Staff Editor — Page 219

Pick Them Out of the Crowd

January 23, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Have you ever seen a shoplifter? Chances are, you probably have, but you may not have known it at the time. One of the first steps to prevent shoplifting in your store is to know what you are looking for.

Is someone avoiding help from your associates? They may be trying to avoid detection. Are they lingering in back corners or aisles of the store, maybe taking a bit too long in the fitting room? Possibly waiting to work up the courage to conceal the item. How about picking up large quantities of merchandise, but not looking at sizes, or varying the colors? They may be looking to steal them and resell the items. In these cases Customer Service might be the only thing needed to prevent shoplifting from these small time thieves.

Now, what if you see someone running his or her fingers over a price tag, but not actually looking at the price? What if they are looking more at the legs of a pair of jeans than the style or size? This shoplifter is more than likely looking for some sort of retail anti theft device. They might be informed enough to look for a hard tag on clothing, or a soft label hidden in a price tag.

If this is the case, it may mean good news for you. Typically, this sort of shoplifter is looking for the retail anti theft device, because it means they have a higher chance of being caught, than if the merchandise does not have any tags. You have prepared yourself to prevent shoplifting by using these tools. The shoplifter will move on to an easier target.

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: Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices

Follow the Paper Trail

January 23, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

I recently concluded an employee theft investigation. This was a little different than ones I had previously worked on. This case of employee theft wasn’t just about an employee in my store stealing; it was about a partnership between an employee and a vendor.

I was noticing through routine audits that paperwork for some direct from vendor merchandise seemed to be incomplete for a very long time. The policy was within 24 hours, but this manager waited for weeks to complete it. After questioning the manager as to why it took so long, and reiterating the 24-hour policy, it still wasn’t completed.

After the first month or so, I noticed serious discrepancies in what we had for inventory and what we had in invoiced amounts. There was an increase in the orders, but no increase in sales or stock levels in the store. I immediately started an employee theft investigation on the manager.

One of the first steps I took to determine if it was an employee theft case was to watch the deliveries on CCTV. Sure enough, this manager greeted the same delivery guy for each order. Then the delivery guy loaded up cases of the product in question. Under normal circumstances, it would not be unusual for this vendor to remove any “old” product. Since the manger did not record and charge the vendor back for these cases (per policy), I knew I had a case of employee theft.

The end result of this employee theft investigation was that the manager let the vendor take out cases of product but never charged them back to the company. This way the vendor kept his high commission of the product. The manager later met up with the vendor and took the cases home with her for personal use.

This was a case where the paper led a trail in an unexpected way to employee theft.

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

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

Deterring Employee Theft

January 22, 2012 by Staff Editor

“One can only speculate how much more profitable this industry could be if these many sources of inventory shrinkage and other forms of financial loss could be significantly reduced.” Wise words from Dr. Richard Hollinger, a professor at the University of Florida, Gainsville.

His summary of the 2010 National Retail Security Survey (NRSS) really drives home the point of how severe the losses really are for the retail industry. The NRSS states that 45% of retail inventory losses come from employee theft.

How does the retail industry respond? Pre employment screening.

The NRSS says the “hottest” trend is a Criminal – History Background Check.

Criminal Background checks will show any convictions for any crime. The background check will often uncover the real reason why this person left their last job (prosecuted for employee theft). Lengthy gap in employment history? It could be due to jail time. Maybe that “attendance issue” was actually being in a holding cell all weekend.

The NRSS states that this year actual criminal prosecutions (of dishonest employees) nearly doubled. Employee background checks are catching these prosecutions. They make it easier for hiring managers to side step these hidden land mines.

Employee background checks are becoming increasingly integral to the war on shrink. Catching these dishonest employees before they step foot in the door is a front line defense.

While pre employment screening will deter bad applicants from the beginning, employee background checks should continue after someone has been hired. How else will you know if your long time associates are now a high risk associate?

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, test

Checkpoint Security System is a reliable solution to theft deterrence.

January 20, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

There are many anti shoplifting solutions available in the marketplace today. One such solution is the Checkpoint security system. There are many components to a Checkpoint security system that can be used in your fight for retail theft prevention.

On aspect of Checkpoint systems are sensor tags. Checkpoint security tags are a leading retail anti shoplifting solution. Checkpoint security tags come in a variety of shapes, sizes and applications so they will fit on whatever product you are trying to protect. Checkpoint systems are reliable and stand the test of time. The last thing you want to do is invest in retail theft prevention equipment only to have to constantly have it repaired and replaced. Checkpoint makes a quality product that is well known amount Loss Prevention Professionals as well as shoplifters (which is perhaps the most important).

Another component of a Checkpoint security system is CCTV. Cameras are a great anti shoplifting solution. Shoplifters don’t want to go to jail. If a would-be thief sees that he/she is being taped on video then they are much more likely to try to steal elsewhere as video evidence is hard to dispute in court. To this end Public View Monitors are great retail theft prevention solutions. I use them in my stores where we have our high value / high theft items. It just gives the shoplifters that extra sign that they are being watched and recorded and I have seen a drastic decline in theft of those items in my stores overall.

There is no single solution to shoplifting. That is why leaders like Checkpoint systems develop multiple solutions in an effort to make an overall impact in retail theft prevention.

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

For more information on Checkpoint Security System, Anti Shoplifting 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

What Happened to Employee Loyalty?

January 20, 2012 by Staff Editor

The 2010 National Retail Security Summary (NRSS) is out. I had a chance to read it the other day. It shows some interesting data sent in by 140 retailers nationally. Employee theft remained at about 45% of retail inventory losses reported. This was about the same proportion as last year, according to the NRSS.

The two biggest causes? Sales associate turnover and a heavy reliance on a part time work force.

Retailers are bombarded by the constant flux of open positions and payroll cuts. Combined, they leave little to the employee to hold on to. Often feeling overworked by having to compensate for being short handed. They then are on hourly restrictions, that often decrease their hours to compensate for the payroll reduction.

This creates a breeding ground for inconsistent paychecks and ill will toward their company. Hmm. That explains why so many associates jump ship for other jobs as soon as they can find one. It also explains why the two biggest reasons I hear for employee theft are:

“I felt like they [the company] owed it to me” and “I couldn’t afford it”

Well, now that we have gotten ourselves into this predicament, how do we get ourselves out?

Background checks and pre employment screening

Not just any old background checks either. I am talking about ones conducted by a real background check company with background check experts compiling data and analyzing risk factors.

I personally don’t have time to interview every application that comes across my desk, for every open position. I need someone with an expertise in background checks to give me the cliff notes version of the resume in front of me. I need a Background check company to be a watchdog for me.

My time is limited on who and how many applicants I can interview. If I am armed with information from pre employment screening that saves me from wasting my time, background checks are well worth the investment!

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

Bottle security made EASy with Alpha.

January 20, 2012 by Staff Editor

Stores who sell alcohol know that theft is a real problem. Good liquor and wines can be quite expensive and are commonly stolen by persons who either cannot afford or simply don’t want to pay the high prices. Alpha Security is a leader in bottle security with several bottle locks aimed at protecting these products.

For liquor bottle security I recommend “EASy bottle” bottle locks. The “EASy bottle” bottle lock is a cap that clamps over the spout of the liquor bottle. This liquor bottle security device prevents the contents from being accessed and it also works with your existing AM and RF EAS systems to sound the door alarm if the shoplifter tries to conceal and walk out with unpaid for product. “EASy bottle” bottle locks fit most standard sized alcohol bottles and are a great asset.

For bottle security for those items where the “EASy bottle” bottle lock does not fit (such as large mouth liquor bottles or wines and champagnes) you can use the Steel Grip bottle security lock from Alpha Security. This bottle lock goes around the neck of the bottle and has an EAS sensor that will trigger the door alarm if the merchandise tries to “walk out” without being purchased.

The great thing about these bottle security products from Alpha Security is that they promote open displaying. Many stores use cases to lock their high dollar product up. This hurts sales as customers want to read the description labels and don’t want to wait on someone to come unlock a case. Many customers want to grab their products, take them to the cashier and leave. That extra hassle of waiting negatively impacts sales. With these bottle locks in place you can once again openly display your product, but still have peace of mind that it is safe and sound.

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

For more information on EASy Bottle, Bottle Lock, Bottle locks , Bottle Security , liquor bottle security or Alpha Security 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: Making Your Business More Profitable

January 20, 2012 by Staff Editor

Many businesses find themselves at a point when investment in clothing security measures becomes a reality of their business. This investment most often comes in the form of various clothing security tags or clothing alarms. The use of clothing security tags is the primary security deterrent used by businesses worldwide. Clothing security tags also know as article security tags provide the user with a physical theft deterrent, which can be used as a part of an overall loss prevention strategy.

These security tags on clothes can act as an active or passive security system. Many security tags on clothes are used as an element to work in conjunction with an overall electronic article system. The electronic article systems also works with various clothing alarms, which can give an immediate notification of removal from the system. This notification is most often an audible clothing alarm that is triggered. As a passive system, clothing security tags present themselves as a visual deterrent to shoplifters. The application of clothing security tags will deter many if not the majority of shoplifters from your place of business.

The effectiveness of clothing security is dependent on effectively deploying what is needed for your business. Some retailers need audible clothing alarms for higher priced items. Other retailers will need security tags on clothes to control loss of high theft items. Others will need jewelry locks to secure smaller easy to conceal items. Clothing security is a measure that can be tailor fitted to your business.

The use of clothing security can benefit both small and large retail businesses. It allows the business owner to control their loss and lower the bottom line. This can improve the business profit margins and create a safer environment for employees.

To purchase clothing security tags or a clothing alarm please visit the loss prevention store.

For more information on clothing security, clothing alarm or security tags on clothes contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

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

New to You

January 20, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

In my new hire training classes, I do a segment on how to prevent shoplifting. I start by asking what the trainees know about shoplifters and how to deter them. Most of the time, I get blank stares and they tell me that since they can’t apprehend a shoplifter there is nothing they can do to prevent shoplifting from happening in the store.

I start by telling them about customer service is a better deterrent than any retail anti theft device could ever be. #1 rule of not getting caught is to avoid detection by everyone around him or her. The simple act of greeting each and every person, works on a multitude of levels. No one feels singled out. The legitimate customer gets the help they need and the shoplifter gets scared out of stealing.

As a secondary tactic, retail anti theft devices can be called into play. These are generally the hard or soft tags on clothes. More involved retailers use other Checkpoint products to limit access to merchandise, such as the bottle locks on liquor, or the Alpha Security Keeper Box on colognes and razors.

I walk my new hires through the different retail anti theft devices our store uses, and how to properly deactivate them for the customers. I also show them what happens when an alarm goes off when something is not deactivated. This sort of awareness helps our associates become more involved in the process. It also helps deter any shoplifters who are watching. They know that we are serious about preventing shoplifting and have employed techniques to be successful.

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: Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices

Sometimes You Have To Laugh

January 20, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

I know that shrink losses are a serious matter. Billions of dollars are lost annually due to inventory theft. Seeing the attempts day in and day out I know it can be a grueling process trying to stop shoplifting. I also get to see the result of a well laid plan thwarting a shoplifter, often due to the use of Checkpoint security tags and Checkpoint labels.

It was just the other day when I saw a lady come in to the store and eye a rather expensive leather jacket. This is one product that we diligently use RF security tags to help stop shoplifting. She looked to find her size, and tried it on. After admiring herself in the mirror, she looked back at the price tag. You could see by the look on her face that it was beyond what she wanted to pay.

She carried the jacket around the store lingering by the exits. Unfortunately for her, she got a bit too close to one of the doors and the RF security tag set off the alarm. She was so surprised; she practically threw the jacket in the air! Needless to say, she left the store in quite a hurry after that.

Without the use of Checkpoint security tags, we would have easily suffered a loss with that jacket. I will, however, never forget the look on her face as she realized she had been caught trying to shoplift!

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, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags, Checkpoint 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 by pass-offs are on the rise – Atlanta Georgia

January 20, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

There are many ways that we as retailer can take losses due to internal theft (also called employee theft). We are vulnerable to the obvious theft of cash. Also, like shoplifters, employees can steal merchandise as well. A surprising cause of internal theft is what we call “sweethearting”. This is where employees steal by giving breaks to others. These breaks can come in the form of extra discounts and can also be done by pass-offs. Pass-offs are when the employee bags the merchandise and “passes it off” without scanning it for purchase. These instances of “sweethearting” can be done to aid co-workers, friends and family members.

The only way to find out if this is going on in your store is to conduct an employee theft investigation. An employee theft investigation into pass-offs can be hard to do. Personally, I suggest using a trained Loss Prevention Professional as they are skilled at performing this type of complex investigation. However, if you choose to look into this on your own, here are some tips I suggest.

First, keep an eye out for cashiers or associates who always have friends and family members hanging around. Since most theft is a crime of opportunity, these individuals would be a high risk category. Another thing to look for are customers who are adamant about going through a particular line. There may be a shorter line available, but they decline to move. I know that some customers develop a relationship with certain employees, but it is odd that a customer declines a faster checkout experience. They may be getting hook-ups from the employee whose line they are in and that is why they don’t want to move. Finally, look at employees who have high amounts of markdowns. All of these things can help you root out employee theft in your store.

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

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