What is Loss Prevention Security?

Although I get this question asked of me indirectly, it is an interesting question to me, “what is loss prevention security”?  Many retailers consider their burglar alarm as loss prevention security and it is to an extent, but only when the doors are closed, no one is in and the alarm is set.  That makes it more of a “loss alert” than prevention security.  The reality is most retail loss occurs during business hours.

The next most popular “I have loss prevention security” comment is in regards to their camera system. And again 99% of these systems are not actively in use for prevention.  Retail camera systems – CCTV surveillance for retail, are typically in “set it and forget it” mode.  In fact, most retailers never even check their recording device any more since DVRs will automatically overwrite recorded info firt in first out.  In other words, no one is sitting in front of the monitor watching the cameras during business hours in order to prevent theft.  The shoplifters know this by the way and couldn’t care less when they see cameras in place.

Maybe you think of a uniformed security guard as loss prevention security, which if they are actually trained on loss prevention and understand how to prevent and process theft, they are a good source of loss prevention security.  Trained people always trump installed systems.  However, very few retailers can afford 24 hour security personnel.

The best installed loss prevention security is active in nature like an EAS (electronic article surveillance) system.  Checkpoint Systems is the leading EAS installer and you will see their systems in store like Kohls, Target, Old Navy, Gap, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid and so on.  These are active systems because they alert the store employees immediately when theft is attempted.

Even then the systems full benefit will not be realized without good employee interaction.

For more info visit: loss prevention security