Background Checks – A Useful Tool in Hiring

November 22, 2010 by

Background Checks – A Useful Tool in Hiring

Companies that use background checks as part of their pre employment screening procedure do it because they believe it waves them both time and money.

Have you ever entered a store or business that had a sign in front stating, “We Drug Test All Applicants”?  Do you think that the sign itself precludes most drug users from applying for a job there?  Do you think that it makes the customers of that business feel safer and more confident taking their business there?

The same can be argued for conducting background checks.  Plenty of potential employees with things to hide in their past will avoid applying at a business that is known to conduct background checks.  The very fact that a company uses background checks will keep a certain number of less desirable applicants away from the hiring office, saving the employer’s time.

Money is saved when the employer doesn’t hire someone who has a history of theft related arrests and charges in his background.  This isn’t to say that an employer should never hire someone who has been convicted of a crime, but it may weigh on what type of responsibilities will be given to the employee, that is not exposing them to cash or letting them work without supervision, for example.

Several arrests for disorderly conduct or family violence could indicate a bad tempered individual who would need to be kept away from customers or even other employees.

Of course drug related or alcohol related arrest raise their own red flags.  Will the employee have frequent absences because he or she is unable to perform?

The costs of hundreds of background check will not come close to the cost of defending even one negligent hiring lawsuit.

Whether and employer hires those with previous records or not, they should certainly have access to information that will assist them in operating their business most efficiently.

Part of this information is contained in the background checks of those applying for employment and should be considered when making the hiring decision.

For further information on cost effective background checks call 770-426-0547 or click here.

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The benefits of hiring a loss prevention agent for your business – Atlanta Georgia

November 22, 2010 by

A loss prevention agent can be a great benefit to your company. Specializing in the apprehension of shoplifters the agent can help control a large portion of shrink occurring in your stores and help you remain profitable.

As a former loss prevention agent , I can tell of the many instances working for my employer and positively impacting shrink in the stores I worked. I knew my job was important. The responsibilities given to me by the store management could be stressful at times, but challenging.

Working stores in areas where the customer base was difficult didn’t make things any easier. None-the-less, my goal was to keep the store profitable. I did this a number of different ways. First, I made sure I apprehended shoplifters every day I worked. More so, I made myself visible to employees. The employees seemed to be more productive when I was in the store, and I could tell. Making myself visible to the employees also worked to prevent employee theft and boost morale.

I knew that by simply being in the store, I could not completely stop employee theft, but it certainly would alter it in one way or another.
A loss prevention agent working your stores should be able to blend in with the customers, and really become one of them.

Having the right person working as a loss prevention agent means better results. It’s always recommended to hire loss prevention consultants when looking into a loss prevention program. Loss prevention consultants can offer you the advice and expertise you may be looking for when considering instituting an undercover agent in your stores.

As a loss prevention professional, I always recommend only what will benefit the company I am working for. I understand the need for a business to stay profitable and grow.

For more information about loss prevention agent contact us at loss prevention consultants or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Proper Utilization of Security and Loss Prevention – Atlanta Georgia

November 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Let’s face it, no matter where you’re at in this great country of ours there are certain places where security and loss prevention are a much higher priority than others. In high risk communities it is extremely important that you utilize both tiers properly in order to keep your shrink to a manageable level. Your standard security, usually a uniformed guard or mobile unit, is primarily a deterrent to theft. Even the most brazen thief will think twice about grabbing a handful of merchandise and making a run for the door if there’s an authority figure present to block his/ her path.

The purpose of loss prevention is to identify and eliminate the more clandestine thieves. These criminals make up the majority of the shoplifting community. Most shoplifters don’t want to be identified. Not because they fear prosecution (though I’m sure that must factor into their thinking at some point) but because being identified greatly reduces the opportunity for them to return and steal from you again. This is why your security and loss prevention must work closely together to identify would-be shoplifters and deter hardened criminals.

Security and loss prevention must also work together to in the same way to deter internal theft. Security bag checks and random searches are a great way to keep your employees on their toes. They know that you, the business owner or manager, are far too busy with other tasks to concentrate on them 24/7, but shrink reduction and theft deterrence is the sole purpose of security and loss prevention. Proper utilization of these 2 forces will go a long way to controlling and improving your bottom line.

For more information about loss prevention security or retail loss prevention contact us: security and loss prevention or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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CORPORATE FRAUD INVESTIGATION- THE UNKNOWN FACTS – Atlanta Georgia

November 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment

A corporate fraud investigation is much more complicated than many of us think.  I’ve been in corporate America for years and did not understand the intricacies of how the investigation of wrongdoing is conducted in a large corporation.  Or even who conducts that investigation.

The first intriguing fact is that a corporate fraud investigation is not only a private affair but involves the help of many federal agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service.  This is because the violations that are usually being investigated are in relation to the Internal Revenue Code and related statutes.

These crimes of corporations usually involve senior executives.  People who investigate these crimes must be able to concentrate on and understand the intricacies of high corporate finance and accounting.  The most prevalent law that prevents violations of the Internal Revenue Code is Sarbanes-Oxley.  This act imposes stiffer sentences of up to 20 years in prison for the destruction, alteration or falsification of records in order to impede a federal investigation.

In 2010 there were 116 corporate fraud investigation s initiated.  Of those 116, 91 of those recommended that someone be prosecuted.  There was actually a 77% incarceration rate of those 116 investigations with senior executives serving an average of 48 months.  This information comes from the Criminal Investigation Management Information System.

Need advice on a corporate fraud investigation. Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Use of checkpoint security system checkpoint security tags an effective method of retail theft prevention

November 21, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Using a checkpoint security system with checkpoint security tags is a very effective means of retail theft prevention.  Studies show that the presence of anti shoplifting devices and systems will deter 75% of the shoplifting traffic from attempting theft.  85% of retail theft losses through shoplifting are by impulsive shoplifters.  This group will steal when the opportunity is open and they see something they would like to have for themselves.

So you may be wondering who will not be deterred by the presence of a checkpoint security system with checkpoint security tags in use.  Professional shoplifters make up the smallest share of shoplifting losses at about 5% and it takes more than just the installation of a security system to deter them.  Professional shoplifters will usually  “case out the target” before the actual event.  If you have installed  anti shoplifting devices in use and you have a well trained staff getting full use of the systems and other loss prevention procedures you will send a message to would be thieves: “move on to an easier target”.

Using checkpoint security tags on merchandise will reduce losses of higher theft merchandise by making it difficult to get the merchandise out of the store without being noticed.  Although not impossible to remove checkpoint security tags it is a major effort that takes time.  Time is not what shoplifetrs want to waste.  They will only take itmes they can very quickly with slight of hand conceal.

For more information visit: using a checkpoint security system with checkpoint security tags 

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Use security tags on clothes to stop shoplifting

November 21, 2010 by

Using security tags on clothes as part of your clothing alarm system will send shoplifters on to other store that are not using clothing security tags.  Studies show that when shoplifters encounter anti shoplifting devices such as security tags on clothes they will not attempt theft of that merchandise.

What shoplifters want is to go unnoticed and quickly conceal merchandise they are stealing.  The use of  security tags on clothes is an obstacle they do not want to attempt to overcome.  Removing these clothing security tags is a very difficult task and usually involved damaging the merchandise in the process.  Only the special devices that are install behind the cash wrap can quickly remove the security tags on clothes.

The clothing alarm system will consist of the antennas that are about 2′ by 5′ high installed at entry and exit doors.  These antennas will see the  clothing security tags and set of the clothing alarm when the clothing security tags get too close to the door.  This brings attention.  Again shoplifters do not want attention, they want to get in and quickly get out unnoticed.

Checkpoint Systems is the leader in the industry of EAS systems (electronic article surveillance).  These systems offer many different clothing security tags and even paper labels with security tags built into them.  For more information visit security tags on clothes by Checkpoint Systems.

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Anti-Shoplifting

November 19, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Most businesses try to be an anti shoplifting business, but many go about it all wrong. As a retailer, your business plan must include security features to not only make your store a safe place to work and shop, but also to protect your assets and boost your profits.

There are a lot of retail anti theft devices on the market these days, the decision on which to go with should be an easy one. Go with what most retailers and professionals choose. In the companies I have worked for and with, we use Checkpoint security systems .

A trusted name brand, Checkpoint security systems uses the latest technology in retail anti theft devices . One of the most common retail anti theft devices used by many retailers is checkpoint tags . These checkpoint security tags can be affixed to a number of different products and offer an immediate deterrence to the would be thief.

Working for a large drug store chain, we use Checkpoint security systems . I cannot describe the benefits we experience using these systems in our stores, but the feedback we get from Store Management is always positive. I heard all of the stories about shoplifters coming into a drug store and the manager hears the thief trying to defeat the checkpoint security system . I always get a laugh when management tells me of the shoplifters that simply dump the stolen merchandise and run out once the checkpoint security system is activated.

Shoplifting is a pain, but left unanswered, it can destroy a business. When I make recommendations to managers, retailers and business owners alike, I always speak of the benefits to having a solid loss prevention system in the store. This includes a basic CCTV package and always got with retail anti theft devices like checkpoint security systems .

For more information on anti shoplifting , retail anti theft devices or checkpoint security tags visit us at checkpoint security system or call 1.770.426.0547

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A day in the life of a Loss Prevention Investigator

November 19, 2010 by

As a former loss prevention investigator , I built many positive cases for my employer.

A loss prevention investigator is trained on and with a variety of different tools. Specifically, the investigator uses tools like computer based exception reports and CCTV equipment. Spending time on the exception reports, the investigator can identify any dishonest employee manipulating the register system.

I remember a case I had working for a sporting goods retailer. I decided to visit a store that had very little upper management involvement; it was somewhat of an isolated store. During the visit, I walked around talking with any associates and management I could.

While I was in the shoe department, I spoke with the salesman on duty. I noticed he was wearing a new pair of running shoes. In small talk, I acted as if I were really interested in purchasing a new pair of running shoes and said to him, “I really like the way those look!” , pointing to his shoes. He says to me, “Yeah, these are bad, but we don’t sell them here…”. I knew we didn’t sell those shoes yet, they were shipped to the stores in anticipation of their public release. So I asked him, “How much would a pair of those cost”, he says “Oh, well, I’m the only one that has these; I bought them here at a special price”. I thought to myself, “Does this guy not know that I work for the same company?”

I ended the conversation, went to the office and ran all employee transactions for this store. Being the loss prevention investigator , I went and looked at the stock. We were missing 6 pairs of the $150 dollar running shoes; none had been purchases in this store.

I reviewed CCTV; saw no purchases matching these shoes. Reviewing the back stockroom camera footage, I saw the same salesman put 2 pair of these shoes and boxes in the trash. He then put the bag of trash out back. Later, he picked up the bag and walked away.

Based on this info, I interviewed the employee. He admitted to over $10,000 in merchandise theft over the period of about 1 ½ years. As a loss prevention investigator , my job didn’t end there.

For more information visit us at loss prevention investigator or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Managing Your Security and Loss Prevention – Atlanta Georgia

November 19, 2010 by Leave a Comment

I’ve been in the security and loss prevention field for a long time and still there are things that transpire in the confines of this profession that make me sit back and say “Really?” I was on my way into my local mall the other day, undoubtedly for something I didn’t really need, when I spotted a young man running full speed across the parking lot. Behind him was a member of mall security and loss prevention from one of the mall’s anchor stores. Now, everyone loves a good chase so I stood back and watched.

The young man weaved between a number of parked cars on his way through the parking lot then darted out into traffic, completely oblivious to his own peril. The two pursuers were hot on his heels the entire time. Finally, the store loss prevention officer tackled the assailant to the ground and the mall security officer pounced on him and put him in handcuffs. They yanked him to his feet and began walking him back towards the mall. On the way I observed as the loss prevention officer reached into the young man’s sweater and pulled out 2 music CD’s. My only thought at that point was “Really? All that for $30 bucks?”

A retailer can be held responsible for the actions of his employees, even his security and loss prevention staff. At any point during the above mentioned chase the assailant could have injured himself in any number of ways and, as unfair as it is, the retailer could have been held responsible for those injuries since at the time the assailant was being chased by one of the store’s agents. It is critical to send a message to shoplifters that crime will not be tolerated, however was the loss of that $30 worth the possible tens of thousands in lawsuits that they opened themselves up to in that situation? It is important to be aware of the law and possible liability that you as a company face in apprehending and detaining shoplifters. There are a number of rules, many of which vary from state to state, that your security and loss prevention staff need to be aware of.

For more information about loss prevention security or retail loss prevention contact us: security and loss prevention or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Use Checkpoint security tags for retail theft prevention

November 18, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Studies show that the use of checkpoint security tags for retail theft prevention will stop 75% of impulse shoplifters from attempting theft.  And the impulse shoplifters cause the large majority of all shoplifting losses at 85% of all retail theft losses.

There are three types of shoplifters. Impulse shoplifters are those that given the opportunity to steal without threat of discovery will take an item or items and keep them for personal use.  Amateur shoplifters are those that will steal habitually and keep the merchandise for personal use.  Then there are the professional shoplifters who steal often and with the purpose of reselling the merchandise.  On the rise are groups of professionals who work as a team to hit a store for big hits, this is what we refer to as Organized Retail Crime.

Using checkpoint security tags on merchandise for retail theft prevention will drastically slow down any thief.  Time is critical to a shoplifter.  They need to be able to very quickly conceal an item for theft.  If the merchandise has checkpoint security tags the thief has to attempt to remove it which is very difficult to do without damaging the product.  What thieves will do is scan a store to see what type of security exists.  Studies show shoplifters simply see a checkpoint security system installation and move on to unprotected opportunities.

For more info visit: checkpoint security tags for retail theft prevention

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