other illegal activities.

When there is an employee theft investigation that needs to be conducted, businesses are wise to consult a corporate fraud investigator in order to complete an accurate and thorough investigation.

When something raises a red flag that makes a business owner suspect employee theft, there is probably much more that went unnoticed before that red flag was raised. In this case do not wait to order an employee theft investigation .

For more information about employee theft or internal theft or employee theft investigation or corporate fraud investigator or corporate fraud investigation contact us at corporate fraud investigator or call 1.770.426.256 – Atlanta Georgia

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Stop Shoplifting with Excellent Customer Service

January 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Stop Shoplifting with Excellent Customer Service

How does excellent customer service stop shoplifting in a retail store, or at least greatly minimize it?  The following are not only great customer service tools, but also work as a factor of retail theft prevention.

What does a shoplifter NOT want when he comes into your shop?  The answer is that he or she doesn’t want to be noticed or recognized.  By offering excellent prompt service to all your customers, shoplifting losses can be reduced dramatically.

Acknowledge each guest as soon after he or she enters as possible.  Speak to him and make eye contact, creating the impression that you recognize him and that you know who he is.

Shoplifters want privacy.  Ask each customer browsing in your shop if you can be of assistance.  Ask often.  Legitimate customers appreciate it and shoplifters hate it.  Again, eye contact with the guest makes the potential shoplifter uncomfortable and can stop shoplifting in your store.  The less attention that he attracts, the more he likes it.  Great customer service takes away what the shoplifter needs – the ability to get in and out of the store without being noticed and recognized, and the opportunity to be alone long enough to conceal and steal your merchandise.  Paying attention to a potential shoplifter can actually turn a loss situation into a sale!

Of course another upside to genuinely excellent customer service is that it drives and increases sales, and keeps legitimate customers coming back again and again.

Excellent customer service = decreased losses and increased sales!

Remember – Stop shoplifting at your store through excellent customer service.

Want help to stop shoplifting at your business?  Call 770-426-0547 or click here.

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Who Invented Shoplifting?

January 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Merchants have been trying to stop shoplifting probably since the first store keeper in prehistoric times put his merchandise on a rock display and turned his back on his first customer, then turned back around to find both the merchandise and his customer (the first shoplifter) missing.  He then decided to watch each and every customer in his store, but as he added more and more merchandise, got more and more customers, this became impossible, so he hired the first plain clothes detective to keep watch over his goods.

After several customers had been clubbed and fed to the dinosaurs, he decided there must be a better way and started to consider ways to become the leader in retail theft prevention.

There had to be a way to allow his customers to see and feel the merchandise he had for sale, and to stop shoplifting, or at least keep it under control to maintain profitability.

Over the next several thousand years, various methods evolved that were designed to stop shoplifting: Improved customer service, CCTV, locking displays, employee awareness, store design, arresting prosecuting shoplifters and so on.

Finally, some engineers came up with retail anti theft devices that stand silently at the door until someone tries to exit the store with merchandise that has an active clothing security tag attached and the system begins to beep and draws attention to the shoplifter.  Not only does this stop shoplifting, it deters shoplifters from coming in the door in the first place.

Now nothing is going to stop shoplifting entirely, but storeowners owe it to themselves to investigate a leader in the field of retail anti theft devices, Checkpoint Security Systems.

Although not as satisfying, it’s better than beating shoplifters over the head with a club.

To reduce your shoplifting losses call 770-426-0547 or click here.

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300 Million Shoplifters And Clothing Security

January 18, 2011 by

According to the Insurance Information Institute there are nearly 300 million shoplifting incidents per year. This is an all out attack on retailers large and small. The big store chains have figured it out. They use store investigators, Checkpoint Security Systems, customer service and other techniques and tools. So why haven’t you?

Clothing security is not rocket science. If you use Checkpoint Security Systems you place security tags on clothing and that lets the shoplifter know that you are simply not going to roll over and die when the shoplifter tries to clean you out. Security tags on clothes are inexpensive and very effective. They come in different shapes, sizes and configurations.

The clothing alarm goes at the front of your store at the customer entrance/exit. When the shoplifter tries to steal a protected item the security tags on clothing will trip the clothing alarm and the shoplifter is uncovered. The system works 24/7 and needs little attention. Checkpoint Security Systems is the leader in this industry.

Clothing security tags are reusable. The cashier removes them at the time of checkout. They are then taken back and recycled onto another piece of clothing.

Clothing security tags and a clothing alarm combined with good customer service is the solution to shoplifting. When faced with this “wall” shoplifter will go elsewhere where the pickings are easier. This will be your competitor who is not protected.

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

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Are You Blood In The Water To A Shoplifter? – Atlanta Georgia

January 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I never realized that so many smaller retailers are actually afraid to take proactive actions to prevent shoplifting in their stores. As an LP professional that has apprehended more shoplifters than I care to remember I have a difficult time with this fear. I can assure you that shoplifters will sense your fear and you WILL become one of their favorites. Its like blood in the water to a shark.

A proactive approach sends the message “leave me alone I am not afraid of you”. To prevent shoplifting you must not be afraid to provide great customer service. That is the foundation. Wow…this is something you strive for anyway. Great customer service drives your good customers into the store and drives the shoplifters out the door, down the street into your less prepared competitor.

Use Checkpoint security systems. This provides you with 24/7 security coverage on your merchandise. It never takes a day off or calls in sick. So when your floor coverage is low you are still protected.

You must call the police whenever you catch a shoplifter regardless of age, sex or any other factor. If you do not, the smell of blood will be in the water. If the shoplifter knows that the worst they face is harsh words from you or your staff then so what! Remember most states have merchant laws in place that protect you from both civil and criminal action. You just have to follow some simple rules. If you would like a copy of your states laws contact us.

A well-lighted, clean and neat store also tells shoplifter that you are on the ball and know where your merchandise is and account for it.

You and your staff need to be trained in how to deal with a shoplifter when you do make the decision to apprehend. But even more important you need to practice it before you do it in real life.

It is simple logic the shoplifter will take the path of least resistance. Make their path an uphill climb strewn with boulders and vines. They will go away!

For more information about shoplifting or Checkpoint security systems contact us at prevent shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Checkpoint Systems are a Shoplifter’s Nightmare in Atlanta, Georgia

January 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Checkpoint Systems are a Shoplifter’s Nightmare in Atlanta, Georgia

What does a shopper think when he enters a retail store that has a functioning Checkpoint Security System at the entrance to the store?  Does she think that shoplifting must be running rampant in the area, or that the use of Checkpoint Systems shows a concern for keeping prices low and theft by customers under control?

The sad fact is that shoplifters are everywhere a piece of merchandise is put on display, from the swankiest boutique to the corner convenience store.  The statistics are out there; retailers lose a huge amount of merchandise to thieves, which translates into a loss of profit, meaning higher prices for consumers.

So the addition of Checkpoint Systems is generally a good decision for a retailer to make.  There is no inconvenience to the legitimate customer, and it not only alerts employees when a piece of merchandise protected by checkpoint security tags exits the premises, it also serves as deterrent to the potential shoplifter.

How does it accomplish this?  First, suppose that a customer intends to go into a store for the purpose of stealing several items of merchandise.  When he approaches a store protected by an anti shoplifting device such as a Checkpoint Security System, his first thought is to find a softer target, one that has no such retail anti theft devices.  Like a speeder who knows where the traffic cop sits, the shoplifter will avoid places where he knows he might be caught.

But what about the casual shoplifter, one who impulsively steals merchandise simply because the opportunity arises?  The thought of the Checkpoint Security System standing silently at the exit will probably affect that person’s decision, and stop him from taking an unnecessary risk.

In addition to deterring the hard-core shoplifter, the Checkpoint System gives the impulse shoplifter second thoughts.

For information on Checkpoint Systems in Atlanta, Georgia, call 770-426-7593 or click here.  Outside Atlanta, call 770-426-0547.

 

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Where Do You Get Your Applicant Background Information

January 17, 2011 by

Where Do You Get Your Applicant Background Information

A background check expert will deliver customized results to your fax or inbox.  Most employers – small, medium, and large – will conduct some sort of pre employment screening on its potential employees.  The question they should ask themselves is, “What is the value of my background checks?”

The employer that depends on a Google name search and a glance at Facebook will save a small amount of money, but the results will be far from useful, causing some good applicants to be rejected and giving a false sense of security in others.  Most background check experts consider these methods to be worse than worthless, since they deliver unsatisfactory information and are in no way compliant with current laws.

The one size fits all background check really doesn’t fit at all.  By that I mean the quick and easy background check that is available on line and paid for by credit card.  Common sense will tell you that if you key in a name like “John Smith”, your results are not going to be reliable.  The information provider will leave it up to the requestor to discern what is or isn’t accurate.  And there is no way that the commercial database can hold information that is anywhere near real-time.  An out-of-date information can mean trouble for a potential employer.

A background check expert can help your business design a pre employment screening program that is personalized to be economical and useful.  Don’t pay for information you don’t need and don’t miss information that you do need to make the very best hiring decision and protect the company from a potential problem employee.

To speak with a background check expert for advice on your pre employment screening program, call 770-426-0547 or click:  background check expert.

 

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