No one’s looking; go ahead and do it.” Little did they know that one of the 400 + cameras in the store was watching them intently as they struggled to remove the Alpha spider-wrap by Checkpoint systems that was protecting the game system from leaving the store without going through checkout. They moved from one system to another, hoping the result would be different and they would defeat the Checkpoint tag present in that spider-wrap that would ultimately give them away when they tried to leave. They at least knew they had to get the wrap off the merchandise if they were going to steal the merchandise, finally resorting to tearing into the box to remove the merchandise.

Of course the state where the store was located had anti-shoplifting laws that made it a crime to try to remove retail theft prevention devices. We stopped the individuals while they were still in the store and took them to detention. When asked why they spent so much time working on the spider-wraps their only answer was, “We knew we had to get the *@#! thing off before we could get away or it would activate the alarm at the door.” They were absolutely correct as the systems deployed in the store included electronic article surveillance (EAS) antennae at each exit from the store. Chalk another one up to Alpha anti-shoplifting spider-wraps and the Checkpoint systems for an assist in taking these two shoplifters into custody and preventing an expensive loss to the company in the three game systems they were trying to steal.

The store had a policy of placing Alpha spider-wraps and other anti-shoplifting devices on any merchandise valued at $50 or more and smaller than a large laptop computer. This policy was strictly enforced and audited and has prevented an uncountable number of shoplifters from taking some very high-dollar merchandise. It also allowed the high-dollar merchandise to be displayed on the retail floor where customers can interact with the merchandise with minimal risk of theft.

Besides Alpha spider-wraps, other retail theft prevention solutions are deployed throughout the store, including cableloks to secure display merchandise along with other display solutions for cell phones and tablets, allowing them to still be displayed and interacted with by the customer. Alpha keepers are also deployed on games and CDs to make them visible while ensuring the game is alarmed if someone tries to remove it from the store. In addition, it is a Checkpoint labels were put on the game itself prior to placing it in the Alpha keeper. This gives you layered protection. The key to success is a strong policy that is audited. Have your sales staff or managers check samples of merchandise to ensure that their anti-shoplifting devices are placed on the merchandise appropriately and verify that you cashiers are removing those devices or deactivating the Checkpoint systems EAS tags so you do not unduly alarm your customers.

Once your policies and audits are in place, you just have to enforce them and make sure that your staff knows that it is an important part of your job and that retail theft prevention is on everyone’s position description. Combine the solution provided by Checkpoint systems with your usual good customer service. This will make the potential shoplifter look at much softer targets in town and bypass doing business with you—a kind of business you can do without!

Yes, the store I was describing is a “big-box” store with a large CCTV system and security staff; however, it doesn’t matter. Checkpoint systems anti-shoplifting solutions can work just as well in the small sole proprietorship as they can in the large franchised store. They are an affordable solution that when deployed properly with policy and auditing to back it up will help reduce your shrink and take you off the shoplifter’s –even the organized retail criminal’s—“favorites’ list.

For more information on Checkpoint Systems contact us or call 1.770.426.0547