5 Ways to Deter Shoplifters

Shoplifting remains one of the major problems facing retail stores across the US and the world as a whole, some reports claim as many as one in twelve customers actively shoplift items from retail stores. There are simple and effective ways to deter shoplifters from committing this crime, which costs business millions of dollars each year.

Awareness

The first step in deterring shoplifters is to make sure each person entering a store is aware of the company policy of actively prosecuting those caught shoplifting. Signs should be positioned at the entrance and exit to a store that make the pledge that shoplifters will be prosecuted. Follow through with this pledge, by prosecuting shoplifters a store will gain a reputation as one to be avoided by shoplifting gangs.

Alarms

One of the major aspects of a shoplifting crime is usually secrecy, which is required when a shoplifter takes an item and hides it on their person. Shop floor alarms on high priced items, which sound when the loop is broken or the item is carried out of the store often act as a deterrent for shoplifters.

Store Layout

As has already been mentioned one of the major things each criminal considering shoplifting needs is secrecy. Taking an overview of the layout of a store can identify areas acting as blind spots not visible to employees. Altering the layout, which can mean positioning a cash register close to the exit, can make it more difficult for a shoplifter to complete their crime.

Positioning Stock

In general, thieves want to steal the most expensive items they can to get the highest amount in resale value that are easy to access. High priced items can be positioned close to the register where staff members can keep an eye on them; removing parts until the item is bought can also make it more difficult for a shoplifter.

Cameras

Shoplifters rarely want to be identified; meaning the installation of security cameras is one of the major deterrents to potential shoplifters. When installing cameras a professional company will usually assess the store for the best location to make cameras visible yet effective.