Employee theft linked to ORC – Atlanta Georgia

December 4, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Retailers assume loss from a variety of sources.  Generally speaking, internal theft (AKA employee theft) accounts for the majority of loss incurred by major retailers.  When we talk about shoplifters we find that ORC or Organized Retail Crime networks account for the bulk of our external losses.  So what happens when the ORC rings and employees team up?

The answer is the store will be closing soon unless something is done.  Employee theft and ORC on their own can kill a store, but the combination of the two is devastating.  Something that I have been finding more often when conducting ORC investigations is that they are using an “inside man” (or woman) in order to help them get away with their crime.  The employee can be useful in many ways.  On the surface they can alert the shoplifters when LP or management is not around.  I remember working at one store and it always seemed that within an hour of me leaving the store would call and say they had a grab and run.  It became obvious that they were being tipped off by someone inside.

Other ways that employees can assist ORC groups is by stealing themselves and/or manipulating inventory systems to cover the losses that are going on.  They can also alter prices so that their counterparts pay pennies on the dollar for product and then they can resell them at much higher rates.  Whatever method they use, the employees in our stores can cause a lot of damage.  They only way to prevent this is to use a routine employee theft investigation to rout out the bad apples.  An employee theft investigation can be aimed at a specific employee or can be a wide net cast to see if red flags pop up in the store.  Either way, internal theft and ORC can ruin a business if left unchecked.

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

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How to increase customer service through retail theft prevention.

December 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Many companies start using anti shoplifting and other retail theft prevention tools for the purpose of reducing theft.  What you may not have considered is that these tools also increase sales and customer service.

A very prominent anti shoplifting tool is the Checkpoint security system.  A Checkpoint security system can have several different components depending on your store.  All Checkpoint systems are installed on a custom order basis depending on the needs of the store. One of the components that helps increase sales while also preventing loss are the Checkpoint security tags.  Checkpoint security tags are sensor tags that work with your Checkpoint systems door alarm to alert associates of possible theft.  Since shoplifters do not like the attention that this system brings they are more likely to leave your product alone and try to steal elsewhere.  This means that you have available product on your shelves to service your customers.  It’s hard for clients to purchase merchandise when it’s been stolen and you don’t have it available.  Thus the reduction in theft also increases sales as you have the product available to meet the needs of you customer.

Another customer service function of retail theft prevention programs is the cameras system that is a part of the Checkpoint security system.  Cameras, particularly Public View Monitors, allow customers to know that the on-goings of the store are being recorded.  This is a major deterrent to armed robbery and other crime.  Many robbers will not rob a store where they can clearly see they are being recorded.  It is better for them to take their chances somewhere else.  This provides a safer environment for your customers which is a major customer service function.

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

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Pre employment screening an extra layer of business protection

December 1, 2011 by

All businesses need to protect their assets, so before focusing on external matters, they need to focus on internal matters. Employee background checks can help address all those issues. Before hiring any new employees a Background Check company assures that all employees receive some type of Criminal background checks. These Background check experts provide a business with different types of background checks. All new employee’s should go through some type of Pre employment screening just to assure that the business is getting the best person for the position.

Simple Employee background checks can give you the peace of mind that you have done everything possible to protect your assets from within by conducting background checks.

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

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Grocery Stores Selling Wine and Liquor It’s EASy!

December 1, 2011 by

Loss Prevention in supermarkets offers a unique set of challenges in controlling shrink. There is a wide variety of product of all sizes and shapes which are desired by both shoplifters and internal thieves. The nightmare began when we were told that the company was going to offer a variety of premium wines and liquors. As a loss prevention professional my initial thought was how can we employ bottle security? The prices for this category of product were very high and could easily translate to high shrink percentages. We were behind the eight ball since there was a lack of communication between departments alerting the loss prevention department to the introduction of the new products. We would have started research into liquor bottle security at the outset of any potential thoughts to introduce the wine and liquor category.

Our research had unearthed a few options; adding cameras to the sales floor, increasing both LP and sales payroll, using lockable cabinets and putting out only one bottle for representation and then pulling product from the back when that item was sold. The final option was from a company called Alpha Security. Alpha Security had a unique approach to liquor bottle security via an alarmed bottle lock system. The bottle lock system, called EASy bottle, offered a line of bottle locks that slid over the bottle top securing tightly. The locks stood up to our scrutiny. I wanted to know what the deterrence really was to shoplifters. I found out a few things about the EASy Bottle locks, they could not be removed without the detacher. The bottle locks if tampered with emitted a very loud alarm. The bottle lock also when tampered with too much caused the product to be inconsumable. This to me was an excellent deterrence factor. If a shoplifter were able to get the bottle out of the store they would still ruin the wine or liquor with there remedial attempts to remove the bottle lock. To me this was a formidable way to ensure bottle security.

The sales team was all for liquor bottle security as long as it did not effect their payroll budget or their sales. The sales team was very excited to see that the EASy bottle locks were sleek and though clearly marked did not effect the way the product could be merchandised. The bottle locks also did not affect storage capabilities on shelves. The sales team was on board with the Alpha Security product.

Full implementation of the EASy bottle system worked hand in hand with the edition of the new wine and liquor line. The training and employment of the system was seamless with training needed to familiarize oneself with the new inventory category. In the end the Loss Prevention team was able to catch up regardless of the initial miscommunications thus the entire process coming together as a planned partnership. Bottle security seemed to be a challenge but good research and great training solved the issue successfully.

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

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Security tags on clothes shows them you mean business

December 1, 2011 by

Some people raise their voice when they want to get their point across. In the retail business Clothing security tags are our way of raising our voice. We want to get the message out loud and clear that we are using a Clothing alarm and have Clothing security tags on our merchandise because we mean business. Security tags on clothes send the message that if you don’t pay for our items our Clothing alarm will alert us of what you are doing.

Some people might disagree that having all of these Clothing security items on clothes are just a little over the top. But what they don’t realize is that these Clothing security tags are not only protecting the company assets, but also protecting people’s jobs. If a company continues to lose money because of theft that business would close causing people to lose their jobs. So Clothing security protects a company’s assets. These small Security tags on clothes may look harmless but they pack the punch needed to combat theft.

A retailer needs to show would be thieves that they the take security of their merchandise very seriously. So what better way to show it than to place a Clothing alarm on your clothing items. The message comes across right away when they see some type of Clothing security.The main purpose of loss prevention is to prevent the theft from occurring but if Clothing security tags can deter the theft even better. The message will come across very clearly we mean business stealing is unacceptable here.

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 – Atlanta Georgia

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Retail Anti Theft Devices: The smart way to save money.

December 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Retail anti theft devices help retailers save thousands in losses by helping prevent theft.  These devices are especially effective at helping to prevent shoplifting.  These devices are cost effective and provide a visible theft deterrent.  This visible theft deterrent helps prevent shoplifting.

 Security labels and security tags offer merchandise protection for a variety of products.  Clothing and outerwear often use security tags that are pinned to the articles.  High dollar electronics and video games often use integrated security labels, which are integrated into the packaging of the product.  There are also security systems that utilize RF technology that gives off an audible alarm whenever merchandise passes through its field without being deactivated or detached.

            Retail anti theft devices have been effective at reducing losses due to shoplifting and internal theft.  As a loss prevention professional, I can not imagine what the losses would be for a major retailer that did not have at least some of the anti theft devices in operations at their stores.  I have seen stores have shrink losses of almost a million dollars and reduce that number by half the first year after adding an RF security system.  This was more than a 50% decline in inventory shortages. 

            Shoplifting accounts for a large amount of the losses occurring in the retail market.  This is why it is important to take every step possible to prevent shoplifting from happening.  It is too late once you get your inventory numbers back and they show a hundred thousand dollars in merchandise walked out your store.  A simple proactive solution to safeguarding your profits is to invest in retail anti theft devices.  There is no other investment that offers a return like arming your business to fight shoplifting.  These anti theft devices will give you the needed protection you want and will result in savings you can see.

 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

 

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Employee Theft: Why do they do it? – Atlanta Georgia

December 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment

It is interesting to try and figure out all the ways employees commit internal theft at their place of work.  Internal theft is rampant in retail organizations.  In one year working as a loss prevention manager I can remember closing four internal theft cases for about $5900.00 within three weeks of accepting a job at a major retailer.

These cases involved four associates who committed internal theft for no other reason than, it was easy.  The associates were stealing in so many ways; it was hard to conduct an investigation as I would have to constantly leave the office to follow the associates.  The employee theft investigation showed that the associates were having cash shortages on their registers.  The associates were also showing up on the exception reports for having lower than average transaction totals and higher than average refund totals.  The employee theft investigation involved and in depth look at the associates registers operations over the past six months.

Once the employee theft investigation was completed, it appeared the associates had given away merchandise, taken cash from the register, switched tickets on merchandise they purchased and conducted fraudulent refunds.  After seeing the extent of the employee theft, I decided to have another loss prevention manager come in and conduct the interviews with me.

During the interview the associates were made aware that they had been the subject of an employee theft investigation and that the investigation found conclusive evidence of employee theft.  The associates were asked to explain the reasons why they committed the employee theft and they responded, because it was easy.  Given the extent of the employee theft, we concluded that the confessed amount was probably about $50000.00 less than what they actually took from the store.  These cases had involved

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

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New RF Security Labels…”Clearly” a cut above in RF labels

December 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment

If you have not looked into the new clear RF labels you are missing out. Clear labels provide a whole new dimension to the RF label world. Checkpoint labels are of the highest quality made to begin with. Cheap knock offs are well…let’s just say this, you get what you pay for. The new clear labels are in an Enhanced Performance (EP) format. This means that they are hotter than any other RF label on the market. Their detection performance is considerably better.

 On top of that the clear labels tend to disappear on product packaging. This means that the shoplifter is not as likely to see the label and try to defeat it as they could with any RF security labels. The EP 3210 Clear RF label can be applied directly over the products bar code. The barcode can still be scanned and the label tends to disappear.

 The EP 2933 is available as either white or clear. This round RF label in the clear format can blend into the bottom of any small bottle. It is 33mm (1.25”) across.

 Checkpoint labels including all clear RF labels have a very aggressive adhesive. They will not dry up and fall off like the knock offs.

 All RF security labels are designed to stop shoplifting. But if the label is a poor design it means that you will not stop shoplifting in your store. The RF labels are the ammunition in your war against shoplifters. Make sure your anti-shoplifting weapons are the strongest out there!

 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 and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

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Retail Theft Prevention: A Key to Success

November 29, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Shoplifting can be a serious problem for any retail business.  It is estimated that shoplifting accounts for nearly half of all retail loses and can turn a profitable into a problem store.  This activity can negatively impact a retail business’s bottom line and create an uncomfortable shopping environment.  As a result of this activity, many retail businesses are investing in anti shoplifting systems.

Many of these companies are turning to Checkpoint Systems to fulfill their anti shoplifting needs.  Checkpoint Systems provides a variety of security solutions that will meet a retail business’s needs.  One of these solutions is the use of Checkpoint Security Systems.  These systems most often use Checkpoint security tags.  The Checkpoint security tags enable the user to control external loss and can be used in an overall anti shoplifting solution.  Checkpoint security tags are the gold standard in retail theft prevention and create an environment that is conducive to customer service and business profitability.

While working for a large multi-national specialty retailer, I was able to see first hand the effectiveness of Checkpoint security tags.  The company decided to use Checkpoint Systems as their primary provider of Checkpoint security tags.  This was used in conjunction with an overall retail theft prevention program.   The use of these systems provided an environment the encouraged a policy of anti shoplifting and had a significant impact company-wide.  This reduction in shoplifting not only made the stores more profitable, but also increased the stores customer service ratings.  If your looking to increase your business profitability, develop anti shoplifting measures, and institute a retail theft prevention program, have a look at Checkpoint security tags.

Checkpoint Security Systems is a versatile company that can provide your business with a pleathora of security solutions.  Their customer service is great and they can provide any business with loss prevention solutions.

 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

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Holiday Season, Holiday Hiring, Who Needs Background Checks??

November 29, 2011 by

I worked for a small box retailer who like many other retailers did most of their business for the year from November through January. Since the sales and foot traffic were at their highest points during this time of the year it was necessary to employ “seasonal” employees. Typically these “seasonal” employees were temporary employees used in part time shifts to help shoulder the craziness of the holidays. Some retailers do a great job all year employing a reputable background check company with qualified background check experts to scrutinize employees that they have deemed worthy of hiring. Then there are same retailers who completely drop the ball and allow a huge influx of temporary employees into their locations to work without conducting any employee background checks whatsoever. In my experience I have noted in detail that while, yes, sales do go through the roof during the holidays so does shrink. By the time the dust settles and end of year inventories are conducted most retailers who have not conducted background checks are left to scratch their heads at terrible inventory results. Meanwhile those temporary employees whom have caused most of the losses were already hastily let go to save payroll thus leaving no recourse for the retailer’s loss prevention department.

This is a frustrating cycle that could be broken by ensuring a proper pre employment screening process is in place before any employee is offered a job. Retailers should start with the overall ideology that every employee both full time and part time should not work one shift before submitting to both a criminal background check as well as an employee background check. Selecting a good background check company with a team of background check experts requires a good deal of research that should be done at the beginning of the year, not at the holiday onset. Typically employees who apply and work for holiday help positions do not have a vested interest in the companies for which they temporarily work. The more nefarious side of this situation that loss prevention professionals encounter are those “seasonal” employees who specifically go to work during the holidays with the goal to steal as much as possible. These types of thieves target companies who do not conduct any type of employee background checks.This, specifically, is one reason that conducting background checks on previous employment is necessary. We used the previous employment check to even identify employees who in the past worked at our company in stores where shrink had been very high. Having background check experts conducting these background checks even caught mistakes made within our own human resource record keeping department.

To sum up, employers will have a successful holiday season if they start with a detailed pre employment screening process. Retailers should conduct detailed interviews and follow up interviews which focus on asking tough questions regarding previous employment, brushes with the law and a history of residence. The next step should be an orientation explaining the mission statement of the company, the methods investigations are conducted, how the company deals with thieves and last but not least the fact the company will be conducting criminal background checks. This process will deter the career criminal who would see fit to work for you for the purpose of the “five finger discount”.

Background check experts would be the first to tell you that employee background checks are not full proof and can not guarantee the integrity of the employee you hire. Background checks are merely another tool to weed out potential threats to your business. From a loss prevention perspective it is necessary to have a pre employment screening process as a layer of protection especially during the holiday season. It’s like having an extra man on the field watching your back. The holiday season is the time of year when things are running loose and ragged and is when things will slip through the cracks. Loss Prevention, at times, has to plug in to help sales, focus less on audits, training and case resolution. Criminal background checks are a non invasive way to help keep problems from arising. Do your homework to ensure you select the right background check company for your business and it will pay you back in dividends.

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

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