How do you say Anti Shoplifting– Physical Security!!

Over the years of working in both large and small retailers it was always interesting to me to break down the actual shrink losses past just the dollars and overall percentages. Frequently retailers spend so much time attending to internal theft that they forget that retail theft prevention should be applied to all forms of loss. Smaller business locations seem to be the victims of this tendency.

External theft, shoplifting, can be perpetrated a variety of different ways. Regardless of the shoplifting method a business with a Checkpoint security system always has a deterrence effect upon potential shoplifters. From various post theft interviews I have conducted over the years with shoplifters I have learned that the vast majority of thieves look for the easiest target. They avoid stores with Checkpoint systems. When the potential thief sees the pedestals at the front of the store and the checkpoint security tags attached securely to product they avoid the location like a car thief avoids a car with an alarm and or the “club”. As one suspect stated “Why waste the time when I can go down the street and steal the same product from a company without any means of retail theft prevention?”.

I have to admit in all of the companies that I worked for who properly utilized the Checkpoint systems; their shrink percentage breakdown of product categories that were tagged consistently and properly with Checkpoint security tags were always lower than other companies who sold the same product and did not use any anti shoplifting tools.  Small businesses tend to believe that they either can’t afford the Checkpoint security system or that the Checkpoint system will not be cost effective. Many believe that they can handle retail theft prevention “in house” stating that their business is just to small to be on the radar of thieves. This tends to be a costly mistake. Once an inventory count has been conducted; a business owner is left with shrink loss that is compounded by the loss of the sale of the stolen product.

By no means is any anti shoplifting tool guaranteed to eliminate external theft. When you buy and employ a Checkpoint system it is important that everyone on the sales team from part timers to management are trained to properly use the checkpoint security tags on specified product, audit all product categories that have been tagged, report and investigate any defeated tags and react correctly when the Checkpoint system alarm has been activated.  Physical security using an anti shoplifting tool such as the Checkpoint security system is a must if a business is to prevent external losses via shoplifting.

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

Tags VS Labels

I recently purchased a new winter coat at a national chain retailer. While the store was packed with people and very few associates around, I surprisingly found great service at the check out. Hidden in a pocket on the inside of my new coat was a Checkpoint label. The cashier knew too look for it, point it out to me, and then made sure I knew to remove the RF security label before I wore the coat. I never would have known it was there, if it wasn’t for the cashier.

 After I got home, I started thinking about what a great deterrent to stop shoplifting the RF label was. When word gets out to the thieves in the community that there are hidden RF security tags and RF labels on the merchandise, well! If I were a shoplifter, I wouldn’t even dare try to steal from that store.

 The RF label was so discreet, I had no idea it was there. It didn’t even occur to me that I wasn’t fighting some bulky Checkpoint security tag. I tried the coat on and didn’t worry about a hard tag in my sleeve or fighting with one on the zipper. While there are times that RF security tags are a better solution for merchandise, this time the use of an RF Label made it so easy for me to shop! I am glad this retailer knew the appropriate uses for their anti shoplifting devices.

 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 

 

Focus on customers not shoplifters with a Checkpoint Security System!

Great customer service drives retail businesses. Without great service, customers won’t want to come back and continuing buying your merchandise. But how can you deliver great service if all of your focus is on shoplifters and potential thieves? Allow Checkpoint security tags to deter the shoplifters and free you up to deliver the service that will drive customers to come back time and time again.

A few days ago at a store neighboring my work, a shoplifter ran out with several pairs of jeans that had no Checkpoint security tags. The associates and managers were in a panic outside of the store calling the police and attempting to describe what the thief looked like as he ran down the street with their clothes. I couldn’t help but wonder how many potential customers could have received great customer service in the time the associates were busy with the thief. They could have sold hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise if only they had retail theft prevention.

Occurrences such as the one above could have easily been prevented had that store installed a Checkpoint security system. Installing Checkpoint security tags and other anti shoplifting devices by Checkpoint systems throughout your store can free up your associates to fully focus on the customer. Not only can taking anti shoplifting measures such as those described above deter shoplifters, they have minimal interference to the customer who can simply take them to the register to have the Checkpoint security tags removed at the time of purchase.

Don’t be the store that is not protected. Install anti shoplifting devices by Checkpoint systems on your merchandise and allow your associates to focus on the customer.

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

Retail theft prevention strategy for 2012.

As we are coming out of 2011 we look forward to 2012 and all it has to offer.  For those of us in retail we are hopeful of increased sales and better profits.  One thing we need to also look at is retail theft prevention.  Many businesses are struggling in the current economy as sales are down and shoplifting is on the rise. The companies who survive tough economic times are those who are able to balance making money and not losing money.  We all are good at making money.  That’s how we got promoted to the jobs we have.  The hard part is keeping those hard earned dollars on the bottom line so we can show a profit at the end of the year.

A major solution to retail loss is the utilization of anti shoplifting devices.  A great anti shoplifting device is the Checkpoint Security System.  Checkpoint systems are economical and they can be custom fitted to your specific business.  Checkpoint security tags are well known to shoplifters.  There are many different types of thieves, but the two concerning categories are opportunist and Organized Retail Crime.  The opportunist category of shoplifter is concerning because anyone can fall into this category.  In fact, the majority of offenders are opportunist.  They are regular customers that on an impulse make the decision to steal.  Checkpoint systems can help deter these persons.  Since they steal when they think they can get away with it, knowing that items are protected with Checkpoint security tags will often deter their crimes.  Organized Retail Crime rings also know about the Checkpoint Security Systems.  They too want to steal and be undetected so utilizing this type of anti shoplifting device will also help gain retail theft prevention from these very dangerous groups as well.

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

RF Labels: The right fit for the holidays.

Money is often tight for many people around the holidays. Between holiday presents and the abundant festivities, people are looking for more ways to get the items they need for free. It should be no surprise then why the majority of my shoplifting cases occur during the winter months. So what is the best way to stop shoplifting? I would start with RF security tags.

The great aspect about RF security labels is the versatility. These RF labels can be placed on anything from small, concealable items such as makeup and fragrances to larger jewelry boxes. This enables them to be a great addition to the Checkpoint clothing security tags in your store.

 In addition, the deterrence effect of a small RF label can make a big difference. Customers won’t even notice the Checkpoint label, however the shoplifters will. Once the shoplifter sees the RF label they will think twice about putting that item into their jacket or purse. It doesn’t disrupt the customer’s shopping experience but will put a dent in any thieves’ plans.

 It is also a great way to support your store even if you already have loss prevention in place. In the stores I cover as a loss prevention agent, the holidays bring many shoplifters and I am not always able to catch every person that steals. To help me stop shoplifting in my store, I rely on Checkpoint security tags in order to deter the shoplifters.

 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

 

Grocery retail theft prevention is a growing concept.

When you think of theft, most people think of stolen electronics, clothes and perhaps hobby items.  What most don’t consider is that grocery stores face a large amount of theft too.  That is unless you happen to work for a grocery chain.  Those who work in this area, whether chain supermarket or small general store, know that theft is a large part of doing business.  I have found that this is perhaps one of the last great frontiers, if you will, for Loss Prevention to become an integral part of the business structure.

Well here are some things that I have found are needed in this retail setting that all should consider.  Anti shoplifting devices are a must for retail theft prevention.  I recommend the Checkpoint Security System if you are in need of a new anti shoplifting system.  The Checkpoint Security System is a total security solution.  Checkpoint systems can encompass CCTV, alarms and EAS.  All these things are necessary to protect your store from both external and internal theft.  The Checkpoint security tags are great EAS tags.  They are cost efficient.  Checkpoint security tags can be placed on virtually any package.  In fact, you can even get Checkpoint security tags that are built into your meat soaker pads to help protect your high end primals and seafood.

Another great thing about Checkpoint security tags is that you can get them to look several different ways.  The standard tags are great, but a new concept has been to have your store name stamped on the tag.  This lets everyone know that the product came from your store and is great retail theft prevention to Organized Retail Crime organizations who intend to resell the product.  It is too easy for the police to trace back to the store of origin so they will generally leave this product alone and go steal it elsewhere.

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

For more information on Checkpoint Security System, Checkpoint Security Tags, or Anti Shoplifting contact us at Retail theft prevention or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Tis The Season..TO STOP SHOPLIFTING!

I have worked for both big and small box retailers in my career. Holiday philosophies regarding loss prevention are too numerous to count. Believe it or not there are businesses that encourage their loss prevention teams to go on vacation during the holiday season. Businesses become so focused on sales that the concern to stop shoplifting falls to a low priority. This is especially dangerous for those companies that do not use checkpoint security tags.

A focus on sales should be a concern but you should never ignore the bottom line as a whole. Having an EAS (electronic article surveillance) system is like having and extra player in the line up. Running loose and ragged concerning yourself with merely ensuring product is processed and put out on the shelves ignores the potential for shoplifters to pray upon your business. Even companies that do use checkpoint security tags tend to draw back on the amount of categories that they tag with RF security tags and rf security labels. There is also a draw back on the auditing of rf security tag compliance.

The holidays are a time where you need to utilize every security tool that you can employ. When there is a larger presence of customers in your store there is more of a chance that product loss can and will occur. One clothing company I worked for always went against the grain and ramped up using rf labels and rf tags. Loss prevention as a department felt that sense of urgency due to the top down direction of the company to protect its assets. RF labels and rf tags create an obstacle to potential shoplifters. Thieves have to make the decision to not only steal the product but to also try to defeat the checkpoint security tags. Though usage of the EAS system will not stop shoplifting 100% it will deter the impulse shoplifter. Every employee became a part of the team to process shipment, attach either rf labels or rf tags to the product and then merchandise as much of the product on the sales floor as possible. By ensuring the checkpoint labels and tags were aggressively used the company was able to continuously move product out on the sales floor to maximize sales potential as well as product protection. Loss Prevention helped with shipment and tagging, in return sales personnel aided in rf label and rf tag auditing and floor watch awareness. The team rallied around the EAS system which positively affected the inventory shrink number. The EAS system is only a tool to be used to try to stop shoplifting, the system will only be successful if the store staff works together.

Checkpoint labels are excellent for small box items where rf security tags can not be attached. We actually used Checkpoint labels inside shoes as well. During the holidays if time became constricted and use of rf tags with or without lanyards was too time consuming the quick fix was to apply a rf label in its place. Once the Holidays were finished then there would be a beginning of the year audit to ensure all categories were tagged correctly. Ensuring when and where possible rf security tags were applied and rf security labels attached. This was also the time to retrain the store staffs as to the correct usage of the EAS system. Where to place a rf label was critical to both deterring shoplifting as well as the EAS pedestals picking up the rf security labels signal if the product was being removed from the store without being deactivated. Tag placement was also critical for the same reasons as well as to ensure no damage was done to the product being protected. Tis the season to stop shoplifting!

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 

 

Checkpoint Security System. A better plan for a better 2012.

Each year I sit back and reflect upon the past year and what could have been done better to grow profits.  While many use this time to think of ways to grow sales in order to grow profits, I look at the other side.  What retail theft prevention measures could have been taken to save the money from our sales in order to grow profits?

Something that I recognize could have been done better in my business revolves around utilization of anti shoplifting devices.  I use a Checkpoint Security System to protect my assets.  There are many components that can be utilized in a Checkpoint Security System.  I mainly use CCTV and EAS.  Something that I think was a success was the growth of Checkpoint systems Public View Monitors.  We expanded our use of these Checkpoint systems PVM’s to cover more high theft areas in our target stores and saw a decrease in theft and robbery attempts.  When a would-be criminal sees themselves being recorded in living color it goes a long way in deterring them from committing a crime.  This will definitely be something I allocate more funds into this year.

The area I see for improvement is EAS utilization.  We use Checkpoint security tags to protect our high theft merchandise.  Something that I think we all fall into the habit of is just throwing Checkpoint security tags on products without a plan.  Tagging everything is not the answer.  That takes a lot of time and can be costly.  The best method is to strategically put Checkpoint security tags on products.  I am working now to track theft trends based off of inventory shortages and then implement a guideline aimed at putting our anti shoplifting resources where they are actually needed.  Retail theft prevention is becoming a science and must be given the same strategic thought that sales and other business operations are if it is truly going to be effective.

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

For more information on Anti Shoplifting, Checkpoint Security Tags or Checkpoint Security System contact us at Retail theft prevention or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Stop shoplifting this holiday season with RF technology.

With the holidays upon us there is much to be happy for as retail managers.  The economy has been picking up and we are all seeing increased spending.  I don’t know about you, but I can see the yearend bonus projection and it is looking great (finally).  One of the big things that can derail all of this joy and merriment is theft.  Retail theft can quickly diminish sales and profits and leave us all a little “Grinch-y”.  One way to stop shoplifting and reduce retail theft is by investing in RF security tags and RF security labels

 RF security tags and RF labels work on a radio frequency that is specific to the vendor who installs your system.  This goes a long way toward reducing “tag pollution” which is when other store’s deactivated EAS tags set off your system.  By using the RF security tags and RF security labels you know that the EAS alarm sounding is because someone is trying to take your product and not just another false alarm. 

 On leading vendor of RF security labels and tags is Checkpoint.  Checkpoint security tags and Checkpoint labels are very quality products, but are also affordable.  The Checkpoint labels are adhesive labels that can be placed on virtually any boxed products and can be woven into clothes (optional).  They are disposable tags and are very cost efficient.  Checkpoint security tags are hard tags that are reusable.  While they are a little more than the Checkpoint labels, they are removed at checkout and used over and over again.  In the long run they are a money saver and do a better job at protecting your products.

 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 security tags, Checkpoint labels , RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547

 

Retail theft prevention is a must to stay in business.

There have been many a company (and unfortunately there will be more) who have been forced out of business due to theft and poor operational controls.  Most recent surveys concerning retail theft all have similar results.  Overall most retailers can attribute theft to account for roughly 70-85% of their overall shrink.  To this end we must all make retail theft prevention a vital part of our business strategy if we are going to survive trying economic times.

One of the starting places for retail theft prevention is the utilization of anti shoplifting devices in an effort to prevent theft.  While catching shoplifters is the most obvious way of reducing theft, it is limited in scope.  Out of 10 thefts in a day the store would be lucky to catch just one of the thieves.  A much more broad reaching solution is to use an anti shoplifting EAS system.  The Checkpoint Security System is a great solution.  The Checkpoint Security System is cost efficient and quality assured.  One word of caution is to ensure you utilize an authorized dealer to purchase and install you Checkpoint Security System.  I know of several stores that purchased through an unauthorized source and while the cost was less they ended up with refurbished and non-working equipment.  In the long run it is always wiser to use authorized vendors to ensure you get what you pay for.

One of the principle components of Checkpoint systems is Checkpoint security tags.  Checkpoint security tags come in a variety of sizes shapes and applications so you can customize a solution for your specific business.  Checkpoint systems work on a dedicated RF frequency so you don’t have to worry about false alarms from other retailers EAS systems.  Overall I find Checkpoint systems to be a leader in the anti shoplifting industry and rely on their products to protect my business daily.

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

For more information on Checkpoint Security Tags, Checkpoint Security System or Anti Shoplifting contact us at Retail theft prevention or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia