Alpha Spider Wraps Make Shoplifters Think Twice

July 25, 2016 by Leave a Comment
CA Blog 01
Alpha Spider Wraps- 5
Prevent Shoplifting- 3
Alpha Spider Wraps Make Shoplifters Think Twice
In the past decade or so, Organized Retail Crime (ORC) has seen a dramatic rise, affecting retailers of all sizes. ORC consists of “professional” groups of shoplifters who target specific items that are carried by retailers, to then re-sell online, at flea markets or on the Black Market. Many retailers are left scratching their heads on how to mitigate their risk of becoming victim to this seemingly never-ending cycle of theft. Retailers understand that they must keep good merchandising standards in place to improve sales, but also know they need to protect their merchandise to prevent shoplifting. This is where Alpha Spider Wraps come into play. Alpha Spider Wraps are a top of the line merchandise protection product, while leaving the items to have excellent shelf placement for consumers.
The product comes in various sizes, has a very loud audible alarm and secures around a product. The device cannot be removed without the alarm sounding unless a store employee removes it with a special Alpha Key, designed specifically for the device. One might now ask, “Won’t the shoplifter just walk out with the device on the product,” or “How does this prevent shoplifting?” After spending numerous years in Retail Loss Prevention, I can attest that this is a very uncommon practice as the device also works in conjunction with EAS towers, setting off their audible alarm upon as exit as well. What if the shoplifter cuts the device to remove it? This would be a very bold move on the part of the shoplifter. By doing so, the device starts its audible alarm, causing the subject in question to immediately discard the merchandise and exit the store embarrassed, and most likely knowing they should think twice about coming back. 
Whether a merchant wants to protect large, high value power tools or a smaller high value fragrance set, Alpha Spider Wraps will get the job done. Employees are easily able to attach the devices to the product without doing any harm to the packaging, along with the aesthetics of the merchandise. As stated above, the product comes in numerous sizes, and it is adjustable making it suitable for most applications.  When it comes time to remove the device from the merchandise, this is easily done in a matter of seconds by the cashier with the Alpha Key. If retailers are looking at cost, it is noteworthy that the Alpha Spider Wraps can be used countless times over, reducing the expenditures that come with constantly having to order other merchandise protection equipment. 
While at work, it’s a huge relief when I see a would-be shoplifter select an item that has an Alpha Spider Wrap placed on it. Gone are the days where I would run out to the floor to prepare for an apprehension. Now, all I essentially have to do is let the device prevent shoplifting! On the off chance that the shoplifter actually exits with the merchandise and the device, the EAS towers sound, and store associates are there to greet the suspected shoplifter- thus deterring the theft once again. Sometimes it can get quite comical watching shoplifters attempting to remove the devices, most of the time being unsuccessful. The device fits securely on the items so that it cannot be simply pulled off and discarded- but boy do people try their hardest! These devices certainly give store owners and employees less anxiety when it comes to protecting their merchandise, preventing shoplifting and losing profit, all while lowering costs of the merchandise protection plans. 
For more information about Alpha Spider Wraps contact us or call 1.770.426.0547


In the past decade or so, Organized Retail Crime (ORC) has seen a dramatic rise, affecting retailers of all sizes. ORC consists of “professional” groups of shoplifters who target specific items that are carried by retailers, to then re-sell online, at flea markets or on the Black Market. Many retailers are left scratching their heads on how to mitigate their risk of becoming victim to this seemingly never-ending cycle of theft. Retailers understand that they must keep good merchandising standards in place to improve sales, but also know they need to protect their merchandise to prevent shoplifting. This is where the Alpha Spider Wrap comes into play. Alpha Spider Wraps are a top of the line merchandise protection product, while leaving the items to have excellent shelf placement for consumers.

 

The product comes in various sizes, has a very loud audible alarm and secures around a product. The device cannot be removed without the alarm sounding unless a store employee removes it with a special Alpha Key, designed specifically for the device. One might now ask, “Won’t the shoplifter just walk out with the device on the product,” or “How does this prevent shoplifting?” After spending numerous years in Retail Loss Prevention, I can attest that this is a very uncommon practice as the device also works in conjunction with EAS towers, setting off their audible alarm upon as exit as well. What if the shoplifter cuts the device to remove it? This would be a very bold move on the part of the shoplifter. By doing so, the device starts its audible alarm, causing the subject in question to immediately discard the merchandise and exit the store embarrassed, and most likely knowing they should think twice about coming back. 

 

Whether a merchant wants to protect large, high value power tools or a smaller high value fragrance set, Alpha Spider Wraps will get the job done. Employees are easily able to attach the devices to the product without doing any harm to the packaging, along with the aesthetics of the merchandise. As stated above, the product comes in numerous sizes, and it is adjustable making it suitable for most applications. When it comes time to remove the device from the merchandise, this is easily done in a matter of seconds by the cashier with the Alpha Key. If retailers are looking at cost, it is noteworthy that the Alpha Spider Wraps can be used countless times over, reducing the expenditures that come with constantly having to order other merchandise protection equipment. 

 

While at work, it’s a huge relief when I see a would-be shoplifter select an item that has an Alpha Spider Wrap placed on it. Gone are the days where I would run out to the floor to prepare for an apprehension. Now, all I essentially have to do is let the device prevent shoplifting! On the off chance that the shoplifter actually exits with the merchandise and the device, the EAS towers sound, and store associates are there to greet the suspected shoplifter- thus deterring the theft once again. Sometimes it can get quite comical watching shoplifters attempting to remove the devices, most of the time being unsuccessful. The device fits securely on the items so that it cannot be simply pulled off and discarded- but boy do people try their hardest! These devices certainly give store owners and employees less anxiety when it comes to protecting their merchandise, preventing shoplifting and losing profit, all while lowering costs of the merchandise protection plans. 

 

For more information about Alpha Spider Wraps contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Five Ways Bottle Service Can Build Your Business – Part 2

July 21, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Bottle Service- 5                                                                                                                            WC Blog 163
Bottle locks-5
nightclub-4
Five Ways Bottle Service Can Build Your Business – Part 2
     In Part one of this series I discussed the concern that millennials are not frequenting nightclubs in the numbers they had in the past.  For club owners, this should be a concerning issue.  Citing the results of an anonymous survey, there were a number of reasons given by those surveyed for not going to clubs as frequently as they used to go.  Of the reasons listed, there were five which I felt could be easily remedied, partially by a business starting a bottle service that incorporates bottle locks as well.  In part two of this series, I want to focus on high priced drinks mentioned as a reason  millennials are not going out as frequently as they once may have done.  
     How can starting a bottle service impact the high price of drinks?  To start with it is just that, a service that provides varying degrees of VIP service to purchasers.  The club or bar owner decides on what will be included in service packages based on how large a group is.  I have seen packages for as few as two people and large group packages for such things as bachelorette parties or a corporate team building events. A small group package may provide one bottle of a select wine or liquor, chosen in advance by the group coordinator.  The larger the group the more bottles should be made available (understanding that the cost of the package goes up as well).  A well thought out service will provide VIP guest treatment, and again, depending on the amount of the package a prime seating location.  A bottle service waiter or waitress with a detachment key for bottle locks is in charge of ensuring the group has a good time and drinks are controlled and mixed by the waiter or waitress.  The cost of drinks is controlled by the package price.  Barring additional purchases, a patron can have a good idea of what they will be spending for the evening. 
     
     Add to bottle service the use of bottle locks on the bottles of liquor or wine provided as part of the package and a server holding the key to the locks and you have a controlled service.  No one outside of the party can access the drinks without the okay of the waitress or waiter.  Since only the waiter pours the drinks and mixers, drinks are measured out more accurately than if party members poured their own and bottles stretch further (which translates to value for the customers).  Another advantage, albeit for the nightclub owner, is that by having the dedicated waiter/waitress and using bottle locks, the chance of an underage member of the group getting served is minimized.  Also the server is able to be alert to the party member who may be getting too intoxicated and can partner with nightclub management to intervene before an incident occurs.  For the group, the advantage is that if they choose to limit themselves to the bottles provided by the service, they can choose not to pay for more drinks at the prices which they had been concerned about.
     You may be asking yourself, “If the customer uses the service once, why will they come back and use it again?  They had their VIP treatment so they probably won’t want the experience again.”  If management establishes a program focused on providing a movie-star quality service, with a reasonable price which include a top shelf liquor or wine, patrons will return again and again and advertise by word of mouth, often the best kind of advertisement.  Also, the other club goers will see the service and undoubtedly inquire about it.
     To quote business trainer and consultant Kate Zabriskie, “The customer’s perception is your reality.”  What will your “reality” be?  Add a bottle service and bottle locks to your nightclub, make it reasonably priced and change your customer’s perception of what a night out can be.
Get more information on bottle service, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
     
     
       

In Part one of this series I discussed the concern that millennials are not frequenting nightclubs in the numbers they had in the past. For club owners, this should be a concerning issue. Citing the results of an anonymous survey, there were a number of reasons given by those surveyed for not going to clubs as frequently as they used to go. Of the reasons listed, there were five which I felt could be easily remedied, partially by a business starting a bottle service that incorporates bottle locks as well. In part two of this series, I want to focus on high priced drinks mentioned as a reason  millennials are not going out as frequently as they once may have done.  
     

How can starting a bottle service impact the high price of drinks? To start with it is just that, a service that provides varying degrees of VIP service to purchasers. The club or bar owner decides on what will be included in service packages based on how large a group is. I have seen packages for as few as two people and large group packages for such things as bachelorette parties or a corporate team building events. A small group package may provide one bottle of a select wine or liquor, chosen in advance by the group coordinator. The larger the group the more bottles should be made available (understanding that the cost of the package goes up as well). A well thought out service will provide VIP guest treatment, and again, depending on the amount of the package a prime seating location. A bottle service waiter or waitress with a detachment key for bottle locks is in charge of ensuring the group has a good time and drinks are controlled and mixed by the waiter or waitress. The cost of drinks is controlled by the package price. Barring additional purchases, a patron can have a good idea of what they will be spending for the evening. 
          

Add to bottle service the use of bottle locks on the bottles of liquor or wine provided as part of the package and a server holding the key to the locks and you have a controlled service. No one outside of the party can access the drinks without the okay of the waitress or waiter. Since only the waiter pours the drinks and mixers, drinks are measured out more accurately than if party members poured their own and bottles stretch further (which translates to value for the customers). Another advantage, albeit for the nightclub owner, is that by having the dedicated waiter/waitress and using bottle locks, the chance of an underage member of the group getting served is minimized. Also the server is able to be alert to the party member who may be getting too intoxicated and can partner with nightclub management to intervene before an incident occurs. For the group, the advantage is that if they choose to limit themselves to the bottles provided by the service, they can choose not to pay for more drinks at the prices which they had been concerned about.
     

You may be asking yourself, “If the customer uses the service once, why will they come back and use it again? They had their VIP treatment so they probably won’t want the experience again.” If management establishes a program focused on providing a movie-star quality service, with a reasonable price which include a top shelf liquor or wine, patrons will return again and again and advertise by word of mouth, often the best kind of advertisement. Also, the other club goers will see the service and undoubtedly inquire about it.
     

To quote business trainer and consultant Kate Zabriskie, “The customer’s perception is your reality.” What will your “reality” be? Add a bottle service and bottle locks to your nightclub, make it reasonably priced and change your customer’s perception of what a night out can be.

 

Get more information on bottle service, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
     
     

       

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting

Fighting Shoplifting In Your Store

July 20, 2016 by Leave a Comment

meetingpic.

Prevention is one of the most important aspects of  loss prevention.  Trained personnel with the ability to respond effectively when a crisis arises, can save lives and money to the retail store. CCTV while providing a great help to loss prevention personnel, and being used by most retailers, is often viewed as dated technology that even when used is not used properly.  Trained personnel on the floor can be a powerful prevention “tool” for the loss prevention team, while providing a deterrent to the possible shoplifter entering your store.

For more about this and other topics, follow the links below.

LP101: Commitment to Loss Prevention Training & Development

As contradictory as it might sound, the stability of our loss prevention program is largely dependent on our ability to react and respond to change; and that begins with our people. The evolution of a successful and productive team is an ongoing process. Every member of our team has both personal and professional objectives and agendas, all of which will impact their approaches, their performance, their outlook and their potential.

Most managers understand the importance of getting the right players on their team, and putting those players in the right roles. We attempt to hire talented individuals, place them in positions where we feel they can be most successful, and provide them with the appropriate loss prevention training to meet the needs and expectations of the job.

Establishing and maintaining the expertise necessary to perform our required function demands that we develop the knowledge, skills, proficiencies and abilities of our team. Strong loss prevention training practices help build success. We train to cover the bases—the rules and guidelines, the fundamental competencies of the job, the essential ground rules that help to make people better at the position that they are in.

IN LOSS PREVENTION, DATA — AND YOUR GUT — IS KEY FOR DECISION MAKING

Have you ever experienced a nagging feeling before you’re about to finally make a big decision? You’ve weighed all the data, you’ve considered every angle, but something is keeping you from moving forward. Rather than ignore that nagging feeling and forge ahead, Shelley Row says we need to get to the bottom of it.

Row, an author and expert on executive decision-making, addressed a group of loss prevention professionals gathered for the NRF PROTECT Loss Prevention Conference and Expo — a group that faces difficult decisions on a daily basis, be it combating shrink, performing interrogations, investigating organized retail crime rings or responding to active shooter situations. In researching and interviewing executives about their decision-making process, Row related what she heard to neuroscience and the mechanics of how we use different parts of our brain to make different kinds of decisions.

Loss Prevention: Research Findings from Professor Martin Gill

I recently led a study looking at the future of loss prevention.

Supported by Marks and Spencer but involving representatives from loss prevention in leading retailers, the study posed questions on the scope of loss prevention work; how budgets are set and influenced and how expenditure and on going work is justified; and the perceived effectiveness of a different measures used to mitigate loss. A full copy of the report is available here.

What did the study find?

Sometimes technology is presented as an unqualified good, but this is to oversimplify the position. Sure, it offers real opportunities to better understand threats and therefore to improve the response.

But getting the right technology is tricky. There is a lot out there and determining what is best is one problem, and things change quickly; it can be difficult to keep up.

And offenders use technology too, and rather effectively, committing offences from afar. These people can be difficult to detect and even more difficult to prosecute.

 

Filed Under: Shoplifting Prevention Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Liquor Bottle Security May Prevent Loss Of Liquor License

July 20, 2016 by Leave a Comment

 

Liquor bottle security – 4                                                                                                         WC blog 150
Bottle Locks – 5
Liquor Bottle Security May Prevent Loss Of Liquor License 
     I have been doing research on liquor sales and was surprised to learn there are a  number of states in which proposals are being made to allow grocery stores and convenience stores to sell spirits, as well as wine.  Obviously driven by a desire to improve profits and add a new product line to their offerings, grocery and big box retailers are pushing to be permitted to sell liquors, something that generally has been restricted to alcohol and beverage commission stores to this point.  One concern that has been raised by opponents in states where this is or has been proposed is that it could lead to an increase in juvenile shoplifting of spirits.  Indeed, in Washington State where the sale of spirits in grocery stores was approved by voters, there are complaints of increased theft by minors.  This led to the passage of state House Bill 2155 in 2014 which makes it possible for stores to lose their liquor license if there is too much theft of spirits.  According to a May 9, 2014 article in Columbian.com, Columbian Political Writer Lauren Drake writes, “The measure, House Bill 2155, states that a licensee experiencing an “unacceptable rate of spirits theft” defined as two or more incidents in a six month period, where the result is an underage drinker ends up possessing the booze, could see their license pulled by the state’s liquor control board.”  If other states follow suit permitting grocery stores and convenience stores to sell spirits, it is safe to assume similar legislation could follow in those states.  So what are some actions stores may take to enhance liquor bottle security?  Incorporating the use of bottle locks on product is one solution.
     Wines and spirits are stolen when they are easy to access, and there are no security measures in place to deter shoplifters.  Bottle locks provide liquor bottle security by preventing access to the bottle cap.  The locks cover the top of the bottle and depending on the style of lock used, protects part of the neck of the bottle as well.  Once in place, the locks can only be removed by using a special detachment key which should be maintained at the points of sale.  If someone tries to pry a bottle lock off, the result will be a broken bottle of liquor.  Another protective feature of these locks is that they are electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensitive and will cause EAS antenna alarms to sound if a locked bottle is carried in the vicinity of the antenna.  
     No business owner wants shoplifting to take place in their stores and they especially don’t want minors to get hold of alcoholic beverages.  If stores other than alcohol and beverage commission stores are going to sell these products, they will have to take steps to keep product available to their customers and out of the hands of youth.  Lock up cases could do the job, but the problem with lock up cases is that they require staff to be available to respond immediately when someone wants something out of the case.  Lock up cases also requires the employee to walk the merchandise to the checkout lane taking up more of the employee’s time.  One other issue with lock up cases is that the customer is unable to hold the product and look at it.  Sales significantly improve when customers have the ability to select products, look at them and continue to shop.  Bottle locks give the shopper the freedom of movement they desire and makes shopping faster for them. 
     If you are a store owner selling or considering selling spirits, make sure you look into liquor bottle security which includes EAS antennas and bottle locks.  I would also suggest signage warning patrons that bottle locks are in use as an added deterrent to theft.  Additional security measures could include video cameras and public view monitors on the aisle in which the alcohol is kept.  Placement of alcohol should be done so that the product is in direct view of a cashier or customer service point.  With such measures in place a store owner should be able to deter not only juvenile shoplifters but adult shoplifters too.  You will find that proactive security steps on your part will protect you and your business if laws are enacted such as those in Washington State.
Liquor bottle security is important and we can help you with it.  Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk. 

I have been doing research on liquor sales and was surprised to learn there are a  number of states in which proposals are being made to allow grocery stores and convenience stores to sell spirits, as well as wine. Obviously driven by a desire to improve profits and add a new product line to their offerings, grocery and big box retailers are pushing to be permitted to sell liquors, something that generally has been restricted to alcohol and beverage commission stores to this point. One concern that has been raised by opponents in states where this is or has been proposed is that it could lead to an increase in juvenile shoplifting of spirits. Indeed, in Washington State where the sale of spirits in grocery stores was approved by voters, there are complaints of increased theft by minors. This led to the passage of state House Bill 2155 in 2014 which makes it possible for stores to lose their liquor license if there is too much theft of spirits. According to a May 9, 2014 article in Columbian.com, Columbian Political Writer Lauren Drake writes, “The measure, House Bill 2155, states that a licensee experiencing an “unacceptable rate of spirits theft” defined as two or more incidents in a six month period, where the result is an underage drinker ends up possessing the booze, could see their license pulled by the state’s liquor control board.” If other states follow suit permitting grocery stores and convenience stores to sell spirits, it is safe to assume similar legislation could follow in those states. So what are some actions stores may take to enhance liquor bottle security? Incorporating the use of bottle locks on product is one solution.

Wines and spirits are stolen when they are easy to access, and there are no security measures in place to deter shoplifters. Bottle locks provide liquor bottle security by preventing access to the bottle cap. The locks cover the top of the bottle and depending on the style of lock used, protects part of the neck of the bottle as well. Once in place, the locks can only be removed by using a special detachment key which should be maintained at the points of sale. If someone tries to pry a bottle lock off, the result will be a broken bottle of liquor. Another protective feature of these locks is that they are electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensitive and will cause EAS antenna alarms to sound if a locked bottle is carried in the vicinity of the antenna.  

No business owner wants shoplifting to take place in their stores and they especially don’t want minors to get hold of alcoholic beverages. If stores other than alcohol and beverage commission stores are going to sell these products, they will have to take steps to keep product available to their customers and out of the hands of youth. Lock up cases could do the job, but the problem with lock up cases is that they require staff to be available to respond immediately when someone wants something out of the case. Lock up cases also requires the employee to walk the merchandise to the checkout lane taking up more of the employee’s time. One other issue with lock up cases is that the customer is unable to hold the product and look at it. Sales significantly improve when customers have the ability to select products, look at them and continue to shop. Bottle locks give the shopper the freedom of movement they desire and makes shopping faster for them. 

If you are a store owner selling or considering selling spirits, make sure you look into liquor bottle security which includes EAS antennas and bottle locks. I would also suggest signage warning patrons that bottle locks are in use as an added deterrent to theft. Additional security measures could include video cameras and public view monitors on the aisle in which the alcohol is kept. Placement of alcohol should be done so that the product is in direct view of a cashier or customer service point. With such measures in place a store owner should be able to deter not only juvenile shoplifters but adult shoplifters too. You will find that proactive security steps on your part will protect you and your business if laws are enacted such as those in Washington State.

 

Liquor bottle security is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk. 

 

 

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: , , ,

Local Police and Their Communities

July 15, 2016 by Leave a Comment

shopliftingdollarsignThe amount of calls reported by Walmart stores to the local police are staggering.  According to the Tampa Bay Times,  Walmart stores in Tampa report an outstanding 16,800 calls in only one year and  in  only 4 counties.  That’s 2 calls per hour, every hour, 24 hours a day.  That’s your taxes working for Walmart.  While the lack of police surveillance of other neighborhoods can affect those communities, Walmart monopolization of the police force should be analyze, and stopped for good.

For more about this and other stories, follow the links below.

Retail Loss Prevention and Law Enforcement – Can They Work Together?

Law enforcement and LP should work together on retail theft prevention.

For years, there have been those that have questioned whether retail loss prevention and law enforcement can effectively work in partnership with one another. For example retail loss prevention professionals have often felt frustrated that law enforcement wasn’t concerned about helping them with their business. In reality, detectives may have been focusing on other pressing crimes, such as a rash of burglaries, sexual assaults, or other crimes against people.

Consider the aftermath of a “grab and run” incident. From a law enforcement perspective, the number of people who had access to a particular area when a loss occurs may be very high, with little or no available means to identify who the perpetrators might be. Some believe that law enforcement has the ability to further clarify and zoom in on video already recorded to extract a better image.

Walmart

Thousands of police calls.

You paid the bill.

Police come to shoo away panhandlers, referee parking disputes and check on foul-mouthed teenagers.

They are called to arrest the man who drinks a 98-cent iced tea without paying and capture the customer who joyrides on a motorized shopping cart.

The calls eat up hours of officers’ time. They all start at one place:

Walmart.

Law enforcement logged nearly 16,800 calls in one year to Walmarts in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties, according to a Tampa Bay Timesanalysis. That’s two calls an hour, every hour, every day.

Local Walmarts, on average, generated four times as many calls as nearby Targets, the Times found. Many individual supercenters attracted more calls than the much larger WestShore Plaza mall.

When it comes to calling the cops, Walmart is such an outlier compared with its competitors that experts criticized the corporate giant for shifting too much of its security burden onto taxpayers. Several local law enforcement officers also emphasized that all the hours spent at Walmart cut into how often they can patrol other neighborhoods and prevent other crimes.

N.C. law enforcement, retailers to combat organized retail crime.

CORCA is aimed at bringing together local law enforcement agencies and the N.C. Retail Merchants Association to better communication retail theft that is more complex than shoplifting.

At Thursday’s press conference, the alliance leaders stressed the difference between organized retail crime and shoplifting. Organized retail crime usually involves complex schemes and is organized to convert illegally obtained merchandise or cash into financial gain by theft or fraud.

“These are criminals,” Steve Walker, the asset protection director at Walgreens, said. “They are not shoplifters.”

Raleigh Police Department Detective Scott Womack added that often these thefts are connected to drug abuse, street crime and even terrorism.

 

Filed Under: Shoplifting Prevention Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Motivated Employees are Vigilant Employees

July 12, 2016 by Leave a Comment

meetingpic.If you’re in retail management, and if you’ve been paying attention, you know your employees are the first line of defense against both internal and external fraud.  Employees who are satisfied with their jobs are much more likely to care about co-worker and customer theft.  They’re more vigilant and report it more often than those who are unhappy with their jobs.

And yet, most managers don’t know how to motivate others.  They don’t understand that effective motivation skills need to be learned and practiced, just like other valuable management skills.  Supervisors who are interested in creating a productive work environment will learn the helpful techniques.

There’s no “one size fits all” magic process – below are 5 of the most common ways people are motivated.  Employees can be motivated by a combination of these approaches; none of them are better or worse than the others, they’re just different.  Everyone has a preferred way of being motivated and they respond more positively to their way. 

Words – People motivated by language need to hear or read words of affirmation.  Link the words of appreciation to a specific task – “Thank you for being so attentive to that customer” or “I appreciate the creativity you put into that display”.

Time – The opportunity to spend time with and talk to management, one on one or in a small group, is important to these types of employees.  They need a meaningful way (quality time) to interact and feel listened to.

Deeds – These are people who are motivated by actions showing appreciation or interest: actual pats on the back, getting them a cup of coffee, letting them leave early on a bad weather day, point out their favorite donut is in the box, etc.  Be careful about this one, at all times be professional.

Need for Community – Employees who have a need for community want to be part of the group.  They organize the softball game, Secret Santa and birthday parties.  They’re motivated by being part of a team and respond to activities that support teamwork.

Monetary Rewards – Contrary to popular thought this is one of the weakest motivational tools; most people are motivated by non-monetary methods.  Employees who are motivated in this manner respond to raises, sales contests, gifts tied to quotas, bonuses for performance, etc.

It’s important to note that some workers will reject positive management intervention, but they’re the minority.  Most employees will respond to one or more of these techniques.  Mangers that put time and effort into developing motivational skills will make their jobs, and personal relationships, easier and more rewarding.

Nicole Abbott is a professional writer who’s had over 200 articles published.  She’s a business consultant and former psycho-therapist with over 20 years of experience in mental health, business and addiction.  She’s a coach, lecturer, trainer and facilitator.  She has conducted over 200 workshops, trainings, presentations, seminars and college classes. 

Filed Under: Shoplifting Prevention Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Shoplifting Costs The Taxpayer

July 7, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Money1

The financial damage shoplifting does to the retail industry is measured in billions of dollars every year.  For the tax payer, the financial burden that they have to endure due to the constant calls made by retailers to the police due to shoplifting is equally damaging.  Walmart is one of the retailers with the most call to the police due to shoplifting incidents, and it is unlikely things will get any better. 

For more about this and other topics, follow the links below.

Macy’s barred from detaining, fining New York shoplifting suspects

An injunction was granted this week barring Macy’s stores in New York from detaining and fining suspected shoplifters in response to a class action lawsuit, according to court records from the Supreme Court of the State of New York.

The lawsuit filed by Cinthia Orellana and later joined by Samya Moftah claims the loss prevention units in some Macy’s stores in New York operate “like a typical jail, equipped with holding cells.”

The women claim they were detained, coerced into signing confessions and forced to pay to be released, all before law enforcement involvement, according to court documents.

Officials for Macy’s, headquartered in Cincinnati, have told multiple media outlets that its loss prevention practices have changed since the women’s alleged incidents.

Judge Manuel Mendez stated that New York law allows a business to detain suspected shoplifters for the purposes of investigation and questioning and allows businesses to fine shoplifters five times of the cost of the merchandise up to $500.

However, Mendez suggested Macy’s was pairing the laws unfairly.

Cop Quietly Pays For Family’s Essentials After Shoplifting Bust

A kindhearted cop in Redmond, Washington, came to the rescue of a family after the mother and father were allegedly caught trying to shoplift essential items for their children.

The Redmond Police Department officer stepped in after managers at a Target store decided not to press charges against the couple, reports local station KING.

He quietly took the diapers and clothing, which the parents were accused of trying to steal for their two kids, aged 8 years and 4 months, back to the checkout.

After paying for the items from his own pocket, he handed them back to the family and informed them where they could go to obtain more help.

News of his act of kindness emerged after an eagle-eyed police supervisor spotted the details in a shoplifting report. The department posted an excerpt from the account on Twitter.

“Sometimes our officers don’t tell us everything,” the post stated. “An attentive supervisor spied this in a recent shoplifting report.” It is now going viral.

Crimes at Jacksonville’s big box stores last year cost taxpayers $75K

Most calls at Walmart deal with shoplifting.

ACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police officers in Jacksonville spent 3,533 hours — the equivalent of 147 days – responding to petty crimes at Walmart stores in Jacksonville last year, I-TEAM research found.

Officers spent another 667 hours working shoplifting and other minor calls at Target stores in the city.

An analysis of data from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office found 5,298 police calls to the 15 Walmart stores in Jacksonville in 2015 – five times the number of calls to the eight Target stores in the city.

The Walmart on Normandy Boulevard had the most calls: 864. Shoplifting made up half of those calls, followed by thefts, then disputes.

The Walmart store at 103rd Street came in second and had 668 police calls for service last year, with the a similar breakdown of offenses.

 

Filed Under: Shoplifting Prevention Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Does Your Business REALLY Need A Checkpoint System?

July 6, 2016 by Leave a Comment

 

CP Systems-3 , Stop Shoplifting-3 , CP Labels-3 , CP Tags-3
Does Your Business REALLY Need A Checkpoint System?
It’s the American Dream: Own your own business and sustain yourself and your family with your own success.  Don’t rely on “the man” for your prosperity.  That totally makes sense and people start their own small businesses every day.  The stakes are high though, and while there are many that thrive, a large percentage of start ups don’t make it.  It’s not always because of low profits that a business folds though.  Sometimes it is because of repeat merchandise thefts that causes an owner to throw up their hands and give up when they don’t think they can stop shoplifting.   An investment into Checkpoint Systems is one way to combat that problem though and give a business more control and visibility of their inventory.   
What types of businesses can use Checkpoint Systems?  
1. Clothing Stores
Whether a store sells new merchandise or even second hand items, Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint Labels can be used to protect almost any type of garment or accessory.  They can be attached in obvious ways so the shopper is completely aware of their presence, or they can be hidden in pockets and seams for an inconspicuous approach.  Many small businesses operate with a small staff anyway, and most times there is only one person on duty at any given time.  This saves money on payroll expenses, but allows criminals the perfect opportunity to get out the door with concealed merchandise.  In order to stop shoplifting, employing Checkpoint Systems at a clothing store can be a real advantage. 
2.  Hardware Stores 
Expensive tools, replacement parts, and even nuts, bolts and fuses are the top categories of loss in the major home improvement chains.  That means it’s probably the same for the small seller as well.  You could be mixing paint or making a key for one chatty customer, while the guy he came in with is sneaking out the door with a high dollar chainsaw or just a few boxes of deck screws.  If there were Checkpoint Labels inside the boxes, you would be alerted to their scam when it happened and not later that day when you walk past an empty shelf.  
3. Cell Phone Sales or Computer Repair Businesses
Let’s say a couple women come in to your electronics shop.  So, one woman is asking you questions, maybe even flirting a little, and you are completely distracted.  The other woman is just browsing, and appears to be just killing time while her friend figures out what she needs.  What she’s really doing is scoping out the place, looking to see if anything has Checkpoint tags on it.  She’s waiting on her chance to stuff her bag with some cell phone accessories that you’ve got displayed just a little too close to the front door.  Then she’s going to say “I’ll just go wait in the car” and that’s the cue to let her friend know it’s time to get out of here before you notice what has happened.  Checkpoint Systems would have detected the Checkpoint tags on the stuff she had dropped in her bag and alerted you.  
Those are just a few examples.  These aren’t just crazy schemes I’ve made up though; these situations happen and criminals take advantage of small businesses every day just like their big box counterparts.  Don’t be their next victim and have to tell your story for the local newspaper’s crime edition.  Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint labels are easy to apply to almost any type of merchandise you sell, and they help stop shoplifting in its tracks.  
Take a stand and see what Checkpoint Systems can do for you, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

It’s the American Dream: Own your own business and sustain yourself and your family with your own success. Don’t rely on “the man” for your prosperity. That totally makes sense and people start their own small businesses every day. The stakes are high though, and while there are many that thrive, a large percentage of start ups don’t make it. It’s not always because of low profits that a business folds though. Sometimes it is because of repeat merchandise thefts that causes an owner to throw up their hands and give up when they don’t think they can stop shoplifting. An investment into Checkpoint Systems is one way to combat that problem though and give a business more control and visibility of their inventory. 

 

What types of businesses can use Checkpoint Systems?  

1. Clothing Stores

Whether a store sells new merchandise or even second hand items, Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint Labels can be used to protect almost any type of garment or accessory. They can be attached in obvious ways so the shopper is completely aware of their presence, or they can be hidden in pockets and seams for an inconspicuous approach. Many small businesses operate with a small staff anyway, and most times there is only one person on duty at any given time. This saves money on payroll expenses, but allows criminals the perfect opportunity to get out the door with concealed merchandise. In order to stop shoplifting, employing Checkpoint Systems at a clothing store can be a real advantage. 

 

2.  Hardware Stores 

Expensive tools, replacement parts, and even nuts, bolts and fuses are the top categories of loss in the major home improvement chains. That means it’s probably the same for the small seller as well. You could be mixing paint or making a key for one chatty customer, while the guy he came in with is sneaking out the door with a high dollar chainsaw or just a few boxes of deck screws. If there were Checkpoint Labels inside the boxes, you would be alerted to their scam when it happened and not later that day when you walk past an empty shelf.  

 

3. Cell Phone Sales or Computer Repair Businesses

Let’s say a couple women come in to your electronics shop. So, one woman is asking you questions, maybe even flirting a little, and you are completely distracted. The other woman is just browsing, and appears to be just killing time while her friend figures out what she needs. What she’s really doing is scoping out the place, looking to see if anything has Checkpoint tags on it. She’s waiting on her chance to stuff her bag with some cell phone accessories that you’ve got displayed just a little too close to the front door. Then she’s going to say “I’ll just go wait in the car” and that’s the cue to let her friend know it’s time to get out of here before you notice what has happened. Checkpoint Systems would have detected the Checkpoint tags on the stuff she had dropped in her bag and alerted you. 

 

Those are just a few examples. These aren’t just crazy schemes I’ve made up though; these situations happen and criminals take advantage of small businesses every day just like their big box counterparts. Don’t be their next victim and have to tell your story for the local newspaper’s crime edition. Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint labels are easy to apply to almost any type of merchandise you sell, and they help stop shoplifting in its tracks.

 

Take a stand and see what Checkpoint Systems can do for you, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

 

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , ,

Protect Your Assets With Checkpoint Tags Before They Disappear

July 1, 2016 by Leave a Comment
CP Tags-4 , Clothing Security-3 , Security Tags On Clothes- 3
Protect Your Assets With Checkpoint Tags Before They Disappear
Since I have moved to a different location in my company, I have been plagued with theft from one particular group of women.  At first I started noticing that certain cosmetics were there one day and gone the next.  Lipsticks and liquid foundations trays would be completely empty.  The first time I thought it must be an issue with the inventory software we employ.  The previous manager hadn’t exactly been a steward of item management.  The second time it happened, however, I knew I was getting boosted and I took action.  I took a list of all the targeted items that were gone, and when they arrived in the delivery, I adhered Checkpoint Tags to every piece before I put them out for sale.  It worked.  For the next month, I had no issues and I figured we were good to go.  Then they came back.  I was working the floor and noticed two women come in, and when I greeted them they got awfully chatty and way too up close and friendly.  (I’m also a certified forensic interviewer, and since I did not know these women as regular shoppers, I could tell they were being deceptive and they were up to something.)  One put her giant bag in the shopping cart and the other diverted to the pharmacy area.  I stayed with the makeup lady; I wasn’t falling for that.  She went to all the sections with products that I had just covered in Checkpoint Tags.  She picked up pieces and quickly put them back, all the while keeping her eye on me.   She yelled at the other lady to come on, and they left.  It worked so well, my staff and I have turned that wall silver with all the Checkpoint Tags we have put out.  It’s not about catching the thief; it’s about preventing the loss.
The same concept can be applied by a wide variety of retailers, especially with security tags on clothes in clothing stores.  You don’t have to wait until you get hit by a thief though.  There is one sure fire way to know what items to pick to put Checkpoint Tags on.  If people are buying it, then people are stealing it.  There are flea markets and online sellers that specialize in selling stolen merchandise.  They have no overhead, no money invested in the inventory, and it is a lucrative business.  Clothing security is a huge opportunity.  Between people just running out the door and fitting rooms, clothing and accessories are stolen at an alarming rate.  Teenagers dare each other to come in and steal; some have blogs dedicated to showing off what they got and how they got away with it.  They list in these blogs all the types of clothing security the stores use.  Think ahead about what will likely be popular and what will make the “must-have” list for your shoppers.  Putting security tags on clothes before they become a target will save you a lot of trouble.  Believe me, going to court over a shoplifter is a pain, and in my opinion, they never get a tough enough punishment.  If you deal with clothing security in a proactive manner, you get ahead of the game.  Security tags on clothes are a fantastic deterrent.  Some people will steal no matter what, but your main goal is to stop those that will steal only if they are presented with the perfect chance to get away with it.   If you take away the criminal’s means to get away undetected, and beef up your clothing security, they will go steal from your competitor instead.  
Clothing Security is important and we can help you with it.  Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk!

Since I have moved to a different location in my company, I have been plagued with theft from one particular group of women. At first I started noticing that certain cosmetics were there one day and gone the next. Lipsticks and liquid foundations trays would be completely empty. The first time I thought it must be an issue with the inventory software we employ. The previous manager hadn’t exactly been a steward of item management. The second time it happened, however, I knew I was getting boosted and I took action. I took a list of all the targeted items that were gone, and when they arrived in the delivery, I adhered Checkpoint Tags to every piece before I put them out for sale. It worked. For the next month, I had no issues and I figured we were good to go. Then they came back. I was working the floor and noticed two women come in, and when I greeted them they got awfully chatty and way too up close and friendly. (I’m also a certified forensic interviewer, and since I did not know these women as regular shoppers, I could tell they were being deceptive and they were up to something.) One put her giant bag in the shopping cart and the other diverted to the pharmacy area. I stayed with the makeup lady; I wasn’t falling for that.  She went to all the sections with products that I had just covered in Checkpoint Tags. She picked up pieces and quickly put them back, all the while keeping her eye on me.  She yelled at the other lady to come on, and they left. It worked so well, my staff and I have turned that wall silver with all the Checkpoint Tags we have put out. It’s not about catching the thief; it’s about preventing the loss.

 

The same concept can be applied by a wide variety of retailers, especially with security tags on clothes in clothing stores. You don’t have to wait until you get hit by a thief though. There is one sure fire way to know what items to pick to put Checkpoint Tags on. If people are buying it, then people are stealing it. There are flea markets and online sellers that specialize in selling stolen merchandise. They have no overhead, no money invested in the inventory, and it is a lucrative business. Clothing security is a huge opportunity.  Between people just running out the door and fitting rooms, clothing and accessories are stolen at an alarming rate. Teenagers dare each other to come in and steal; some have blogs dedicated to showing off what they got and how they got away with it. They list in these blogs all the types of clothing security the stores use. Think ahead about what will likely be popular and what will make the “must-have” list for your shoppers. Putting security tags on clothes before they become a target will save you a lot of trouble. Believe me, going to court over a shoplifter is a pain, and in my opinion, they never get a tough enough punishment. If you deal with clothing security in a proactive manner, you get ahead of the game.  Security tags on clothes are a fantastic deterrent. Some people will steal no matter what, but your main goal is to stop those that will steal only if they are presented with the perfect chance to get away with it. If you take away the criminal’s means to get away undetected, and beef up your clothing security, they will go steal from your competitor instead.

 

Clothing Security is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk!

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Shoplifting; A Social Problem With No Clear Answers

June 30, 2016 by Leave a Comment

shoplifting1

Research for many years now, have found that the  best way to prevent shoplifting is through customer service. If people are greeted by the store personnel as they enter the store, they are less likely to shoplift.  The retail industry’s billions of dollars lost every year due to shoplifting and employee theft, are a social problem that they have no answer to, and regardless of how much they invest in technology, the problem seems to be getting worse not better.

For more about this topic follow the links below.

Bamboozled: The job that could get you arrested

Mystery shopping gigs are real, but they’re also a common job title you’ll see when a scammer is looking for a victim.

And now, fraudsters are giving this job scam a new twist. One that could land you in jail.

But first, the real thing.

Retailers will hire “mystery shoppers” to visit their businesses — unbeknownst to the employees — for an objective look at the shopping experience. The mystery shopper will be instructed to look at specific things about a business, and then go back to the company to report his or her experiences.

Mystery shoppers are typically paid a fee for their time, and they’re also reimbursed for items that are purchased during a store visit. These amounts are often pre-approved by the company that hires the shopper.

The fakes work differently.

Crimes at Jacksonville’s big box stores last year cost taxpayers $75K

Most calls at Walmart deal with shoplifting.

ACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police officers in Jacksonville spent 3,533 hours — the equivalent of 147 days – responding to petty crimes at Walmart stores in Jacksonville last year, I-TEAM research found.

Officers spent another 667 hours working shoplifting and other minor calls at Target stores in the city.

An analysis of data from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office found 5,298 police calls to the 15 Walmart stores in Jacksonville in 2015 – five times the number of calls to the eight Target stores in the city.

The Walmart on Normandy Boulevard had the most calls: 864. Shoplifting made up half of those calls, followed by thefts, then disputes.

Police Cars Parked Along Admiral Wilson Boulevard In Effort To Prevent Crime

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) — For weeks, marked police cars have been stationed at businesses along Admiral Wilson Boulevard in Camden.

Two police cars have been parked around the clock at gas stations along Admiral Wilson Boulevard. Generally, there are no officers in the cars. Camden County Police Chief Scott Thomson says it’s designed to deter crime from robberies to shoplifting to graffiti.

“It’s a reminder to those that may be up to no good — whatever it may be on that spectrum of illegal activity — that we’re nearby, and that we’re watching at all times,” he said.

Thomson says the cars are part of a wider bid to work withbusiness owners to address blight and dilapidated properties in neighborhoods.

“We were seeing an increase in the amount of graffiti, trash, broken-down cars, boards falling off of abandoned buildings,” the chief said. “And considering the fact that 80,000 cars a day travel along that route — I don’t want that to negatively define our city.”

 

Filed Under: Shoplifting Prevention Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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