Staff Editor — Page 110

Red Means Stop – Alpha Shark Tag

January 14, 2014 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

The Alpha Security Alpha Shark Tag is a small plastic tag that attaches to the front of a garment in a very conspicuous place. By design, these retail anti-theft devices are designed to be a deterrent against customers who want to “wardrobe” an item. That means the consumer intends to buy a piece of clothing with the sole intent on wearing it once and then returning the item with a receipt for a full refund.

To prevent wardrobing, the store posts a visible return policy stating that the Alpha Shark Tag must be present and undamaged for a full refund to occur. If the customer tries to remove the tag, they will not be able to return the item without visible damage to the tag.

Additionally, an unsuspecting shoplifter might bypass such an item because they assume the tags are also designed as a retail anti-theft device. Just like certain items found in nature, the red color of the Alpha Shark Tag means stop. It can prevent shoplifting because the red color can be spotted far enough away from the clothing that the shoplifter might think it is another visual deterrent.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for Alpha 2Alarm, Alpha 3Alarm, Alpha Fashion2, Alpha Jewel Lok, Alpha Nano Gate, Alpha Shark Tag, Alpha Spider Wrap and other retail anti-theft devices from Alpha Security to use in conjunction with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

For more information on how you can use Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Alpha Fashion2, Alpha Jewel Lok, Alpha Nano Gate, Alpha Shark Tag, Alpha Spider Wrap, Fashion2, Jewel Lok, Nano Gate, Prevent Shoplifting, Shark Tag, Spider Wrap

5 Ways to Deter Shoplifters

January 13, 2014 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Shoplifting remains one of the major problems facing retail stores across the US and the world as a whole, some reports claim as many as one in twelve customers actively shoplift items from retail stores. There are simple and effective ways to deter shoplifters from committing this crime, which costs business millions of dollars each year.

Awareness

The first step in deterring shoplifters is to make sure each person entering a store is aware of the company policy of actively prosecuting those caught shoplifting. Signs should be positioned at the entrance and exit to a store that make the pledge that shoplifters will be prosecuted. Follow through with this pledge, by prosecuting shoplifters a store will gain a reputation as one to be avoided by shoplifting gangs.

Alarms

One of the major aspects of a shoplifting crime is usually secrecy, which is required when a shoplifter takes an item and hides it on their person. Shop floor alarms on high priced items, which sound when the loop is broken or the item is carried out of the store often act as a deterrent for shoplifters.

Store Layout

As has already been mentioned one of the major things each criminal considering shoplifting needs is secrecy. Taking an overview of the layout of a store can identify areas acting as blind spots not visible to employees. Altering the layout, which can mean positioning a cash register close to the exit, can make it more difficult for a shoplifter to complete their crime.

Positioning Stock

In general, thieves want to steal the most expensive items they can to get the highest amount in resale value that are easy to access. High priced items can be positioned close to the register where staff members can keep an eye on them; removing parts until the item is bought can also make it more difficult for a shoplifter.

Cameras

Shoplifters rarely want to be identified; meaning the installation of security cameras is one of the major deterrents to potential shoplifters. When installing cameras a professional company will usually assess the store for the best location to make cameras visible yet effective.

Filed Under: Shoplifting Prevention Tagged With: retail security and monitoring, security, shoplifting, Shoplifting Prevention, shoplifting statistics

In a Rush – Liquor Bottle Security

January 10, 2014 by Staff Editor

I was a cashier at a local store working a very busy weekend. There were huge crowds of people walking around hastily. If you looked at these customer’s faces it seemed like each and every one was frowning, or glaring at the situation. Since we used minimal liquor bottle security, it was really just a matter of time before this kind of situation happened.

There were long lines at the registers. You could see the people were restless, one man in particular. He kept stepping out of the line to see how any people were in front of him. He would crane his neck to see if any of the other registers were shorter. When he saw that they weren’t he would step back in line.

After a few minutes (I am sure it felt like forever to him) he threw his hands up in the air and yelled this is ridiculous. He then stepped out of line for the last time and started walking out of the store.

For most people, we would have left the merchandise behind, but not him. Maybe it was because he felt it was owed to him because he had to wait. Perhaps it was because we didn’t use Alpha Security EASy Bottle bottle locks for our liquor bottle security. Maybe he was simply frustrated and forgot that he still had bottles of our liquor in his hands. Either way, he took it with him, and we lost a potential sale, the inventory and a customer all in one.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase EASy Bottle bottle locks by Alpha Security and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system.

For more information on Alpha Security, Bottle Lock, Bottle locks, Bottle Security, EASy Bottle or Liquor Bottle Security and how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: Alpha Security, bottle lock, bottle locks, bottle security, easy bottle, liquor bottle security

A Little Peace of Mind – Alpha Nano Gate

January 10, 2014 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Everywhere you go, there are signs by public restrooms inside of stores asking that you not bring merchandise inside that has not been paid for. While most people willingly obey, there are some do not. Whether it is because they feel that they do not need to adhere to the request, or they have more dastardly reasons, sometimes a posted sign is not enough to prevent shoplifting.

The Alpha Security Alpha Nano Gate is a perfect solution for restrooms. This is a retail anti-theft device that works with your existing system. It is a small box that does the same function as the larger towers that are already in place at your exit doors.

By having a smaller design, the Alpha Nano Gate can be mounted in more tight spaces than their traditional pedestal counterparts. Since restroom vestibules are typically small designs, this works well. Signs can still be posted about not taking merchandise inside. This retail anti-theft device can be used to ensure that anyone looking to ignore the sign will have an alarm to answer to and might just think twice about trying to conceal their merchandise inside a restroom.

For more information on how you can use Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

The Company You Keep – Employee Theft

January 10, 2014 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Quite often when we conduct employee theft investigations, we look at their friends who work with them to see if they are stealing as well.

As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together. The same thing goes for employee theft. If you have an employee that is stealing they might have an accomplice in the store that is helping them out. If they found a way to steal independently, they may have shared this knowledge with their friends, to share the wealth, if you will.

When employee theft is occurring, the employee in question builds up their safe zone. This is how they establish their own parameters about when they can steal and how much they can steal. If the employee continues to expand their safe zone, the losses start to multiply exponentially. That means they start to take more and more each time they steal.

If they have involved their friends, they can expand the safe zone by eliminating how many other employees they need to watch out for. The friends might be an accomplice to help them past a register, or not questioning a bag going out the door.

This other employee (who begins to steal) will also develop their own safe zone. Now you have two employees causing you losses. You are also at risk that this employee will also bring one of their work friends into the loop, starting the cycle of employee theft over again.

For more information on employee theft, employee theft investigation or internal theft contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Visit the CCTV Systems that can help you stop Employee Theft and Internal Theft problems and help with your Employee Theft Investigation.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: employee theft, employee theft investigation, internal theft

Monitoring And Uncovering Theft Through Data Analysis

January 10, 2014 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Preventing and reducing shoplifting losses means companies can increase their profitability and invest in research and development or acquire better technology for their businesses. Losses mean the company has to cut on other areas, and hinder their ability to be profitable and cutting edge. Businesses have to deal with dishonesty from their employees as well. Is that something that concerns you as a business owner? Read the following articles to find more about retail software analytics, retailers return fraud, and the safety measures police departments are taking to provide safety to retails shoppers.

Retailers Raise Concerns About Continued Return Fraud

A recent survey by the National Retail Federation found fraudulent returns are expected to add up to a nearly $9 billion problem for the industry last year—with pressure ratcheting up during the holiday season.

With the holidays over, it’s likely that a few gifts might get sent back to the store. (Nothing personal; it just didn’t fit, Grandpa.)

While these kinds of returns are par for the course for many retail outlets, the National Retail Federation (NRF) is sounding the alarm about the dangers of return fraud. The association’s recent Return Fraud Survey projected that the practice cost the retail industry almost $3.4 billion during the 2013 holiday season. More details:

A widespread problem: Like credit-card fraud, which has drawn much attention in the wake of the Target incident last month, return fraud is something nearly all retailers have dealt with in some form, according to the NRF survey. The most common form, according to the retail loss-prevention executives polled, is the return of stolen merchandise: 94.8 percent of respondents say that their company dealt with such cases in 2013. Other common forms include return fraud involving employees (93.1 percent); returns of items purchased with fraudulent funding sources (69 percent); “wardrobing,” the return of already-used merchandise or clothing (62.1 percent); and retail fraud by organized crime groups (60.3 percent). While overall fraudulent returns were projected to see a relatively modest $50 million decline from 2012 figures, the amount for the holiday season alone was expected to increase by about that much.

Lavastorm Analytics Adds Bite to Compass Group Canada’s Loss Prevention Program with Data Analysis and Discovery

Compass Group Canada Reduces Shrinkage by Using the Lavastorm Analytics Engine to Uncover and Monitor Metrics and Patterns Correlated to Theft and Policy Breaches.

Lavastorm Analytics, a leading global analytics software company, announced today that Compass Group Canada, its country’s leading food service and support services company, which owns and operates 2,300 retail locations for nationally known brands, including Quiznos, Starbucks, Subway, Tim Horton’s and Pizza Pizza, as well as hospitals, schools and stadiums across Canada, has chosen the Lavastorm Analytics Engine to improve the accuracy and impact of its retail loss prevention program.

By using Lavastorm Analytics Engine, a powerful, visual and versatile analytic development environment and a key element of the Lavastorm Analytics Platform, Compass Group Canada has been able to uncover metrics and patterns that are reliable indicators of theft and to spot anomalies, which would previously have gone unnoticed, in the massive amount of point-of-sale (POS) data collected by its high-tech cash registers. In initial use, the system has been 100 percent accurate in identifying situations where theft or policy breaches were taking place.

With retailers suffering an average loss due to shrinkage of two percent of sales per year, Compass Group Canada, which had $1.5 billion in revenues in 2012, makes managing shrink a continual priority.

Beefed up holiday patrol deemed a success

Victorville station uses grant money for more retail enforcement.

Utilizing funds from a grant, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Victorville Station increased the number of patrol deputies in retail areas for a safer holiday season, officials said.

“We wanted to give residents a feeling of safety and confidence over the holiday season,” Sgt. Ken Lutz said. “A review of our efforts show it was very successful.”

From Nov. 29 through Dec. 31, officers from the Retail Theft Team, made up of six to eight members, were deployed in areas including the Mall of Victor Valley, Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Kohl’s and Winco, Lutz said.

The Retail Theft Team utilized marked and unmarked cars, uniformed and plainclothes deputies, depending on the operation, Lutz said.

Money for the holiday enforcement was made possible by a Justice Assistance Grant. During the targeted time period, 112 reports were written and 135 arrests were made for various retail crimes, which could possibly lead to future arrests, officials reported.

Lutz said deputies worked in cooperation with retail loss prevention officers for faster response times to calls for service and fewer vehicle burglaries in and around retail areas due to the increased law enforcement presence.

“On Black Friday (Nov. 29) we had one vehicle burglary reported,” Lutz said. “The results of the holiday enforcement period are very encouraging.”

Filed Under: Shoplifting Prevention Tagged With: retail security and monitoring, security, Shoplifting Prevention, surveillance

Take a Hint – Pre-Employment Screening

January 9, 2014 by Staff Editor

Even before they see the results from a pre-employment screening, many hiring managers look at a few very important things when they review applications.

They look to see if this is someone with the skill set required for the position. They look to see if this is someone that might have some longevity with their company; reducing turnover costs.

As small business owners, we are the hiring managers. There is rarely payroll for someone other than us to be a hiring manager. As such, we need to determine what our end game is going to be for this employee. This is where we can take a hint from the hiring managers. We need to look at the long-term effects that hiring a specific applicant will have on us.

All too often we tend to hire the disposable employee. We need a position filled quickly. We can no longer wait for the perfect applicant to show up, we simply pick the best from what we have. “The Best” being very subjective.

When we do not hire an employee with the intention of training them properly, growing and motivating them to be promoted later, or even just to be a quality employee, we are starting a vicious cycle.

These are the applicants who will eventually cost us more money than they are worth. We may have bypassed the pre-employment screening in our rush to get them hired. As a result, we have the potential for dishonest or physically aggressive employees to be working in our stores

To purchase Pre-Employment Screening Services or for more information on background check experts, background checks, criminal background checks, employee background checks or pre employment screening contact us at the background check company or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: background check company, background check experts, Background checks, criminal background check, employee background checks, pre employment screening

An Extra Push – Clothing Security Tags

January 9, 2014 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Often, when I do a spot check of clothing security tags on our winter coats I find that they were not snapped down far enough. Sometimes the bulky material of the coat makes it hard for my employees to determine that the tag is accurately secured. By doing minimal additional training with your store employees, you should greatly reduce these discrepancies.

When checked, you will find that the pin is attached to the base of the tag. However, the pin is not completely engaged into the locking mechanism. That means anyone can detach the tags simply by giving the two sides a good pull. They will detach the clothing security tags without damaging the tag or the outerwear.

To fix this, simply give the Checkpoint tags an extra push down. The pins in the tag will click and snap completely shut. This way they are not easily wiggled loose because the pin was not completely engaged.

You should hear two little clicks when you push the pin down. That means it is completely secured in place. If you are having trouble, sometimes you can gently tug on the fabric to get the stuffing to spread out slightly- thus thinning out some of the bulk. Other times, just pushing a little harder on the tag will secure it properly.

Whatever the method, by making sure your employees know to check the tags will make the biggest difference in the effectiveness of your clothing security.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint Tags, a Clothing Alarm, Clothing Security or Clothing Security Tags to put Security Tags on Clothes and an Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Checkpoint tags, clothing alarm, Clothing Security, clothing security tags, security tags on clothes

Loss Prevention Strategies

January 7, 2014 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Preventing shoplifting can be a daunting experience for any retail shop. What can you do to deterred people from causing losses to the bottom line of your business? Although the holidays are over, the New Year can present you with new ways to improve security and how to avoid shoplifters from entering your business. Read the articles below for more information about this topic.

4 Ways to Maximize Your Loss Prevention Strategies

Most merchants take basic precautions to reduce theft in their stores: they train employees and install surveillance systems. But even with these steps, the National Retail Federation survey found that 96 percent of retailers have been a victim of organized retail crime.

That said, there’s always more you can and should do to make your store less attractive to thieves. Our experts suggest four, all maximizing the loss prevention technology and techniques you’re likely already using.

1. Have video surveillance footage you can use. Many merchants review video footage after a break-in or employee theft only to find that the camera has been turned off or the equipment is not in working order. “Put the main recording device in a locked cabinet and make sure all cords going to the recorder are secure as well,” says Steve White, corporate vice president, business development at Vector Security. He also suggests you change all default passwords for the video system so that footage cannot be erased.

LP Magazine Special Report: Holiday Robberies

A recent news story highlighted an alarming number of robberies and burglaries which occurred over the Holiday season, with the report detailing 108 incidents that occurred over a ten day period between December 23rd and January 1st. 93 of the incidents were robberies. Several of the incidents involved the assault of employees, with one incident tragically ending with the shooting death of a convenience store owner in the Detroit area.

What is much more telling, however, is that these numbers only touch the surface. While the holidays are a time of high stress and heightened exposure, robberies can occur at any time, and with astonishing frequency. Let’s take a deeper look:

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Report (UCR), we average better than 971 robbery incidents per day nationwide. These incidents accounted for an estimated $414 million in losses in 2012. 652 victims died during robbery incidents. While not all of these crimes are retail-related incidents, approximately 21 percent occurred in commercial/retail establishments.

Providing a list of the incidents that occurred is valuable, and helps to heighten awareness. It’s important that we remind ourselves of the possibilities, and respectfully address the issue. But rather than simply spewing statistics, our greatest concern is always the safety of those involved in these and similar incidents. Such events should serve as a reminder to all of us in the retail community that appropriate protocols intended to prevent robberies from happening is clearly important. Additionally, providing guidance and direction regarding how employees should handle these incidents must be a priority. Training and awareness are essential to safe outcomes.

Lawsuits against Retailers: The Expert’s Role

Contemporary loss prevention policies and procedures is a direct consequence of the so-called “litigation explosion” that dates back to the early to mid-1980s. Time was when a head-long pursuit through the parking lot and across heavily-trafficked public roadways was a way of life. To many it was exhilarating and the resultant capture of a shoplifter was rewarding.

However, I recall with clarity the case of two teenage brothers who were pursued by supermarket employees for the theft of a couple of candy bars and a 16 oz. can of beer. The two were struck and killed by an auto in the middle lanes of a nearby freeway. The subsequent lawsuit was punishing. It’s fair to identify that very case as the beginning of the end of hot pursuits in the retail industry.

Subsequently, other practices, heretofore invoking mild reprimands, became socially and legally unacceptable and everyday practices, such as wrestling a suspect to the ground and gaining control with an arm-lock, became suspect, again, magnified by lawsuits. Shoplifters died, invariably followed by a lawsuit resulting in the awarding of damages. Awards sent corporate policymakers, guided by their own legal counsel, back to the drawing boards.

Filed Under: Shoplifting Prevention Tagged With: retail security, security, shoplifting, Shoplifting Prevention, surveillance

All Systems Go – Checkpoint Security Systems

January 7, 2014 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Technology has greatly improved over time. Now Checkpoint security systems are much more durable than what they used to be. I have had many experiences with Checkpoint security systems breakdowns that are a direct result of damage done to the EAS pedestals.

The damages were often a direct result of countless shopping carts banging into the pedestals on their way out the door during a busy weekend. The water from the floor cleaner would sometimes seep into the base and disrupt the electronic components.

Now the bases are more resistant to water or to intentional tampering. The pedestals are also now constructed from impact resistant thermoplastics. All of which helps keep the systems running when they should and eliminating more of the false alarms that were a result from system failures and damages.

One of the theories about using the Checkpoint Security Systems is that they are an identifiable and a visual deterrent to stop shoplifting. Unlike other anti-shoplifting devices, the pedestals are also an audible cue that the store is protected. If the pedestals are an unreliable form of retail theft prevention, the entire system becomes an unreliable way to stop shoplifting. It is imperative that the pedestals stay in working order to maintain the integrity of the store’s retail theft prevention.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Anti-Shoplifting devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system from Checkpoint Systems to stop shoplifting in your store.

For more information on Anti-Shoplifting, Checkpoint Labels, a Checkpoint Security System, Checkpoint Security Tags, Checkpoint Systems, or Checkpoint Tags and how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us at Retail theft prevention to Stop Shoplifting in your store or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: Anti-Shoplifting, Checkpoint labels, checkpoint security system, Checkpoint security tags, checkpoint systems, Checkpoint tags, retail theft prevention, stop shoplifting