Employee theft of refunds. Sound familiar?

August 23, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

For those of you who don’t know, I have a little secret to tell. {Whispering} “Shhhh … EMPLOYEE’S STEAL!!!” Ok, so I admit that may be a little dramatic, but I hope the point is made. I hear many employers say they don’t have employee theft and that is just not the case. Year after year and study after study shows that employee theft, also known as internal theft, is linked to nearly half of all retail losses. There are many different ways that internal theft can occur, but I want to focus this article on refund theft and how to conduct an employee theft investigation on refunds.

The first step to conducting an employee theft investigation of refunds is to actually look at your refunds. Hopefully, you have POS software that will pull refund reports. If not, you can do things the old fashion way and scroll through your journal tape and find all of your refunds from the previous day. This must be a daily activity. Next, you will want to look for refunds of the same item. Often internal theft of refunds occurs by the cashier returning an item legitimately for a customer and then when no one is around they do another “refund” and keep the cash or gift card for themselves.

Another good idea is to look at numbers and dollar amounts of refunds and look at the employees as a whole for that day. If 3 employees did refunds you would expect their numbers to be similar. Look for the associate who is well above the pack in either number or dollar amount of refunds. Why the difference? Pull video and look at a few transactions to verify that a customer is present and product is present.

Employee theft investigations are essential in protecting your profits and your business. Unfortunately, employee theft is a real thing so it is worth the time to “dig in” and see what is going on.

For more information on employee theft investigation, employee theft 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

Lessen the Impact of Theft with Checkpoint Systems

August 20, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Businesses can be impacted by shoplifters at any time of the day. Businesses also feel the impact of shoplifting from a variety of thieves; everyone from the professional thief to the petty shoplifter. The outcome of either type of shoplifting is the same – loss of merchandise and profit for your business. The amount of loss can vary between the two groups and the impact on profit can be significant.

Retail theft prevention is a generic term for what you, as a business owner, can do to prevent theft in your business. It can mean teaching your employees about what they can do to prevent theft. Retail theft prevention can also mean utilizing anti shoplifting devices such as Checkpoint systems. Some type of system needs to be in place in order to lessen the effects of theft from shoplifters.

A Checkpoint Security System, for example, includes Checkpoint security tags that can be attached to your high theft merchandise. These reusable devices are removed at the time of purchase at the register, and offer a deterrent to those customers that consider shoplifting at your business. They also are very difficult to remove without a key, so they slow down a shoplifter’s attempt to steal. Shoplifters need anonymity and speed in order to carry out their desire to steal, so a Checkpoint security system can take away those opportunities.

Anti shoplifting devices can, for minimal investment, prevent the losses from shoplifting that your business is experiencing. Checkpoint security tags are a proven example of an effective tool for retail theft prevention. Profits improve, and shoplifters move on to an unprotected business.

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 Anti Theft Devices, retail theft prevention

Bottle Lock is a Theft Stopper – Atlanta Georgia

August 20, 2011 by Staff Editor

Using a bottle lock on liquor and wine inventory is like putting a stopper on alcoholic beverage shoplifting.

There are plenty of theft related problems in the package liquor and wine business, like shoplifting and in store sampling.

In store sampling is as bad as shoplifting the entire bottle since it can no longer be legally sold with a broken and tax stamp, and the contents may have been tainted.

Bottle security has always meant hiding bottles of spirits that are highly susceptible to theft in a place where they are not available to legitimately interested shoppers, which in turn negatively impacted sales of those items. Merchandise that customers have to ask for, or aren’t located in the appropriate section or aisle, are naturally not going to sell as well as merchandise that can be touched and inspected by the potential buyer.

The one product that tips the scales toward the retailer in the effort to stop the shoplifter is the bottle lock by Alpha Security.

These bottle locks, such as the one of the EASy Bottle models from Alpha Security are designed to fit tightly over the cap of the bottle and not be removed except by an employee with a special key without damaging the bottle and effectively ruining the contents. The EASy Bottle comes in sizes that fit most any available bottle of spirits.

In addition, most models of bottle locks are equipped with sensor devices that cause an alarm when the go through the protected field at the store’s exit.

The bottle lock provides bottle security in three ways:

Deterrent – shoplifters know when they see liquor bottle security being used that there are easier targets to be found elsewhere.

Denial – use of this product means the contents of the bottle can’t be accessed without ruining it.

Detection – the product will cause an alarm if it goes through the detection field.

Put a stopper on your losses by using the bottle lock on all you vulnerable products.

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 – Atlanta Georgia

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: Alpha Security, bottle lock, bottle locks, bottle security, easy bottle, liquor bottle security

Clothing security that makes shoplifting pointless. Now that’s a solution.

August 20, 2011 by Staff Editor

The basic idea behind putting security tags on clothes is to deter theft. One of the major deterrent factors is that clothing security tags sound an alarm and brings attention to the shoplifter (which they don’t want). Over the years I have seen some pretty interesting work-arounds to standard clothing security. On of the biggest problems I’ve seen occurs when people use “knock-Off” clothing security tags.

When cheap import tags are used instead of Checkpoint tags, shoplifters can often remove the tags by prying them apart or breaking them. With Checkpoint tags you can be assured that your clothing security tags will not make be removed by anyone except your sales associate. Genuine Checkpoint tags are also the most effective with your clothing alarm.

Another option is to use ink tags. Ink tags are hard tags that have a dye built into the tag. If the product is handles normally then there is no problem. If the thief tries to remove the ink tag then it will break the ink vials and ruin the garment and the hands of the thief. By using these security tags on clothes it makes the garment not worth stealing. This ink cannot be washed out so it is pointless to the thief to even try to steal it. The downside is that you can lose a few items to damage until the thieves figure this out; however, better lost to damage than theft. Also, in the long run it will save you product. For this reason I suggest standard hard tags as your first clothing security option, but this is great if that is not working.

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

For more information on clothing security, Checkpoint tags, 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

Some shoplifters know how to bypass retail anti theft devices. Do you???

August 20, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

At this point in time there are several known tools used by career shoplifters to bypass retail anti theft devices. As business owners and managers we have to keep up with these in order to make our retail anti theft devices still prevent shoplifting to the population at large.

One example is what is called a booster bag. If you know what to look for you can easily spot these. Booster bags are generally large paper bags with handles that you expect to find at most clothing retailers. The shoplifter lines the inside of the bag with tin foil and if a large amount of items with EAS tags are placed inside the foil boosts the RF signal from the tags to a point that it is too much for the pedestals to handle and thus causes the EAS alarm not to activate. It is important to train you employees to be mindful of customers shopping that have bags from other retailers (especially if that retailer is nowhere close to your shop). They need to pay extra attention to customers with paper bags and try to get close enough to see inside to make sure it is not lined with anything.

Additionally, I have seen a number of stores who use handheld EAS deactivators at their registers for hard tags. Personally, I recommend using flush mounted deactivators because they cannot be stolen as easily as the handhelds can. It is becoming more common to find that thieves are distracting the clerks and stealing the handheld deactivators so that they can remove your retail anti theft devices themselves. If you are going to use the handhelds then at least make sure to mount them to the register and make sure your cashiers alert you if any go missing.

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

Checkpoint RF Security Tags and RF Security Labels for Merchandise Protection

August 20, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

There is no one in a better position to make decisions the use of RF security tags and RF security labels than the business owner himself. Of course the decision should not be made without a thorough analysis of the factors that contribute to the inventory shrinkage problem and gaining all the input he can possibly get.

The shoplifting problem may be obvious. The owner/manager may receive reports from customers or employees that have witnessed customer theft. Merchandise may mysteriously disappear from display. Empty packages and price tags may be found hidden around the store. There are any number of signs that may point to a big shoplifting problem. The most serious problem is inventory loss that translates into lost profits.

One of the most effective solutions to stop shoplifting comes from Checkpoint Security Systems. The use of pedestals from Checkpoint Systems, along with Checkpoint RF security tags and Checkpoint RF security labels will not only alert store personnel when an item that has not been paid for is leaving the store or department, but will deter most shoplifters from even attempting to steal from the store.

Pedestals from Checkpoint Security Systems can detect merchandise of all kinds, large or small. There are Checkpoint security tags designed to protect everything from eyewear to shoes to golf clubs. Checkpoint RF security labels are used to safeguard groceries, boxes, packages, and certain types of apparel. Almost any style or category of high theft merchandise can be protected by RF security tags or labels from Checkpoint Security Systems.

No matter the size of the business, a Checkpoint Security System and the use of RF security tags and Checkpoint labels will be cost effective because the profit gained from the sale of merchandise that would have otherwise been stolen will quickly cover the cost of the system.

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 – Atlanta Georgia

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

With liquor bottle security I can almost taste the savings

August 19, 2011 by Staff Editor

It’s hard to enjoy a tasty beverage knowing that your profits are walking out the door. In fact, it’s almost enough to make you need a drink. Alpha security offers solutions to put your mind at ease. EASy bottle products are the cutting edge in liquor bottle security.

I work in a company that sells alcohol so I well know how difficult bottle security really is. Bottle locks are devices that clamp on the spout of liquor and wine bottles and prevent the cap from being removed. This makes the product not worth stealing. Additionally, EASy bottle locks work with pre-existing Electronic Article Surveillance systems. If someone is dumb enough to try to steal product with bottle locks attached, the alarm system will alert the employees of the potential theft. I can’t begin to explain how much money I have saved by adding bottle security products to my alcohol selection.

The other nice thing about bottle locks is that Alpha security keeps visual aesthetics in mind. One thing that has detracted me from using other liquor bottle security is that other solutions just look bad. The design of the bottle lock from Alpha security is designed to be small and barely noticeable. The bottles still fit properly in my coolers and on the shelves. They are also virtually indestructible. You will break the neck of the bottle long before you have success knocking the bottle lock off of the spout. All in all, I have found EASy bottle locks to be the best bottle security product and I can see the savings on my bottom line.

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

For more information on EASy Bottle, Alpha Security, Bottle locks, Bottle Lock, liquor bottle security, Bottle Security or contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: Alpha Security, bottle lock, bottle locks, bottle security, easy bottle, liquor bottle security

Anti shoplifting efforts pay back the bottom line

August 18, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Anti shoplifting efforts can be a profit booster from many angles. However, in my opinion, no efforts are easier to achieve than that of a checkpoint security system.

A checkpoint security system operates by detecting checkpoint security tags attached to merchandise throughout your stores that has not yet been deactivated at the point of sale. If and when a shoplifter conceals this tagged merchandise and passes through the checkpoint systems, an alarm is activated and puts the shoplifter in a very uncomfortable position. He has only one of two choices, run or drop the merchandise. Most often, shoplifters drop the merchandise and run.

Retail theft prevention and other anti shoplifting efforts have been around for many years, but retailers today are getting smarter about the protection and prevention methods. In years past, retail theft prevention was more of a reaction than prevention. With the incorporation of tools like checkpoint systems, the retailer is given more of a chance at self protection.

I worked in a chain of drug stores that had checkpoint security tags on much of its merchandise. Although this merchandise was well protected, the store was slow to install the tags on other high value merchandise. Over about a 6 month period, the amount of loss in the lines of merchandise not protected with checkpoint security tags increased bout greater than 1%. It was clear to the store team and I that our retail theft prevention program had to be stretched out to cover the other valuable items.

As time went on the store was able to prevent more loss and protect its profits. Today the store has more than 100 stores opened and can place a lot of the growth directly at the feet of retail theft prevention like checkpoint systems.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store.

For more information on checkpoint security systems, checkpoint security tags, checkpoint systems or retail theft prevention contact us at anti shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547

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

Clothing security. How to avoid the hassle.

August 18, 2011 by Staff Editor

If you are like me, you want to keep your products safe without having to deal with a lot of unnecessary hassle. Checkpoint tags help to do this. Checkpoint tags are designed to be easy to use and are an effective way add clothing security without killing sales. The first step is picking the right clothing security tags for the right product.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to tag everything. Find a sensible price point or set of brands to start with. You will find that most shoplifters doing worry with low dollar items or even store brand merchandise. Focus on the well known name brands and items that are about $30 and higher.

The second part is knowing where to use security tags on clothes. For most shirts and jeans you will want to put the hard clothing security tags in a seam. This will mean the pin goes through an existing hole which covers easily upon removal. It does no good to use the front of the shirt because your customer won’t want a hole in the middle of the shirt and your sales will suffer. For items like coats I suggest a clothing alarm. This alarm has a sensor cord that pinches the cuff of the jacket or item. If tampered with the clothing alarm will sound and alert the employees of a problem. Hard tags come in different sizes from the mini hard tag primarily for your intimate apparel and accessories the the larger plastic clothing security tags that will still provide security, but will make the products easier to try on for your customer.

The goal with security tags on clothes is still make sales. You don’t want to lock your products down so that customers are too aggravated to try your products out. Clothing security should be a benefit and not a hindrance to your business.

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 1.770.426.0547

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

Can you really have a business that doesn’t use retail anti theft devices?

August 18, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Of course. Is it recommended? Not really. Shoplifting is a real part of any retail environment. The solution to prevent shoplifting is fairly easy. The answer is retail anti theft devices.

There are a variety of retail anti theft devices. One major device is the EAS system. EAS stands for Electronic Article Surveillance. In short, these are the noise makers at the door that beep when merchandise walks through that has security tags on them. Putting tags on merchandise is a great way to prevent shoplifting. Shoplifters by nature are sneaky. They want to come in and go out without much attention. If a shoplifter knows that the product they are stealing is going to set off an alarm then the whole “sneaky” thing goes out the window. This is the deterrent effect that you want to have. The hard part is getting the employees involved.

In order to really prevent shoplifting you have to have a team effort. Retail anti theft devices work to alert the associates of merchandise that might not be paid for, but it is still up to them to respond. If a shoplifter sees someone set off the alarm and nobody pays attention then the deterrent effect is lost. Not going to prevent much shoplifting that way. A proper system is one where the employees actively engage the customer who set off the alarm. That lets the potential shoplifters know that they will be questioned and their bags checked if they mess up and take product that has sensor tags on it. Now we have a solution that will prevent shoplifting.

Just remember, retail anti theft devices are designed to alert associates of a problem. It is still their job to give good “customer service”.

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