How do you prevent shoplifting of your computer tablet, computer or laptop displays? I work in a store that sells all of the above and other merchandise as well. Our displays are secured with retail anti-theft devices but despite the security we are using we have had at least one theft of a high priced computer tablet that I am aware of. The display was attached to an alarmed wire that is connected to the tablets and computers but in the situation I am addressing the thief was not concerned with the system we are using. I wondered what other steps the company could take to prevent another such incident. The first thing that came to me was that the company could invest in an Alpha Bug Tag for each unit.
The Alpha Bug Tag is a retail anti-theft device that uses electronic article surveillance to deter and prevent shoplifting (and the theft of mobile devices used in retail and the medical field too). The tag attaches directly to the unit to be protected and should someone walk towards a doorway that has EAS towers while holding a protected item alarms sound and warning lights flash. The tag also has a tamper alarm that sounds when a criminal tries to pry a device off of a display or mobile device. The 3 Alarm version of the tag also has a self-alarm that is activated if a shoplifter exits the store with a device and chooses to ignore the EAS tower alarm. The third alarm capability means that the shoplifter can no longer melt into a crowd of people and become anonymous; everyone around them will know they have stolen items. While you shouldn’t chase a thief you can act on information provided by bystanders who will give you get away vehicle and license plate information.
At our store the bad guy who stole our tablet display came into the building, looked around and knelt down by the tablet displays. When no one was in the area he grabbed the display, jerked it from the alarm wire and mounts and ran out the door. The only alarm that was heard was at the display and our suspect was gone. Had a 3 Alarm Alpha Bug Tag been used to supplement the anti-theft unit the tablet was mounted on the tag would have set off the EAS towers AND the Tag would have sounded an alarm while the suspect was running in the parking lot. The combination might have been enough to prevent shoplifting since the suspect may have dropped the merchandise when he realized the alarm was going with him. While a police report was filed and the District Loss Prevention Manager was notified of the incident to the best of my knowledge the suspect has never been captured.
Looking for an alternative to using dual retail anti-theft devices to protect your displays? There is now an Alpha Bug Tag 2 Snare that can be used in with the Bug Tag 2 units. The snare allows the tag to be secured to a shelf and provides the same capability of traditional retail anti-theft fixtures permitting patrons to pick up and handle display products. The Tag retains the anti-tampering features and if one of the cables is cut an alarm is activated and employees are alerted to a theft taking place at the display.
Displays in your store require as much attention of not more attention than the brand new merchandise. Shoplifters get an active display unit in their grasp and may be more inclined to try to get away with it because they are holding it. It’s sort of like a new car. It’s one thing to look at it shiny and new on the salesfloor but once you get in it and hold the wheel in your hand it becomes more difficult to resist. Give criminals a reason to resist the temptation to steal your displays. Use an Alpha Bug Tag on all of the items you display whether it is on a traditional display or using the tag and Snare combination.
Need information on Alpha Bug Tag? Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 now.
Speak Your Mind
You must be logged in to post a comment.