Staff Editor — Page 211

Clothing security to deal with Organized Retail Crime

February 20, 2012 by Staff Editor

For those of us in Loss Prevention, Organized Retail Crime is probably the second biggest threat to a store’s bottom line right behind internal theft. Every ORC syndicate is different in methodology and composition and therefore each one must be discovered and dealt with differently. There is no ‘silver bullet’ no ‘perfect system’ to catch these seasoned thieves in the act and they have been at it for so long that shoplifting is their primary source of income; therefore they have made it their business to know our capabilities and our equipment. It doesn’t mean we can’t catch them, but it does mean they are among the hardest shoplifters to stop.

At my particular store, ORC syndicates target high end clothing and accessories nine times out of ten. Even with our extensive camera network and with security tags on clothes and purses they still manage to beat us a fair amount of time. But, every so often we manage to stop them by taking advantage of what we know and what we have at our disposal. At my store we use Checkpoint tags on our clothes and purses. The ORC groups know this and all have their methods for dealing with them be it taking them to a fitting room and snapping off the tags with tools or stuffing them in foil-lined bags to try and confuse the clothing alarm. Usually, while they go about trying to remove or disable the clothing security tags they have something else going on to catch our attention or screen their movements. Even if they have a plan to be in and out before we have time to react, the amount of time they need to invest to deal with the Checkpoint tags gives us the opportunity to stop them.

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

Spider Wrapping to stall shoplifters

February 20, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

It’s odd looking, a little cumbersome, and makes funny loud noises if mishandled. I speak, of course, of Spider Wraps. They are retail anti theft devices specifically designed to prevent shoplifting of larger, bulk items. In my store Spider Wraps can be found protecting things such things as televisions, power tools, and vacuum cleaners. It takes a bit of effort ensuring the floor staff properly applies them where they are required but it is simply part of the job facilitating such loss prevention policy. What good are retail anti theft devices if they aren’t being used in a great enough quantity?

A Nano Gate is also needed at the entry point of your store to provide your Spider Wraps with a secondary alarm system. While the units do possess self-contained alarms which sound when they are tampered with (like when someone cuts one of the cords without disabling the alarm) they won’t do anything if someone walks out of the store with a Spider Wrapped product but no Nano Gate to trigger the secondary alarm. Of course, those in the know have their methods of disabling or removing the units, but such methods are messy and time consuming, not to mention time consuming. That is how they prevent shoplifting usually. Most thieves will bypass a bulky product that is Spider Wrapped because they know how noticeable such an action would be. While other retail anti theft devices are a little less conspicuous (like the 2 Alarm or 3 Alarm systems or Shark Tags and Jewel Locks) they are mostly meant for different applications. That doesn’t mean they don’t have their uses or aren’t as effective, but they wouldn’t make quite the same impact for protecting large items.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices 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: 2 Alarm, 3 Alarm, Nano Gate, Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices, Shark Tag, Spider Wrap

Checkpoint: A Security Solution To Stop Shoplifting

February 20, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Checkpoint Systems is a premier security solutions company. Their products have been used for years to stop shoplifting. The company now has a full line of security devices such as: Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, and RF security tags.

When I first began my loss prevention career, there were not many options for article security. The idea of RF label technology was not yet developed. Checkpoint had developed and was using the Checkpoint Security Tags as a method to stop shoplifting. While these tags did their job effectively, they were not appropriate for everyone’s business. Seeing this, Checkpoint labels were developed. The Checkpoint labels use RF Label technology. These RF labels are less intrusive than the RF security tags. They are perfect for the retailer that does not want to take away from the visual presence of the merchandise. The RF security labels utilize Radio Frequency technology just like the RF security tags. The only difference is the RF labels do not need to be attached to the merchandise like the Checkpoint Security Tags. This is great for expensive easily damaged merchandise, or the retail that has non-flexible look in their store.

If a retailer is looking for to stop shoplifting, but does not have the visual standard that the RF label excels in, the Checkpoint security tag is the right solution for you. Having begun my career in a discount retailer, the Checkpoint Security tag was the perfect fit. We were able to secure our merchandise and provided a direct visual deterrent to stop shoplifting. The RF security Label is a great solution for someone looking for security and a non-intrusive device. The RF security label will provide a retailer with peace of mind and the effectiveness of the security tag.

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

Employee Theft Confidentiality

February 20, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

When it comes to detecting theft, some of your best leads can come from your employee base. You can only do so much to detect employee theft on your own. With your employees being on the front lines, they are one of your best ways of detecting theft. You can encourage associates to provide tips by providing anonymous ways of reporting internal theft. Anonymous drop boxes, hotlines, websites and mailables are great resources you can utilize. Another great way to encourage your employees to call out suspicious behaviors in their fellow associates is to provide them with a reward if their tip should lead to the identification of employee theft. The best way to encourage an open and honest environment is to maintain an atmosphere of confidentiality. When your employees know that they can come to you and what they share is strictly between you and them, they will be much more likely to inform you of employee theft they observe.

Recently my atmosphere of confidentiality was compromised by a member of my team. One of the store employees informed us of internal theft activity where another employee was ticket switching to purchase clothing at a cheaper price. Through our employee theft investigation we identified that the dishonest employee was switching tickets on merchandise and even stealing merchandise. After closing our employee theft investigation we rewarded the informant and promised them confidentiality. When the confidentiality agreement was broken we jeopardized the employee’s reputation with the other employees. Not only that, but we potentially compromised our ability to receive information about employee theft activity from that employee and other employees in the future. Now we will need to regain the trust of our employees and work even harder to ensure they feel that they can come to us and their information will remain classified.

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

Don’t Let the Alarm Spook You on Your Way Out

February 17, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

A few years ago when I was a new loss prevention investigator, still during my training period, I came into my office at the beginning of my shift and my boss was already watching two male individuals in the electronics department. He said that they had been walking around the area for quite some time and acting rather suspicious. Almost instantaneously after he pointed out the two males to me they each selected a Nintendo DS and quickly left electronics while looking around.

Although I was not aware of it at the time, I now realize the manner in which they left electronics typically presupposes theft. We had the DS’s in anti shoplifting devices so I was very curious as to how they intended to remove alpha cases. This however, was not their intention. They entered our furniture department and simply placed the DS’s, anti shoplifting cases included, into the front of their pants. Immediately, the two began to head towards the front of the store. Because of the speed in which they concealed the items and made it the checkpoint systems at the front of the store, we were not able to get outside quick enough to detain them. Luckily, as the two exited the store our checkpoint security system alarm went off. One of the males continued out the door, but the second got scared and turned around to run back into the store. We were able to detain the second male and retrieve our merchandise still inside the alpha cases.

Incorporating checkpoint security systems with the proper anti shoplifting devices into our store’s retail theft prevention program gave us the upper hand in this situation. Without a checkpoint system in place and the merchandise inside checkpoint security tags the alarm would have never gone off. Because of this, any store wanting to strengthen their retail theft prevention efforts would be remiss not to include a checkpoint system with the relevant checkpoint security tags for your merchandise. Who knows, maybe you can just scare future shoplifters into not leaving your store.

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

The Real Cost of Bad Hires

February 17, 2012 by Staff Editor

Do you know how much it cost to hire an employee? It’s not just the price you pay per hour worked. That is only the beginning. When I look at employee retention and unnecessary turnover, I calculate the true cost of a new hire.

I need to have a base wage for the associate. Then I need to determine how many hours of training am I going to give them. I will then need to add in the hours it takes for their trainer to adequately train them on proper execution of company standards and tasks. Realistically, I should also know how many hours it will take this associate to really work at full speed once they are done with formalized training. Should I include the payroll used to compensate for the trainer and trainee’s unproductive time (while in the training mode)? Yep! And don’t forget, I have to spend time training the trainer to make sure they know what to do.

That is a lot of payroll!

Imagine if you hire someone who turns out to be a total deadbeat. Not only will you end up replacing that associate, but also you potentially will lose your good associates along the way.

Taking the time to run pre employment screening and background checks will help save money in the long run. Hiring the right candidate the first time will save countless hours of payroll dollars. Background checks are designed to weed out the bad apples so you can focus on running a successful business, not a perpetual training facility.

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: This Lock’s For You!!

February 17, 2012 by Staff Editor

I was consulting for a gentleman that owns three liquor store locations in urban markets. He was having significant shrink in all of his locations. He had only been in business for about two years and although sales were healthy his losses were eroding most of the profits he was acquiring. I asked him what type of loss prevention tools he had, CCTV, EAS, bottle locks, lockable cases etc. I was trying to gauge what type of liquor bottle security he had started out with and find out if those tools were being utilized correctly. The owner stated that the only loss prevention tool he had purchased was CCTV in all three locations. I told him I wanted to visit all three locations, meet the staffs and review each store from top to bottom as well as view the books and sample some video. This would give me a closer insight as to the source of his losses.

Not surprisingly the source of shrink for all three stores was a combination of blatant shoplifting and employee indifference to the thefts. I found no evidence of employee theft but definitely a frustration among the staffs that they were helpless to catch the thieves. They all expressed a need for additional liquor bottle security. The business was on the brink of failure and was looking over a bottomless pit. I had my work cut out for me.

I found a company called Alpha security that specifically dealt with liquor bottle security via a system they called EASy Bottle which employed the use of actual bottle locks. Each bottle lock was alarmed and if attempts were made to defeat the tag it would render the contents of the bottle inconsumable. I was impressed with the bottle locks dual purpose. I was equally impressed with lean sleekness of the bottle lock which allowed the bottles to be stored on shelves without affecting marketing or storage. Alpha Security has successfully applied RF technology to their EASy Bottle system. This type of bottle security would be the cornerstone of my strategy to help the business owner.

I sat down with the business owner and reviewed the results of my overall audit. He was a bit surprised at the employee indifference but otherwise was very open to the results. The next step was to discuss my thoughts to improve bottle security within his stores. I laid out Alpha Security’s EASY Bottle system. I was sure to bring a few bottle locks with me to show him how the bottle lock worked with his product. The owner was extremely excited about the EASy bottle system as being the main focus of bottle security in his three stores.

We sat down we each store staff laid out the plan to protect the company’s assets and explained that they would have to work diligently to implement and interact with the system to ensure success. Training was a huge key in this business’s success story. Within 3 months of employing the EASy Bottle system the company’s shrink was on a sharp decline. By the end of the year the shrink had been reduced by more than 60%. Needless to say both I and the business owner were very happy with Alpha Security’s system.

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

Checkpoint Tags: The Cost Effective Solution

February 17, 2012 by Staff Editor

When you work in clothing sales, you start to live in a different sense of seasonality. Swim suits start to show up in the dead of winter. Coats make their appearances in the sweltering heat of August. This is in addition to the constant change of new product on a daily basis in some retailers. When you spend significant payroll hours remerchandising and setting new POGs, clothing security is often pushed to the bottom of the priority list.

It may seem that the need for clothing security doesn’t always outweigh the costs involved starting it up. Here are some common concerns about clothing security tags.

Hard tags are expensive: Yes, the initial investment can be a large sum of money. However, Checkpoint tags cannot be deactivated. The pins and tags are physically removed at the point of purchase. That means the tags are reusable. Once the initial purchase of hard tags is made, there is a minimal financial upkeep.

How will one product work for all my merchandise? The clothing security tags have different sized pins or lanyards that will accommodate just about every scenario needed.

Regardless of which season’s clothing you are getting in, there is a Checkpoint tag designed to fit. After your clothes are tagged, they will stay secured no matter how many times they are moved around. It will be one less thing to check off when you do your next plan o gram.

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

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

Cops and Robbers 2.0

February 17, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Growing up, my favorite game to play with my neighborhood friends was cops and robbers, and I always chose the role of the “good guys.” And whatever scenario we were acting out that day, I never let my robber playmates get away without sending them to jail in my playhouse. Throughout my Loss Prevention career, I have taken on the same “us vs. them” mentality towards preventing theft because my objective is in direct conflict with a shoplifter’s. As a result, I am always looking for ways to reduce my store’s vulnerability to the inevitable pilferage that all retailers are subjected to.

One way I do this is by effectively utilizing merchandise protection strategies provided by my employer. While working for a big box retailer, my favorite retail anti-theft device was the spider wrap. I favored this solution because with proper application and the absence of loose cables, this is one of the most difficult products to defeat. Wraps enabled with 2 Alarm technology sound off if tampered with or the wires are cut and they signal the EAS to alarm. Even better, 3 Alarm wraps have the additional feature of self-alarming when taken from the store.

As I mentioned above, spider wraps are difficult to defeat. Personal experience and frequenting websites and blogs designed to help shoplifters have taught me this. When questions are posted on how to remove wraps from products, a simple answer is never provided. Aside from buying an S3 key online or holding the product with the wrap under water in the toilet to short out the alarm, it’s not easy. As most of us in Loss Prevention know, any anti-theft device can be defeated if a person has time and tools (and privacy). The success of these products increases when a store has an effective sales team. That way, the shoplifter will never be able to get the merchandise to the bathroom.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices like the spider wrap 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: 2 Alarm, 3 Alarm, Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices, Spider Wrap

Is Your Job Worth a Jelly Bean?

February 17, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Employee theft can be detrimental to a company. Not only does it cost money through product loss, but employees that have a tendency to steal from their employers are far less likely to be productive. Employee theft investigations can be difficult as well. Cameras typically have to be moved to strategic places prior to any event. Then investigators have to hope that future employee thefts will occur where the cameras have been placed.

All of this is a long shot with far too many variables. If the employee catches wind of the investigation, quits, or just decides that they do not want to steal again the investigation is typically over.

A few years ago, a company that I worked for hired a young individual as a seasonal employee in the electronics department. At first he did a good job and was well liked by customers. However, it was not long before we began to find internal theft in the backroom. At first we did not suspect him until his behavior began to change as well. He started showing up late to work, leaving early, and working under the influence. The internal theft in the backroom began to increase and an employee theft investigation was opened on the individual in question. I continued to watch him for a period of a couple weeks with no success. We moved cameras in hopes that we might be able to see something, nothing ever did. I started to think that he realized what we were doing and decided to take a break. One night I was doing a standard observation on him, not expecting anything to happen. All of a sudden the employee walked by our jelly bean dispenser, filled his hand with jelly beans and began to eat them.

Finally, we had him. Although we did not have him on anything big, the go ahead by higher ups was given and an integrity interview was approved. We scheduled the interview multiple times, but the individual quite showing up to work. At least the employee theft was taken care of and all future loss from that individual had stopped.

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized