How random ‘demonstrations’ help with retail theft prevention

March 2, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Almost everyone is familiar with practices such as ‘the perp walk’ or ‘a munitions test’. They are shows of power. They are opportunity for an authority to flex its muscle in the face of its adversaries. In loss prevention we don’t have access to ballistic missiles or the ability to march an apprehended shoplifter through the store to identify and embarrass them (in most cases anyway). For us, the only way to flex our muscles is generally passive in nature, to show we are watching. Having retail theft prevention systems visibly in play are one way of doing this; cameras (be they dummy or actual) mounted to the walls or ceilings, Checkpoint security tags on the merchandise, even a uniformed agent standing guard at an access point.

I myself have thought of a more aggressive method of demonstrating that we are vigilantly watching in the hopes that those who bear witness may be dissuaded from potentially illicit acts. I’d like to think of it as an anti shoplifting drill. The way it works is you have an employee (preferably another loss prevention agent in plainclothes) do a rather conspicuous shoplifting exercise throughout the store, concealing product on their person or in a prop bag. Then they will make their way to the most populated or traveled access point of the store, preferably passing through a Checkpoint security system, where other loss prevention agents will appear to make the ‘apprehension’ in a very public manner. The more people that see, the better. Obviously this is a practice only really works if you have the available manpower and the time to do it, but it would be a show of your team’s anti shoplifting prowess that can work to your advantage.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase retail anti theft devices from Checkpoint Systems.

For more information on Anti Shoplifting , Checkpoint Security System or Checkpoint Security Tags contact us at Retail theft prevention or call 1.770.426.0547

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

Everyone has Questions

March 2, 2012 by Staff Editor

I have spent a fair amount of time moving around the country. Each move presents me with the fabulous opportunity to go to the DMV to change my drivers license. The last trip I took, I was presented with a series of questions that really started to make me think. They asked about any outstanding violations or warrants and a few other related questions.

I thought about how easy it would be for someone to lie because there didn’t seem to be a validation process in place. It’s very similar to hiring an employee and not running any sort of pre employment screening or criminal background check.

I know some companies I have been hired on to have done a great job with their pre employment screening. Running a criminal background check was only the first part. They called my references, both personal and professional and validated past salaries.

I know that some companies never questioned anything. How easy would it be for someone to give false information? That doesn’t mean they are hardened criminals out to steal you blind. Maybe they just want an extra five or ten thousand a year in salary. A background check might show that they were making less at their previous employer, thus saving you some money.

Background checks are there for a reason. Because they are so readily available, it’s a shame not to use them. It’s time to ask, how much am I loosing by not running a check; how much will I gain?

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 checks, criminal background check, employee background checks, pre employment screening

Bottle Security: Just A Little Patience!!

March 2, 2012 by Staff Editor

A friend of mine has all the passion of an entrepreneur and absolutely no patience. When news of potential privatization of the state run liquor stores hit his state he had visions of buying and running several of these locations. He gave no thought to liquor bottle security or loss prevention of any kind. He just knew he was going to run his own fleet of package stores and be the boss.

I obviously tried to help ground him a bit as I have done throughout our friendship. I wanted him to sit down and formulate a business plan that included a well rounded loss prevention piece that addressed bottle security directly. I even offered to do some research for him since I knew he would not give it a thought otherwise. I was looking for a company that made any type of bottle locks. At that point in time I didn’t know if there was any such thing as a bottle lock. I was hoping there would be bottle locks that could be placed somewhere on the bottle to deter shoplifting. It was imperative that we find a bottle security solution before my friend bought one or more of these businesses otherwise we would be playing catch up forever.

I found a company called Alpha security, they had an entire system, the EASy bottle system that employed alarmed bottle locks. I could not believe our luck. In speaking with Alpha Security representative I was happy to hear there were different models of the bottle lock and that he would be happy to bring the actual bottle locks to a sit down meeting to discuss Alpha security’s potential to do business with my friend.

My friend had purchased three locations and was excited to get started. We reviewed several options for liquor bottle security including the EASy bottle system, several versions of the bottle lock, CCTV and wireless video monitoring. The Alpha Security representative was very helpful and was very knowledgeable regarding overall bottle security. He helped my friend make some very cost effective decisions regarding his liquor bottle security strategy. In the end it was a mix of the EASy bottle security system and CCTV that became the foundation for my friend to secure his business.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase EASy Bottle bottle locks by Alpha Security.

For more information on Alpha Security , Bottle Lock , Bottle locks , Bottle Security , liquor bottle security or EASy Bottle 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

Clothing security is a must for warm weather apparel.

March 2, 2012 by Staff Editor

Even though it’s still cold outside, many clothing retailers are marking down the cold weather product and making way for the new spring collections. For most it is also the beginning of the new fiscal year so the time to add clothing security, such as clothing security tags and a clothing alarm, is now. Here are the reasons why.

First, putting security tags on clothes is not really an option if you want to keep profits high. Shoplifting is at an all-time high and not store is immune. To add to the already theft laden market, warm weather clothes are the easiest to steal. It is pretty conspicuous when someone puts on a second jacket and tries to walk out. It is also obvious when large sweaters are stuffed under someone’s shirt. What is not obvious is when that women puts on a high dollar bikini and walks out. The customer who pockets the new sunglasses or steals a pair of shorts is not obvious. The smaller / skimpier products are just plain easier to steal and must be protected.

Since we have to put security tags on clothes I suggest using Checkpoint tags. Checkpoint tags are cost effective. Checkpoint tags are also reliable and known to shoplifters so they are a great theft deterrent. You will also need a clothing alarm from Checkpoint as well so that when the customer tries to walk out with concealed product you will be alerted and can respond to the potential theft.

The second reason to get your clothing security now is that it is the beginning of the year. The price of this investment isn’t going to change so by making this acquisition at the beginning of the year you get to reap the benefits of your investment for the full year instead of only part of the year. It just makes sense to get your full money’s worth by buying sooner rather than later.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase a clothing alarm or clothing security tags.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags 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

On the Flip Side

March 2, 2012 by Staff Editor

After spending years trying to prevent losses and instill superior clothing security in my stores, I recently had the chance to be on the flip side. I had a partnership with one of the other managers at a neighboring retailer. We called each other frequently to discuss trends and share ORT information. One day he asked me to help him do some shoplifter awareness training for his store. I would come in as a customer and start stealing. It would be a test to see how many associates were aware of what was going on in their departments.

So on the scheduled time and date I entered. One of the first things I did was to go to their accessories department and pick out a large bag. I was able to find one without any Checkpoint tags on it. As I rode up an escalator to the clothing upstairs, I pulled the tag off. Now it looked to everyone on the second level that the bag was mine.

I then spent the next thirty minutes stuffing the bag with as much merchandise as what I could fit. I tried to use as many shoplifter-warning signs that I could think of. Selecting multiple items without regard to size or color. I looked through items to find which one did not have any sort of clothing security tag. I wanted to get out the doors without sounding the clothing alarm.

By the time I was done, I had been to the top five shrink areas and made it out the door with approximately $4000.00. In a recap later, my colleague told me about some of the phone calls from associates when they saw me stealing. I don’t feel too bad about being a poor shoplifter. The associates learned a lot that day. Not just about how a shoplifter operates, but also how important clothing security and Checkpoint tags are.

Please note: This training exercise was conducted in an extremely controlled environment. We had approval from both corporate headquarters and both parties signed a written agreement. The associates were aware that the test would be conducted on that day, and the entire test was filmed. All merchandise was returned in new condition as soon as I exited the store.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase a clothing alarm or clothing security tags.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags 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

Is It Worth the Risk?

March 2, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Many LP professionals have had a known theft suspect they couldn’t wait to arrest. They were aware of the subject, but for whatever reason, this person had evaded detainment and continued to steal from their store. While working for one company, I had a woman who came in multiple times per month and treated our store like a swap meet, leaving her old earrings on the cards and taking ours. Whenever she entered the store, we would initiate surveillance and intend to make a detainment, but she would either dump the merchandise or we’d be uncertain which items she took.

In my experience, jewelry is one of the toughest items to protect against loss. It’s challenging to maintain observation of such a small item when it’s being carried by a moving person or being palmed in their hand. Jewelry can be easily concealed and just as easily dumped, increasing the likelihood of an unproductive stop. Many companies place additional apprehension requirements for jewelry items as a result of the risk they create for retailers. I’ve made the difficult decision many times to let a shoplifter go because I wasn’t willing to gamble my job or jeopardize my employer on an item that may have been either stolen or dumped. Obviously, detainment isn’t going to be the answer to retailers’ jewelry theft problem.

Because so many challenges faced retailers trying to protect their jewelry from five finger discounts, the creation of the Jewel Lok felt like a miracle. Introduced in 2011, this innovative retail anti-theft device resolved the aesthetic display dilemma others before it couldn’t. My favorite feature of this solution is that a shoplifter attempting to defeat it will break the jewelry before they can remove it. If my store had the Jewel Lok, we wouldn’t have a collection of that subject’s earrings we’re going to return to her when we finally get her someday.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices like the jewel lok that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Jewel Lok, Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices

RF Labels plus teamwork equals theft prevention

March 2, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Retail establishments used various techniques and tools to stop shoplifting. These tools vary in what they do and how they are used. RF labels are one of those tools and an RF label comes in different size to use in different types of situations. These RF labels are placed on everything from clothing items, perfumes and hi-value items. Once RF security tags they serve two purposes one is to deter theft of the items and second is that if the item is removed without payment the RF label will set off an alarm upon exit. RF labels go by different names such as Checkpoint labels or Checkpoint security tags, but their purpose is the same.

But for these Checkpoint security tags to work correctly the employees responsible for placing them on the items properly must be sure they are done correctly. The main goal of the Checkpoint labels is to stop shoplifting. I have seen many situations were an improperly placed RF security labels is just pulled off the item which defeat the purpose of them being on the item. This type of improper placement can cause a retailer’s a tremendous amount of money. This is why for any program to stop shoplifting to work everyone must work together for the same common goal.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF label, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags, stop shoplifting

What is Exception Based Reporting?

March 2, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Exception Based Reporting can be loss prevention’s best friend. The principal behind the software is to weed out the transactions that are most indicative to internal theft to give you a platter full of possible leads. The key then is to identify which of those transactions is actually employee theft.

Many of the transactions that populate will be due to training errors or transactions where the employee was simply trying to do what is best for the customer. Obviously we do not want to punish our employees for those sorts of situations; however this tool can be used as a good way to identify possible training flaws as well. Once we have narrowed it down to the best internal theft candidates we can begin our employee theft investigation. Using the tools this software has to offer we can conduct searches of the employee’s purchase and return history, giving us a snapshot of any potential transactions were the employee may have received unauthorized discounts from another employee.

We can see if the employee is returning more merchandise than they are buying, which can be an indicator that the employee may be stealing merchandise to return it for a profit. These are just a few of the many employee theft situations that we can identify. Once we have exhausted the employee’s purchase and return history we can investigate the employee’s point of sale history. We can track credit card numbers and other tenders to identify if the employee is completing a large amount of transactions for any particular customers. This can help to identify situations where the employee is under ringing or passing off merchandise to friends. We can identify trends in discounts given to customers or instances where the employee is giving dollar off discounts in order to pocket cash from a transaction. Again, these are just a few examples of the many employee theft investigations that we can conduct to help identify internal theft. With use in conjunction with video review Exception Based Reporting can be a hugely beneficial tool with your employee theft investigations.

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

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

A few hows and whys regarding using Checkpoint security systems

February 29, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Checkpoint Security Tags are among the most common forms of anti shoplifting devices currently being utilized in today’s retail environment. They are easy to install, easy to upkeep, and are simple enough that anyone can implement it into their store. The way it functions is the Checkpoint security tags are applied to product; the tags themselves clip on through the use of a large pin that snaps into place on the flat side of the sensor. When a sensor passes near a Checkpoint system gate it triggers an alarm, the source of which is a feedback signal created by the sensor’s proximity to the gate. The noise it creates is both familiar and noticeable. However it is not fool-proof by any means.

The most important thing to ensure the effectiveness of a Checkpoint security system is that it is executed properly. It will do no good if your employees are not attaching tags to over 95% of the product you are trying to protect. In order to ensure those standards are kept I can only suggest that incoming product that fits your company’s protection guidelines are tagged as soon as they get off the shipment truck before they even hit the sales floor. After that, doing regular checks on tag attachment rates will help you keep tabs on who in your store is not towing the line as the saying goes.

Just remember, even if you have a 100% tag attachment rate it does not guarantee absolute retail theft prevention. The Checkpoint security system is merely an anti shoplifting tool that best serves as a supplement that gives your loss prevention team valuable time and even a little peace of mind.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase retail anti theft devices from Checkpoint Systems.

For more information on Anti Shoplifting , Checkpoint Security System or Checkpoint Security Tags contact us at Retail theft prevention or call 1.770.426.0547

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

Criminal Background Checks Prevent Internal theft

February 29, 2012 by Staff Editor

Pre employment screening is important for many reasons. One of those reasons is to prevent internal theft. Background checks help to weed out the bad eggs that may have otherwise slipped through the cracks. There are plenty of people out there who are looking for a job in retail for no other reason than to steal from the retailer. We see a significant spike in this sort of scenario during the holidays. These types of people know that companies are desperate to hire seasonal help and may not be taking the time to carry out detailed interviews, conduct criminal background checks and check references on potential employees as much as they do the rest of the year. I have conducted many internal interviews after identifying employee theft and you wouldn’t believe the number of times I’ve heard them admit that their sole reason of getting a job with us was to steal. It is always their first time getting caught stealing, so they usually tell us everything we want to know in hopes of getting off with a warning. We conduct employee background checks on all new hires, and nothing comes up on their background checks when we hired them, but next time they won’t be so lucky. Now that we have caught them in the act, criminal background checks conducted by retailers in the future will stop them in their tracks. We know for a fact that pre employment screening has helped prevent us from hiring convicted shoplifters. When we receive the results from the background check company we are able to see when a shoplifter attempts to get a job with us. We always listen to the background check experts and deny employment in order to protect our assets.

When in doubt, use a background check company and look to background check experts to give you solid advice on employee background checks.

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