Staff Editor — Page 260

Hair Extensions Sold By Beauty Supply Stores are Under Attack! Use Retail Theft Prevention To Stop Shoplifting!

July 30, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

For those of you that don’t know, hair extensions are all the rage today in the fashion industry. They are quick and easy means for women to change the style of their hair instantly. Hair extensions range in price from a few dollars a pack to several hundred. Of course their popularity and prices make them a prime target for theft. These items are clearly candidates for retail theft prevention and anti shoplifting programs.

Hair Extensions have not been exempt from the smash and grab issues occurring in the US today where thieves latterly smash into a retail store with a vehicle scoop up as much higher end product as possible and leave. But these items have also come on to the radar to the normal everyday shoplifter.

This goes to the age old problem, how does a retailer display their goods for sale allowing the good customers touch and evaluate their options while keeping the shoplifters away? We have a number of clients that have been dealing with this for some time with great success. The solution to stop shoplifting is simple. Use Checkpoint tags to shut the shoplifters down. Checkpoint tags attach directly to the wefted part of the hair extension. If the shoplifter attempts to steal it then the Checkpoint systems at the exit doors let staff know.

There is also another product line that complements Checkpoint Systems. Alpha High Theft Solutions produces several retail anti theft devices that will work on hair extensions. These include ink tags and peg-hook tags. Any of these allow a retailer to keep the hair extensions and other merchandise on the floor and available to the customer.

We can also use Checkpoint labels in retail theft prevention. The paper thin labels have an adhesive back and can be placed directly on the packaging either on the inside or outside. Checkpoint labels also have the advantage of being able to be used on almost all the other products in a Beauty Supply Store. Checkpoint labels come in various sizes from postage stamp size on up.

This creates an anti shoplifting program that works 24/7. It never takes a day off or calls in sick. It is always working even if you are busy or distracted.

If you want to stop shoplifting now you need to get retail theft prevention program. Shoplifting will not go away on its own. Wishing so will not make it happen. The use of retail anti theft devices is the key.

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

For more information on Anti Shoplifting , Checkpoint Labels , Checkpoint Security System , Checkpoint Security Systems , Checkpoint Security Tags , Retail ant theft devices or Retail theft prevention contact us at Stop Shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgi

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: Anti-Shoplifting, Checkpoint labels, checkpoint security system, checkpoint security systems, Checkpoint security tags, checkpoint systems, Checkpoint tags, Retail Anti Theft Devices, retail theft prevention, stop shoplifting

React to Theft with Bottle Security

July 30, 2011 by Staff Editor

Some folks that aren’t in the business of selling wines and liquors might not think that such items are considered high theft. When you think about a shoplifter, and what shoplifters like to steal, liquor might not come to mind. But for the business owner that is losing his inventory to shoplifters, he or she knows full well the impact such crimes can have on business.

Bottle security does exist, and can be utilized in order to help reduce some of those losses due to theft. Bottle locks, such as the EASy Bottle cap from Alpha Security, can be placed over the cap of your liquors and wines. The bottle lock is removed with a key by your employees at the time of purchase. It is then reusable on the next bottle of wine or liquor that you choose to display.

Liquors and wines can be stolen in a variety of ways, just like other merchandise. Some bold thieves will just load up a shopping cart full of booze and walk out of your business, while others will make an effort to conceal in bags or purses before making their escape. Others will just help themselves to a quick drink, or an entire bottle, right inside your business. No matter how the thief chooses to steal, bottle locks are an effective deterrent.

The thieves that want to steal from you do not want to have to take the time to try and figure out how to open a bottle with a bottle lock. Liquor bottle security can be daunting to the would-be thief – which is exactly what you want.

Liquor stores can be victims of shoplifting just like other businesses. But how the business owner reacts to the loss of profit can make the most impact on business. Responding to theft with bottle security can stop the loss and increase the profits.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase liquor bottle security such as 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 Has its Own Problems

July 30, 2011 by Staff Editor

Providing clothing security for ready to wear merchandise has always posed a problem for retailers. The merchandise has to be openly displayed so that customers are able to flip through it, touch it, feel it, inspect it, match it, and compare it.

Customers also want to try the merchandise on in most case to be sure that it fits correctly, which requires them to be left alone with the merchandise for a length of time. They may also carry the merchandise around with them while they continue to shop and browse.

Too often, this merchandise ends up being stuffed into a handbag, shopping bag, or pocket and becomes a shrink statistic.

Too bad the merchandise can’t scream, “I’m being stolen!” as it leaves the store.

Actually, it can. Security tags on clothes can make that announcement. Clothing security tags are attached to the merchandise before it is placed on the sales floor for display. The purpose of the clothing security tags is ultimately to prevent the merchandise from being shoplifted. The final step in the anti shoplifting effort is that when the merchandise that is being protected by the clothing security tags passes through the exit, it activates an EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) system designed to detect the presence of the security tags on clothes that pass in its vicinity, which in turns emits an audible alarm alerting store associates that a protected merchandise is leaving and requires attention.

Another benefit of the clothing alarm and clothing security tags is that its presence acts as a warning to potential shoplifters that their odds of committing a successful shoplifting just went way down. Unless the security tags on clothes are removed by an employee with a special tool, the clothing alarm is going to sound and alert the store that a shoplifting is in progress.

No shoplifter wants that kind of attention, and will usually choose a retailer that doesn’t use clothing security technology.

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

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

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

Think like a shoplifter to prevent shoplifting!

July 30, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

It can be much more challenging to prevent shoplifting than most people realize.

You have to sometimes put your self in the thief’s shoes and for an honest business owner it can be difficult. If you really want to effectively prevent shoplifting you need to be able to think like a shoplifter.

You know product is walking out your door without being paid for and you just can’t seem to grasp how? Well put yourself in the shoplifters shoes and see if you can figure it out. Sometimes all it takes is a different perspective.

Here are some tips for what to look for:

1) What type of products are going missing? Are they small items that can be slipped into pockets? Is it clothing? Is it possible that several things are going missing at once disguised as other things, perhaps slipped into boxes of larger items?

2) Where in your store are things going missing from? Is it an area or possibly multiple areas that aren’t frequently passed by sales clerks? Behind high shelves? In corners?

3) When are you noticing things are gone? Is it the end of the night when you’re sales people are cleaning and find tags on the floor or in shelves? Are you noticing lots of empty clothing hangers around your fitting rooms or empty spaces on shelves? Or does it not show up until inventory time?

When you start looking for these types of clues it becomes increasingly easier to identify solutions and prevent shoplifting in your business. You may have shoplifters enter your business but by noticing these things you can be better equipped to protect your merchandise from their sticky fingers.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for products to help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

For more information on how you can prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Prevent Shoplifting

Policies – Not Police – Stop Employee Theft – Atlanta Georgia

July 30, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

In yet another case of employee theft, our client, a non-profit company, accepts donated items for resale at a chain of thrift stores. The client asked us to investigate a suspected employee theft committed by a long time office employee who was suspected of accepting donations, converting them to her own use, then selling the items for cash to relatives and friends. The client had received an anonymous tip, alleging internal theft by the employee.

The employee theft investigation revealed that the employee had recently taken a phone call from someone offering to donate an automobile. Instead of going through proper channels for accepting donations, she contacted a friend and had him go to the donor’s location and retrieve the car, which was then taken to her residence. She then sold the car, paid her accomplice, and kept the rest of the money.

After being confronted with the evidence gathered during the employee theft investigation, our investigator interviewed the employee. During the interview, the employee admitted to prior instances of internal theft, twice involving donated automobiles. The employee said that she had received payment totaling $3600.00, which she offered to repay as restitution.

She was turned over to the Auto Fraud Unit of the local police department.

Our recommendations to this client included a strict segregation of duties for each employee. This employee was able to steal these three cars undetected because her duties included both taking telephone calls offering donations, arranging for the pick up of the items, and checking the items in. We suggested that these duties be allocated to no less than two employees and that regular audits be conducted on incoming donations.

This company was able to stop this employee theft and recover part of its losses because it did not dismiss an anonymous tip as unfounded just because they “trusted” the employee.

In another wise decision, they left the employee theft investigation to the experts.

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

Checkpoint Systems Anti Shoplifting War in Atlanta Georgia

July 28, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Checkpoint Systems is involved in an anti shoplifting war. With Checkpoint Security Systems as an ally, retailers actually have a means to defeat the onslaught of shoplifters who pilfer merchandise day after day.

The weapons Checkpoint Security Systems offers are a powerful defense in the battle against thieves. Checkpoint labels and Checkpoint tags attached to highly desirable merchandise repel shoplifters like there is a virtual wall around it. Since most shoplifters have a leaning toward self-preservation, that is not being caught, they tend to attack weaker targets, those with weaker defenses that have no Checkpoint security tags or Checkpoint labels protecting the objective merchandise.

The merchandise is still openly displayed and available to legitimate customers; the defensive tactic of applying Checkpoint labels and Checkpoint security tags only affects those attempting to remove merchandise from the store without paying for it first. The anti shoplifting measures – Checkpoint tags and labels – must first be removed or deactivated by an employee at the point of sale. Without this happening, the Checkpoint Systems EAS technology will detect the protected merchandise when it comes into proximity of the Checkpoint Security System located near the exit. When the retail anti theft devices sound the alert, store staff can address the situation and correct it, preventing yet another shoplifting.

The combination of active Checkpoint Systems detection and passive deterrence of the presence of retail anti theft devices are powerful weapons in the war against shoplifting.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint tags and other shrink saving items from Checkpoint Systems.

Alpha Security Products Protect Inventory Loss

July 28, 2011 by Staff Editor

When I first heard of Alpha security products, I was a little unsure if these security features like bottle locks would actually prevent theft and boost profits for my company. I listened to the salesmen and did some research on my own.

Eventually, I agreed to EASy bottle locks in my stores and wanted to see what and how they truly impact sales, whether positive or negative.

A little background on my stores… they are roughly 15,000 square feet of selling space, and have general merchandise and liquor. Liquor accounts for roughly 30% of my overall sales. Currently I have no bottle locks and have seen a spike missing liquor bottles, half empty bottles and “staged” bottles or bottles that appear to be set up for a later theft. Visiting other large retailers, I didn’t like what bottle security they had going, and refused to lock up any of my merchandise behind a counter or in a cage. It just wasn’t customer friendly. I needed something like a bottle lock that would enable my merchandise to be left on open sell; yet provide me the bottle security I needed.

I made a deal with Alpha security and had a bottle lock put on every bottle in my store. I stuck to the directions, as simple as they were and made sure that made bottles and profits were protected. In the past liquor bottle security was something I never really thought of and actually assumed it was more expensive than it was worth. Sure it took an initial investment, but in the end… I’m very happy.

Since going with Alpha Security and using EASy bottle locks on my merchandise, I have seen a dramatic decrease in the instances of missing bottles, half opened or consumed bottles. In fact I have gone almost 3 weeks now, and have found no opened or half empty bottles. I can definitely say that liquor bottle security in my store is working and Alpha security products, like EASy bottle locks definitely have done their job.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store.

For more information on bottle lock, bottle security, EASy bottle, liquor bottle security or bottle locks contact us at Alpha Security or call 1.770.426.0547

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

Security tags on Clothes Work To Keep Profits In Stores

July 28, 2011 by Staff Editor

Putting security tags on clothes can really help maintain profitability and makes a really good store plan. Believe it or not there are still many retailers that attempt to operate their business without any form of clothing security, putting both the overall store safety and profits in jeopardy.

How can clothing security or clothing security tags affect store safety? It’s pretty straight forward. When you have a clothing business and the merchandise is easy to steal, meaning there are no security tags on clothes, you will attract shoplifters. In the shoplifter community, there is communication via websites, books, personal and other forms that identify stores that are “easy”. Through this spread, the unprotected store becomes a target for theft and more. Increasing the instances of grab and runs or persons wanting to get away from the manager that’s confronted them, they flee, knocking down customers, assaulting employees and more.

Don’t be the irresponsible retailer. As a loss prevention professional, I have seen many shops lose valuable merchandise, profits and growth all because they refused to buy into any clothing security. In fact, had these stores simply put clothing security tags on their merchandise, much of the issues in their stores could have been prevented.

Simply put, clothing security tags offer a conspicuous presence to both the consumer and the thief. One of my favorite forms of clothing security is the clothing alarm. As clothing security tags go, a clothing alarm is tops in protection. You can be on one side of your store, and the second a thief tampers with or attempts to remove the clothing alarm, an audible alarm activates making the thief immediately flee.

If you are in the business of turning a profit, consider clothing security and security tags on clothes.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store.

For more information on 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: clothing alarm, Clothing Security, clothing security tags, security tags on clothes

What Are You Doing to Prevent Shoplifting

July 28, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

It’s happening in your stores, have you thought about ways to prevent shoplifting? Many retailers are in the same boat as you. Shoplifting is happening in stores, yet most have done nothing to prevent it. Well, one of the easiest and probably the most beneficial ways to prevent shoplifting is by using checkpoint systems.

I walked into a store in downtown and looked at the installation crew and the new checkpoint systems. The store had been without any real protection since the store staff was reduced to a bare operating minimum. Recently, the store had seen a spike in shoplifting activity, and we felt the problem would only get worse without any form of protection. Negotiating with the corporate office to install a checkpoint system was a fairly easy task. We explained what was going on, how the store was dealing the rising issues and what checkpoint system could do to prevent shoplifting.

The project was finished. Almost as soon as the power was turned on, the store noticed a dramatic decrease in the amount of shoplifting incidents. Prior to the installation, the store continuously complained of shoplifters. Today, the store is operating well, loss has been reduced over 3% Year to date, and a great deal of the reduction is directly attributed to the use of Checkpoint systems.

As consultant, travelling from store to store, when I walk into a building the first item I look for are the antenna of the security system at the front of the store. If I see the system in place, I’ll test its usage. Almost any store I see using these types of theft prevention systems are thriving and experience lower levels of theft. If you are in the position to purchase checkpoint systems, don’t wait, do it today.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store.

For more information on checkpoint systems contact us at prevention shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Prevent Shoplifting

Anti shoplifting Programs Keep Profits Posted

July 26, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

As if you didn’t already know, anti shoplifting programs keep your merchandise ready and available for customers to purchase. I find it very interesting that in today’s economic conditions, stores do not increase their anti shoplifting programs.

It’s a matter of fact, when the economy is down in the dump, levels of crime increase. None is more true that the act of shoplifting. As a former store manager, I couldn’t imagine myself running a store without a security program or more specifically, a Checkpoint security system. Checkpoint security systems are the most trusted, in my experience, with deterring instances of shoplifting. If you’ve never heard of checkpoint security systems, these checkpoint systems are a system of antenna’s placed at the entrance and exits of stores (some stores have them near restrooms and fitting rooms) and detect merchandise with checkpoint security tags attached. As the checkpoint tags pass through the system, typically the potential shoplifter drops the merchandise and flees. Retail anti theft devices like checkpoint systems not only help stop shoplifting but are an important part of any successful retail theft prevention program.

A co manager of mine was assigned to a store without checkpoint security systems. He was probably the most active advocate of retail anti theft devices I’ve ever met. This guy truly saw the importance of a checkpoint security system and its role on impacting profits. He complained to the main office and had a checkpoint security system installed with 45 days of taking over the store. All merchandise that could receive checkpoint labels, got checkpoint labels attached. His store was well protected. Checkpoint labels, like checkpoint tags, work well on smaller easier to conceal items. His efforts to stop shoplifting paid off when inventory came around. His shrink or loss as a percent to sales was lower than expected and his sales were 8% higher than the prior year. When he was asked what he did to so dramatically impact and improve his store, he replied “Due diligence, hard work, and Checkpoint security systems!” A store without a retail theft prevention program will suffer.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store to purchase a checkpoint security system of Checkpoint Security tags.

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