Is shoplifting becoming more violent in the US? How can retailers counter the potential violence in their stores?

July 20, 2023 by

Shoplifting incidents can vary in nature and severity, and trends can differ across regions and time periods. While some instances of shoplifting may involve violence, it is important to approach the topic with caution and not generalize based on isolated incidents. Shoplifting-related violence is not necessarily a widespread phenomenon, but retailers should still take precautions to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. Here are some potential strategies retailers can consider:

Employee training: Retailers can provide comprehensive training to their employees on how to handle potentially difficult situations, including shoplifting incidents. This training can include de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution skills, and when to involve security or law enforcement. Loss Prevention Systems provides this LIVE training in person or on-line.

Visible store presence: Maintaining a visible presence of staff and security personnel in the store can act as a deterrent to potential shoplifters. When individuals perceive a higher risk of being caught, they may be less likely to engage in shoplifting or violence.

Effective store layout and surveillance: Retailers can design their stores with clear sightlines and unobstructed views to minimize blind spots. Installing surveillance cameras strategically can help deter theft and provide evidence if incidents occur. However, keep in mind that CCTV is more “after the fact”. There is some deterrence value however, there are better methods for prevention.

Collaboration with law enforcement: Establishing strong relationships with local law enforcement agencies can be beneficial. Retailers can work together with the police to share information, report incidents promptly, and coordinate efforts to prevent and address shoplifting incidents. You should set up an in person meeting with a member of your local law enforcement agency. Have them give you input about your stores vulnerabilities, how they respond and what other measures they can provide such as more frequent marked patrol car drive byes, walking patrol…. You should make it clear that they are always welcome in your store and encourage them to stop by. A cup of coffee, bottle of water…. sends the right message. Most law enforcement agencies have “Zone” type meetings, crime prevention meetings… You should join and go every time. This will keep you up to date on crime in your specific area.

Technology-based solutions: Retailers can explore the use of advanced security technologies, such as electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems such as a Sensormatic system, RFID tagging, video analytics, and inventory management systems. These technologies can help detect theft attempts, track inventory, and improve overall store security. Again, Loss Prevention Systems has all of these technologies and we sell, install and service nationwide.

Safety protocols and emergency planning: Retailers should develop and communicate clear safety protocols to their employees in case of emergencies or violent situations. This may involve creating evacuation plans, implementing panic buttons on your burglar alarm system. These panic buttons should be installed in places that employees can retreat to in the event of an emergency. Having them at the POS is fine but, the back office, stock rooms are better. Train your staff on how to respond appropriately in different scenarios.

It’s important for retailers to conduct a thorough risk assessment based on their specific store locations, customer demographics, and historical incidents to determine the most appropriate security measures to implement. Consulting with a Loss Prevention Expert or industry associations can provide valuable insights tailored to the retail environment.

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Filed Under: antishoplifting, clothing alarm, Clothing security tags, Inventory Shrinkage, Loss Prevention Agent, Loss Prevention Consultant, Preventing Theft, Security, Seminar, Sensormatic Systems, Shoplifting Prevention, Training

What Are The Four Types Of Shoplifters & How Do I Deal With Them?

May 1, 2023 by

Shoplifting is a significant problem for retailers and businesses of all sizes. According to the National Retail Federation, shoplifting costs retailers billions of dollars annually. To address this problem effectively, it is essential to understand the different types of shoplifters and their motivations. Shoplifters can be broken down into four categories: Organized Retail Crime (ORC) groups, professional shoplifters, amateur shoplifters, and impulse shoplifters. In this article, we will discuss each of these categories and the methods that can be used to stop them.

Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Groups
Organized Retail Crime (ORC) groups are highly organized and operate like businesses. These groups often consist of several individuals who work together to steal merchandise from retailers. ORC groups typically steal high-value items that can be easily resold, such as electronics, designer clothing, and jewelry. These groups may also engage in other illegal activities, such as credit card fraud and identity theft.

To stop ORC groups, retailers must be proactive and work closely with law enforcement. Retailers can implement several security measures to deter ORC groups, such as installing high-quality video surveillance systems, using Sensormatic electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags on high-value items, and training employees to recognize and report suspicious behavior.

Professional Shoplifters
Professional shoplifters are individuals who steal merchandise for profit. These individuals are highly skilled and often work alone or in small groups. Professional shoplifters typically target high-value items that can be easily resold, such as designer clothing, jewelry, and electronics.

To stop professional shoplifters, retailers must implement strict security measures, such as installing video surveillance systems, using Sensormatic EAS tags, and training employees to recognize and report suspicious behavior. Larger Retailers should also consider hiring plainclothes security personnel to monitor the sales floor and deter theft.

Amateur Shoplifters
Amateur shoplifters are individuals who steal merchandise on a whim or for personal use. These individuals may not have a plan or a specific item in mind when they enter a store. Amateur shoplifters typically steal low-value items, such as cosmetics, snacks, and clothing.

To stop amateur shoplifters, retailers can implement several security measures, such as installing video surveillance systems, using Sensormatic EAS tags, and training employees to recognize and report suspicious behavior. Retailers can also use signage and displays to remind customers that shoplifting is illegal and will not be tolerated.

Impulse Shoplifters
Impulse shoplifters are individuals who steal merchandise on a whim or as a result of a sudden impulse. These individuals may not have a specific item in mind when they enter a store and may steal low-value items, such as candy or small toys.

To stop impulse shoplifters, retailers can implement several security measures, such as placing high-value items in locked display cases, using Sensormatic EAS tags and labels on high-value items, and training employees to recognize and report suspicious behavior.

Sensormatic EAS systems are highly effective in stopping professional, amateur and especially impulse shoplifters. Studies show that impulse shoplifters make the majority of shoplifters.

Retailers can also use signage and displays to remind shoplifters that shoplifting is illegal and will not be tolerated. However, keep in mind that it is difficult enough to get our legitimate customers to read our signs. It stands to reason that shoplifters will be the same. In all but impulse shoplifters, their intent, before they entered your store is to steal. A sign is not likly to deter them.

Also, keep in mind that shoplifters know that you are not likly to be watching CCTV cameras. CCTV is generally used for after the fact review. By that time they have stolen from you are are long gone. Even though you may feel that CCTV is a deterrent, shoplifters do not.

Because shoplifting is a significant problem for retailers, and it is essential to understand the different types of shoplifters and their motivations. By implementing strict security measures and having a friendly relationship with law enforcement, retailers can deter shoplifting and protect their businesses from financial losses.

For more information or to STOP SHOPLIFTERS NOW, contact us.

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Filed Under: antishoplifting, clothing alarm, Clothing security tags, Inventory Shrinkage, Loss Prevention Agent, Loss Prevention Consultant, Loss Prevention Investigator, Security, Shoplifting Prevention, Training

Catching the bad guy – A Loss Prevention Agent at Work – Atlanta

October 21, 2010 by

Employing a loss prevention agent reduces loss from shoplifters in your business.  We would like to think that the individuals that choose to shop in our business would be honest, hardworking folks looking to spend their money on our quality products.  But, unfortunately, there are those that would prefer to have the “five finger discount” on items they’d like to own but do not want to pay for – your items.

A loss prevention agent is an employee that can be trained to survey your sales floor, watching for shoplifters.  Your business should have a reliable loss prevention policy in place before creating this type of program.  A loss prevention agent can dress like your average shopper, but can watch for any type of suspicious activity, so that activity can be reported to management.  Or, in the case of a shoplifter within your business, the loss prevention agent can make a shoplifter apprehension and seek prosecution of the thief.

Loss prevention consultants can be brought into your business to help you create a good loss prevention/asset protection policy.  These experts are invaluable, and years of experience as well as in depth knowledge can work for a business, in order to implement a viable and worthwhile program.

A business owner may notice that his or her business is experiencing a significant loss of profit due to lost merchandise.  This is a wake-up call to the business owner – a loss prevention program needs to be implemented.  Loss prevention consultants or a loss prevention agent can do the job.

For more information about loss prevention agent contact us at: loss prevention consultants or call 1.770.426.0547.

Filed Under: Loss Prevention Agent, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

A Loss Prevention Agent Can Solve Your Riddle and Protect The Innocent

August 11, 2010 by

The following two scenarios are pretty good clues you should seriously consider talking to a professional loss prevention agent.

Scenario one: You are a retail business owner who has a suspicion that you have an employee who is stealing from you, but you can’t quite put your finger on it the specifics.

Scenario two: There have been small amounts of cash missing, the register doesn’t always balance at the end of the day, or that item of merchandise you were sure you had yesterday can’t be located today, and there is no record of its being sold.

You may be asking yourself the following questions:

How do you find confirm you have a case of employee theft and how do you determine the how serious it is?

Is now the time to confront the suspect employee or to launch a full blown internal investigation to find the source of you suspicions?

Will a confrontation cause the guilty employee to stop his actions before you are able to prove involvement and have a chance at restitution?

In order to alleviate internal theft properly, certain steps must be taken by a qualified loss prevention agent.  These trained professionals will protect any innocent employees from feeling suspect and to protect you from any liability.

This is the time to contact an experienced loss prevention consultant who has the skills and experience to quickly get to the bottom of your problem and to find out the depth of employee involvement using highly developed investigative analytics and interview skills and to bring the situation to a successful conclusion.

For further information on what a Loss Prevention Agent can do for your situation, visit here.

Filed Under: Employee Theft, Loss Prevention Agent, Loss Prevention Consultant, Loss Prevention Investigator, White-Collar Crime Tagged With: