Security tags on clothes: The Retailer’s Undercover partner

October 4, 2011 by Staff Editor

The Security and Retail Industry is always looking for ways to prevent theft and sometimes that help comes in a very small compact form. Clothing security tags are one of the many tools retailer can use in theft prevention. During one of my investigations I uncovered an employee who thought she had found away to bypass the Security tags on clothes system.

There was a team of five who were responsible for placing Security tags on clothes. But there was one employee that placing Clothing security tags on certain clothes. The employee operation was uncovered, while being investigated for price fixing. While conducting CCTV surveillance of her shifts, during one shift I noticed she was putting Clothing security tags on a shipment of designer jeans that had come off a truck. But I also notice she didn’t put Clothing alarm on three pairs of jeans. Before going to lunch she brought them all out to the sales floor especially the ones without Clothing security.

While on lunch she made a phone call. Thirty minutes later she met a male in the parking lot. Few minutes later they entered the store separately. She stopped at the rack with the designer jeans and looked in his direction. She then proceeded back to the stockroom. The subject walked toward the rack, but noticed an employee in the area. He walked past the display but did not leave the store. While another detective kept constant observation via CCTV of male and employee, I proceeded to the sales floor with a two Clothing security alarms and placed a Clothing alarm in the pocket of each jean.

A few minutes later the subject returned and selected the jeans without Clothing security concealed them inside his jacket and proceeded toward the door. When the door alarm went off due to the Clothing alarm the subject dropped the jeans in shock and was apprehended. He admitted that his sister would call him, when she set up merchandise without Clothing security for him to take. The employee admitted to calling her brother so he could take the item she would set up for him. Security tags on clothes are the unseen Loss Prevention Detective.

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

Prevent shoplifting and outsell your shrink. That is the real solution.

October 4, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Shrink is a very important part of business. It has just as much affect on the bottom line as does sales. A major source of shrink in many retail stores is shoplifting. So how can one prevent shoplifting? The answer in part is to use retail anti theft devices. The other part is good customer service and increase sales.

Let me explain. Retail anti theft devices, such as sensor tags and keeper cases, work to deter shoplifters from taking products. Sensor tags set off alarms and bring unwanted attention to shoplifters. To this end many shoplifters will refrain from taking your product and go somewhere else. Keeper cases and spider wraps from Alpha Security do much the same thing. They secure your product and make it hard to steal. This again will cause many shoplifters to leave your product on the shelves, which is where you want it.

This serves two important functions. One, it keeps you from assuming losses due to theft. This will make you more profitable at the end of the day as you now have less shrink eating away from your bottom line. Secondly, it will increase sales and reduce shrink. Sales are increased by the availability of the product for your customer. Customers can’t buy product if shoplifters wipe out the shelves before they get the chance. So now we have sales on the rise. This in and of itself reduces shrink.

All good LP professionals understand the concept of “out selling” your shrink. Since shrink is derived from dividing you losses into your sales, the larger your sales are the lower your shrink percent. Losses are always going to be part of your business so focus on sales and use retail anti theft devices to counter this evil.

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 – Atlanta Georgia

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

RF: Saving Your Bottom Line

October 4, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

There is no common conclusion among retailers on what constitutes the best anti-theft device. There are all kinds of tools that the retailer can use to keep shoplifting under control depending on the severity and frequency of theft, the category and price point of merchandise displayed and the actual location of the store itself. The common denominator seems to be that no matter what stop shoplifting measures the retailer takes; the shoplifter will always try to find a way to defeat it.

Convex mirrors, visible cameras, and two way mirrors are easily seen and avoided by shoplifters, as are sales people and other employees. All a shoplifter needs is a second of privacy hidden from view to conceal merchandise and be out of the store with it.

Checkpoint Systems has a theft prevention plan designed to stop shoplifting by all but the most determined shoplifters.

The retailer makes the decision as to the criteria of the merchandise to be protected. RF labels or RF security tags are attached to that merchandise and effectively ensures that a shoplifter will not steal it.

RF security labels are placed on the packaging of merchandise considered high theft. There are large selections of RF labels available from Checkpoint Security Systems that attach to the packages with adhesive or are hidden inside the merchandise so that it is not visible to the customer. If an RF label has not been deactivated by an employee and is carried out the door, an alarm will sound, alerting the staff to take action.

The Checkpoint security tags attach to apparel and ready to wear by a pin that goes through the garment in an inconspicuous place and secures the tag to the garment. The RF security tags can be removed only with a special detacher. As with the label, failure to remove the tag will result in an audible alarm at the exit.

Checkpoint systems, when combined with any RF label, can help any retailer who wants to cut his losses due to shoplifting. The presence of the Checkpoint system alone deters most shoplifters since it is visible but not intimidating at the customer entrance and the Checkpoint labels and RF security labels are extremely difficult to remove or defeat.

Used by themselves or with other retail theft prevention tools, Checkpoint systems and RF security labels will significantly decrease a retailer’s loss to customer theft.

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

Stop employee theft of discounts – Atlanta Georgia

October 4, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

There are many ways retailers incur internal theft (also known as employee theft). One way that employee theft can occur is by discounting products without authorization. In order to find out if employees are stealing by abusing discounts you will need to conduct an employee theft investigation.

It is important to conduct a routine employee theft investigation in order to follow up suspicious activity or just to make sure you have a finger on the pulse of your business. There are several ways that I have caught employees stealing via using discounts. One way is by a cashier changing the price of items as he/she rings them in order to give friends, family members and often other employees and extra discount. These discounts are generally significant and are between 50-90% off.

Another way that I have discovered internal theft by using discounts is when they mark their own product down. To do this the employee will use the scan gun or pricing gun (depending on how your company does markdowns) and make a new lower price label and put it on merchandise he/she wants. They can then take this product to the registers and most cashiers won’t question the low price. They will just assume it is a clearance item and ring the product at the significantly lower price. A really sneaky associate will do the markdown and then give the items to a friend or family member to take through the register. This is much harder to catch because the person doing the markdown is separated from the person making the purchase.

Whether you find that your employees are marking down product at the register or by printing labels this dishonest activity needs to be addressed. There is a real ethical concern by associates who will manipulate your systems to pay less than expected. There is also a loss to the company as the employee is now paying significantly less for their product.

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

Making Technology Work for You with Checkpoint Systems

October 1, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

In the early days of retail theft prevention, there were not electronic systems, or tags that set off alarms, or anything other than perhaps an employee’s watchful eye. There were still plenty of shoplifters stealing from businesses, but there was not the anti shoplifting technology businesses have available today. Business suffered because of this fact, since there have always been thieves ready to take what does not belong to them.

A Checkpoint security system is an example of that technology that is now readily available. Checkpoint security tags can be placed on items that you feel are at risk for theft. The tags alert store employees by sounding an alarm if they should exit your business without be deactivated or removed at purchase. Checkpoint systems are what your business may need to help combat the shoplifting that is attacking your potential profits.

Working in the retail loss prevention field, I see time and time again the creative ways that customers choose to steal from businesses. We share these techniques with others in the field in order to help prevent losses to our businesses, but sometimes it does feel as if we are fighting a never ending battle. Checkpoint systems can help your business win some of the battles you are fighting against the shoplifters in your store.

Anti shoplifting has come a long away as technology continues to improve and more options become available for businesses. Investing in technology such as a Checkpoint securitysystem can be worthwhile, so you can best utilize the technology available to make a positive impact on your profitability and shrink reduction. Retail theft prevention has come a long way, and you can make it work for you.

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 – Atlanta Georgia

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

Do I need bottle security at my business?

October 1, 2011 by Staff Editor

When you hear about bottle security a few questions might come to mind. What is bottle security, what are bottle locks? Does my business really need this? The need for bottle locks is not only a need but a necessity for everyone. Retailers need this type of bottle security to assure that their profits are not walking out the door. When a seller of alcohol places a bottle lock on their merchandise they are taking the first step in protecting their merchandise.

A bottle lock deters theft by letting everyone know that the establishment takes security serious. A retailer’s are not the only one that can benefit from liquor bottle security establishment’s such as bars, night club and restaurant can protect their stock. These types of establishment have hi-value alcohol just like a retailer so putting a bottle lock on them can prevent their stock from being used during non-working hours.

An EASy bottle device can be used in the same way as a clothing security tag is used in a clothing store that has an EAS system. If someone tries to walk out with an unpaid bottle an alarm will go off. Another advantage of the EASy bottle bottle lock it also secures that the contents of bottle can’t be removed.

So if you want to know more about liquor bottle security, EASy bottle devices and other bottle security contact Alpha security one of the leading manufacturers of security devices. Alpha Security can supply many different devices to protect your company’s assets. But the best thing about their security devices is that you don’t have to be a business to benefit from liquor bottle security. Parents that want to secure their alcohol at home could use bottle locks at home to safeguard them. So from retailers to parents protecting their bottles at home a little security can go a long way.

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

Are your cold weather items protected by Checkpoint tags?

October 1, 2011 by Staff Editor

Aaahhh. Just had the first little taste of cool weather this past weekend and it already has me looking forward to the fall and winter months. Of course, if you sell clothes then you have already been clearancing the summer merchandise and putting out your new fall line. I just hope you remembered to use clothing security to protect you new merchandise.

We all know that cold weather merchandise is generally more expensive than warm weather since it takes more materials to produce. Shoplifting also picks up around this time of year for several reasons. One, it is easier to steal. Shoplifters take full advantage of the ability to use bulky coats and clothes to conceal product. Not something you can easily do in a tank top and shorts. Additionally, we have the holidays fast approaching. No one wants to be the shcmuck who shows up at the Christmas tree or party without any presents. When times are tight that only leaves stealing as a solution.

With that said it is important to put security tags on clothes in order to protect you products. Personally, I like the Checkpoint tags to deter theft. Checkpoint tags are well known by shoplifters and they are reliable. By putting security tags on clothes you force shoplifters to go elsewhere to steal. Additionally, the Checkpoint clothing alarm is a quality product. I have worked with clothing alarm systems in the past that would be triggered by cell phones and other electronic devices. This does not happen with the Checkpoint systems. They are tuned to a set frequency so that the clothing security tags trigger the alarm, but other devices do not. This translates into better customer service by reducing false alarms and better theft deterrence as you can trust what the alarm is telling you.

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

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

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

Media Display Stands are the perfect way to prevent shoplifting and drive sales.

October 1, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Have you ever noticed how many retail anti theft devices work against standard logic to driving sales? I have to admit that on many occasions I shudder when I hear our promotions department talk about a new sales strategy because it usually is counterintuitive to standard loss prevention programs. One of the new developers of retail anti theft devices is really bridging the gap with their ground breaking technology. Alpha security has put a lot of focus in the design of its products to finally bring sales and shoplifting prevention together.

One great product for stores that sell electronic devices is the Media Display
Stand. These stands do two things. One, they provide power to your electronic display units so customers can test the products to find the one they like. Two, they have a security alarm that allows you to be alerted if a thief tries to cut the cable and steal the unit.

I think we can all agree that you will sell many more electronic devices when a customer can test the unit. You can look at a phone or camera, but it is not until you can try it out that you are really able to appreciate all that the product has to offer. With this said the first component of the Media Display Stand (the power function) will really help you drive sales by ensuring that customers will always be able to try out charged units. Secondly, there is no value that can be assessed to the ability to prevent shoplifting. There is not a lot of margin built into electronics. For this reason shoplifting is very impactful. Being able to be alerted to potential theft is critical to any business that sells electronics.

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

RF: Low Risk, Lower Losses

October 1, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Any retailer who has a high shrink figure knows it’s time to increase the loss prevention effort at his business. Most estimates attribute 33 to 50% of all shrink to shoplifters.

There are plenty of anti-theft devices on the market that promise to stop shoplifting altogether or at least greatly reduce it. Some do and some don’t, some are enormously expensive and some are reasonable.

Retailers have shown measurable results when using anti-theft devices made by Checkpoint Security Systems, including pedestals, Checkpoint labels and Checkpoint security tags help to reduce shoplifting losses in their businesses. Using Checkpoint Systems anti-theft devices properly as part of a stop shoplifting strategy, with the application of RF labels and RF security tags to high risk merchandise shows shoplifters that the retailer is serious about their means to stop shoplifting from occurring and has committed to not being a victim of thieves.

First of all the pedestal (the detection part) of the Checkpoint Systems equipment is visible to customers who enter the store, but it is not at all intimidating. In fact, there are models that accept advertising panels in them to bring attention to sales or other information. Checkpoint Systems has designed RF security tags and RF labels to protect almost any type and style of merchandise, from ready to wear to hardware, depending on the needs of the retailer.

Next an RF label or RF security labels can only be removed or deactivated at the point of sale by the cashier who has access to special equipment designed for this purpose. When an active tag or RF label passes through the pedestal’s field, an alarm sounds and a light flashes, alerting the staff as well as the customer that there is merchandise that needs attention. Staff receives special training available from Checkpoint Security Systems that instructs them how to handle an alarm condition with the customer and the equipment.

The Checkpoint System, with the help of RF security labels, provides both deterrence and detection at a very affordable and economical price.

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

Retail Employee Theft Jeopardy

October 1, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Ready for a little game of Retail Employee Theft Jeopardy? You know how the game works: We give the answers and you respond in the form of a question. Some of these answers were provided by the preliminary findings of the 2010 NRSS, an annual retail security survey and other sources.

And remember, you must respond in the form of a question.

Let’s begin. I’ll take Retail Theft for a hundred, Alex.

Answer: 16.2 Billion dollars.

Question: How much did employee theft contribute to the retail theft nation wide in 2010?

Answer: Percentage of retailers that indicated their loss prevention budgets were increasing or staying the same.

Question: What is 81%? (46% increasing, 35% staying the same.)

Answer: Grocery stores, furniture stores, and specialty accessories stores.

Question: What categories of retailers exhibited higher that average shrink? (The difference between book inventory and physical inventory at a particular time.)

Answer: Sweethearting.

Question: What is the term used to describe internal theft involving an employee and a non-employee?

Answer: 18.7 percent.

Question: What percentage did employers report that collusion between employees and outside sources contribute to the total employee theft figure.

Answer: The retail category that reported an almost twofold increase in shrink.

Question: What are drug and pharmacy stores.

Answer: 4 Billion Dollars or 10.7%.

Question: How much did retail theft increase in 2010 over the previous year?

Answer: Employee theft, shoplifting, administrative error, and vendor fraud.

Question: In order of severity, what categories comprise retail theft?

And now for the Final Jeopardy answer:

$37.14 Billion, or 1.58% of total retail industry sales.

Question: What was the cost of shrinkage to retailers in 2010.

So how did you do?

Retailers know that the real jeopardy is allowing retail theft, particularly internal theft to erode profits and cause many other related problems.

Employee theft is a situation that can be controlled through implementation of a solid prevention plan, segregation of duties, and adequate supervision.

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

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