Retail Anti Theft Devices

If the Shoe Fits

February 22, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

I have a friend who loves shoes. Anytime we go out, she spends more time checking out the shoes going by than anything else. Heaven forbid that we go past a shoe store without stopping. She is a die-hard shoe fanatic! She often jokes about how a pair of shoes would be great to have, but she would only wear them once. Maybe she should just get them and return them.

Now, my friend has always put the shoes back on the shelf. She works in retail also and would have a serious moral breakdown if she ever even came close to wardrobing. Unfortunately, we both know that there are plenty of people out there who would not have such a moral dilemma and would buy the shoes for a one-time event, and then return the shoes.

Checkpoint isn’t just about how to prevent shoplifting. They have retail anti theft devices that also apply to these sorts of situations. The Shark Tag is a clip that attaches with a pin to a garment. It is designed to be removed at home. The Shark Tag may not fit on every pair of shoes, but could be attached onto thin straps of dressy shoes.

While there is no EAS on the Shark Tag (like a hard or soft RF tag), it s still a visual deterrent that unless you are planning on paying (and keeping) this product, you should just keep on walking.

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, Shark Tag

Spider Wrapping to stall shoplifters

February 20, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

It’s odd looking, a little cumbersome, and makes funny loud noises if mishandled. I speak, of course, of Spider Wraps. They are retail anti theft devices specifically designed to prevent shoplifting of larger, bulk items. In my store Spider Wraps can be found protecting things such things as televisions, power tools, and vacuum cleaners. It takes a bit of effort ensuring the floor staff properly applies them where they are required but it is simply part of the job facilitating such loss prevention policy. What good are retail anti theft devices if they aren’t being used in a great enough quantity?

A Nano Gate is also needed at the entry point of your store to provide your Spider Wraps with a secondary alarm system. While the units do possess self-contained alarms which sound when they are tampered with (like when someone cuts one of the cords without disabling the alarm) they won’t do anything if someone walks out of the store with a Spider Wrapped product but no Nano Gate to trigger the secondary alarm. Of course, those in the know have their methods of disabling or removing the units, but such methods are messy and time consuming, not to mention time consuming. That is how they prevent shoplifting usually. Most thieves will bypass a bulky product that is Spider Wrapped because they know how noticeable such an action would be. While other retail anti theft devices are a little less conspicuous (like the 2 Alarm or 3 Alarm systems or Shark Tags and Jewel Locks) they are mostly meant for different applications. That doesn’t mean they don’t have their uses or aren’t as effective, but they wouldn’t make quite the same impact for protecting large items.

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: 2 Alarm, 3 Alarm, Nano Gate, Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices, Shark Tag, Spider Wrap

Cops and Robbers 2.0

February 17, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Growing up, my favorite game to play with my neighborhood friends was cops and robbers, and I always chose the role of the “good guys.” And whatever scenario we were acting out that day, I never let my robber playmates get away without sending them to jail in my playhouse. Throughout my Loss Prevention career, I have taken on the same “us vs. them” mentality towards preventing theft because my objective is in direct conflict with a shoplifter’s. As a result, I am always looking for ways to reduce my store’s vulnerability to the inevitable pilferage that all retailers are subjected to.

One way I do this is by effectively utilizing merchandise protection strategies provided by my employer. While working for a big box retailer, my favorite retail anti-theft device was the spider wrap. I favored this solution because with proper application and the absence of loose cables, this is one of the most difficult products to defeat. Wraps enabled with 2 Alarm technology sound off if tampered with or the wires are cut and they signal the EAS to alarm. Even better, 3 Alarm wraps have the additional feature of self-alarming when taken from the store.

As I mentioned above, spider wraps are difficult to defeat. Personal experience and frequenting websites and blogs designed to help shoplifters have taught me this. When questions are posted on how to remove wraps from products, a simple answer is never provided. Aside from buying an S3 key online or holding the product with the wrap under water in the toilet to short out the alarm, it’s not easy. As most of us in Loss Prevention know, any anti-theft device can be defeated if a person has time and tools (and privacy). The success of these products increases when a store has an effective sales team. That way, the shoplifter will never be able to get the merchandise to the bathroom.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices like the spider wrap 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: 2 Alarm, 3 Alarm, Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices, Spider Wrap

Retail anti theft devices for hardline product stores

February 15, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

If you have a retail store, no matter what its primary product line is, you have shoplifters. Just as sheep herders have to worry about wolves and fish in the ocean have to worry about sharks, store owners have to worry about thieves. It is sad that it is such a hard fact of life but despite the consequences that thieves face they still seek to prey on people trying to make an honest living. Therefore, to ensure you can keep the wolves at bay and try and keep your inventory secure there are dozens of viable options at your disposal to prevent shoplifting.

When it comes to protecting hardline items, things such as tool sets and televisions, there aren’t as many options out there as there are for clothing or fabric items. Chief among the hardline retail anti theft devices are Spider Wraps, 2 Alarm tags, and 3 Alarm tags, of course partnered with Nano Gates at the door.

Spider Wraps are best utilized on items with rectangular or boxy shapes like televisions, tool sets, power tools, vacuums, et cetera. Once the wrap has been tightened to form the only way to remove it is with the appropriate key, or to cut one of the cables securing it, which of course sets of a rather loud and irritating alarm. The 2 Alarm and 3 Alarm tags are actually just that; tags. They are fitted to the protected product using a braided metal cable which, like the Spider Wrap, if it is cut sounds an alarm. On top of that, all units are hardened which protects them from thieves trying to pry them open or worse, chew them apart.

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: 2 Alarm, 3 Alarm, Nano Gate, Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices, Spider Wrap

Caveat Venditor – Let the Seller Beware

February 13, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

When you work in either high-end retail or in a specialty store, presentation is one of the most important things. More conversations, meetings and conference calls take place centered on merchandising and visual standards than any other topic imaginable. It was always a caveat of any programs I was implementing that above all else, it MUST not impede the presentation.

So there go big bulky tags, locked boxes, and tangled cords. So how do I sell my loss prevention strategies to prevent shoplifting? By getting the smallest most discreet retail anti theft devices possible. After some research, I found the Nano Gate.

The Nano Gate is at the height of technological innovation. Not only does it do what the regular EAS pedestals do, but also it is nice to look at. A slim line, it can be put at the doors without the feeling of walking into Ft. Knox. It can also be used in smaller pads of the store. That expensive designer handbag wall? It can be placed near it to detect if someone wanders a bit to far away with a bag.

The Nano Gate is perfect for stores with a small footprint. The compact design allows for versatility in placement. You can position it just about anywhere you want. It is a great way to get your upscale stores to realize that ways to prevent shoplifting don’t have to be ways to prevent sales.

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: Nano Gate, Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices

Use Shark Tags to prevent loss due to wear and return Prom Dresses.

February 8, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

It’s hard to believe, but Prom for most schools is only a few months away. This is a time that can be both profitable and costly for many retailers who sell formal gowns. My experience has been that a lot of customers (especially in this down economy) follow the practice of buying the dress and then returning it after the dance. This causes several problems. One, the store spent a lot of time and effort to sell the product and doesn’t need the refunds hitting the bottom line. Additionally, many dresses are returned (with the claim they have never been worn) and are damaged. This is shrink that the stores will incur. To combat this issue I suggest using retail anti theft devices, such as the Shark Tag from Alpha Security.

There are many retail anti theft devices on the market today. Most are designed to prevent shoplifting. These retail anti theft devices are usually sensor tags that sound an alarm when a customer decides to steal them. These are great tools to prevent shoplifting, but they can’t help the wear and return issue. The Shark Tag is different. The Shark Tag is a plastic tag that pinches (not punctures) into place on the clothes. These are best when used in conspicuous places like the middle of the chest area. The customer has to take it off (or look ridiculous) before they wear the product. Since most store’s refund policy excludes taking back worn items, this helps you prove that the item as has been warn. Instead of arguing over whether or not the customer is lying about wearing the product you can simply point out that without the Shark Tag in place the store can’t do the refund. Problem solved.

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, Shark Tag

Jewelry- Pretty and Pretty Frustrating

February 6, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

As I look across my desk at work I see the usual suspects: Pen, paper, computer, half drank coffee cup, and empty packages. Lots of empty packages. I know that this is a normal sight for most LP or retail Managers. It’s hard to prevent shoplifting when things are so small and easily concealed. Things like the empty jewelry packages scattered daily across my desk.

When you think of all the retail anti theft devices out there, most are not conducive to small packages or things like jewelry. Jewelry is it’s own special beast. Tiny loose pieces that are often open and hard to wrap, tag, sticker or clamp. The packaging is often what has the anti theft devices on it, which is why the packages are discarded by thieves.

Well, now there is the Jewel Lok to save the day. Alpha Security has a few types of Jewel Loks to meet different criteria. They have Jewel Loks for stud and hoop earrings that attach directly onto the earring.

They also have what is called a loose jewelry solution. It is a small clamp that is covered in plastic to avoid scraping the jewelry. It is easy to attach to things like bracelets or necklaces that would easily slide off their packages or hang tags.

I know that once the new Jewel Loks are in place, there will be a drastic reduction on the amount of loss in that area. I also can’t wait to reduce the amount of clutter on my desk from stolen jewelry packages.

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: Jewel Lok, Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices

Is your hair HOT?

February 3, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

One of the hottest fashion statements a person can make right now is the use of clip in feathers and hair extensions to change their look. As most trends, these accessories can range in price and even go up into the hundreds while they are in style. This can be terrifying for the owners of beauty supply chains throughout the country.

Right now some of the top most stolen items, particularly in the Greater Atlanta area, are hair extensions (Click here for Story). These extensions are either synthetic or human hair and are extremely expensive in some cases. Beauty supply stores owners are having such a high theft problem with these items that in some cases they have to worry about their own safety. Luckily there are retail anti theft devices that can be implemented to help prevent these items from walking out the door.

Checkpoint Security Systems have several products that can be attached to these hair extensions (or weaves) that will sound an alarm if they are taken without going through the cash register. The Fashion2 Mini hard tag can be pinned through the woven part of the hair extension and is small enough to fit inside packaging in most cases. There are also retail security labels that can be attached to the outside of packaging and can also be used on other high theft beauty supply products, such as hair dye and high end scissors.

If you are a beauty supply store owner you have heard of these thefts and you are more than likely a victim, whether you know it or not. Stop letting your profits walk out and be made on the street. Stop shoplifters from stealing your high end weaves today!

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

3 Alarm technology does more than stop theft. It also protects against liability.

January 30, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Anyone who has spent a large amount of time apprehending shoplifters has either made a bad stop or come really close. When I say “bad stop” I’m referring to an apprehension where the suspect, in fact, did not have the product on their person. The most common reason is that the LP Agent saw the customer conceal the product, but somewhere along the way the suspect de-concealed the product and the LP Agent missed it. This situations can be very costly to companies as potential lawsuits can be filed for false imprisonment, defamation of character, emotional distress, etc. To this end, many retailers have stopped making apprehensions all together. I think the real solution lies in a happy medium.

Stores need LP Agents making apprehensions. This in and of itself helps prevent shoplifting as it sends a message that your store is not an easy target. To help your LP Agents make safe and responsible apprehensions I suggest adding retail anti theft devices to the mix. Retail anti theft devices will by themselves help prevent shoplifting. Many would-be shoplifters will be deterred by having sensor tags, spider wrap, etc. on the product. A new series of retail anti theft devices are called 3 Alarm products and are produced by Alpha security. To maximize the 3 Alarm system I also suggest getting the Nano Gate from Alpha as well.

The 3 Alarm sensor tags do several things. One, they act as a traditional EAS tag that sets off the door alarm. When you add the Nano Gate the 3 Alarm tags will also activate an alarm built into the tag itself (once it passes the Nano Gate at the door). When an LP Agent knows a suspect concealed an item with a 3 Alarm tag then they should expect the tag to sound from the shoplifters bag when the person exits. A sounding alarm means they did not miss anything and are safe to make the apprehension. No alarm and they can back off before making a costly mistake.

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

New retail anti theft devices actually make protecting accessories more than a dream.

January 27, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

For years I have suffered through the pain of shrink in my accessories department. For many department stores the shrink percent of this department is the highest in the store. It seems we lose almost as much as we sell. The reason is fairly simple. These items are very small, easy to conceal or wear, and cannot be protected. Or should I say couldn’t be protected. Alpha Security has a revolutionary set of retail anti theft devices aimed to help prevent shoplifting of these expensive little items.

There are several Jewel Lok retail anti theft devices available. There are two Jewel Lok options for earrings. One is for hoop earrings and the other for stud earrings. Both options help prevent shoplifting by applying the tag directly to the product and not just the packaging. For years our only option was to put a soft tag on the jewelry packaging. These were often torn off or the shoplifter would just remove the product from the package and the tag was ineffective at that point. With the Jewel Lok tags the actual product is protected and the ability to prevent shoplifting becomes a reality. There is also a Jewel Lok option that works with loose jewelry such as bracelets, necklaces, etc.

Alpha also has retail anti theft devices for other accessories as well. The Eyewear tag is designed to place a hard tag on the arm of sunglasses. They are adjustable so they will fit most sizes of sunglasses. The 2 Alarm and 3 Alarm cable locks are great for handbags. The 2 Alarm and 3 Alarm cable locks will sound the EAS system if not removed and both have an alarm built into the tag that will sound if tampered with. The 3 Alarm tag works with the Nano Gate and if the product leaves the store will set off the alarm on the tag which helps make apprehensions easy.

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