Is shoplifting becoming more violent in the US? How can retailers counter the potential violence in their stores?

July 20, 2023 by

Shoplifting incidents can vary in nature and severity, and trends can differ across regions and time periods. While some instances of shoplifting may involve violence, it is important to approach the topic with caution and not generalize based on isolated incidents. Shoplifting-related violence is not necessarily a widespread phenomenon, but retailers should still take precautions to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. Here are some potential strategies retailers can consider:

Employee training: Retailers can provide comprehensive training to their employees on how to handle potentially difficult situations, including shoplifting incidents. This training can include de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution skills, and when to involve security or law enforcement. Loss Prevention Systems provides this LIVE training in person or on-line.

Visible store presence: Maintaining a visible presence of staff and security personnel in the store can act as a deterrent to potential shoplifters. When individuals perceive a higher risk of being caught, they may be less likely to engage in shoplifting or violence.

Effective store layout and surveillance: Retailers can design their stores with clear sightlines and unobstructed views to minimize blind spots. Installing surveillance cameras strategically can help deter theft and provide evidence if incidents occur. However, keep in mind that CCTV is more “after the fact”. There is some deterrence value however, there are better methods for prevention.

Collaboration with law enforcement: Establishing strong relationships with local law enforcement agencies can be beneficial. Retailers can work together with the police to share information, report incidents promptly, and coordinate efforts to prevent and address shoplifting incidents. You should set up an in person meeting with a member of your local law enforcement agency. Have them give you input about your stores vulnerabilities, how they respond and what other measures they can provide such as more frequent marked patrol car drive byes, walking patrol…. You should make it clear that they are always welcome in your store and encourage them to stop by. A cup of coffee, bottle of water…. sends the right message. Most law enforcement agencies have “Zone” type meetings, crime prevention meetings… You should join and go every time. This will keep you up to date on crime in your specific area.

Technology-based solutions: Retailers can explore the use of advanced security technologies, such as electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems such as a Sensormatic system, RFID tagging, video analytics, and inventory management systems. These technologies can help detect theft attempts, track inventory, and improve overall store security. Again, Loss Prevention Systems has all of these technologies and we sell, install and service nationwide.

Safety protocols and emergency planning: Retailers should develop and communicate clear safety protocols to their employees in case of emergencies or violent situations. This may involve creating evacuation plans, implementing panic buttons on your burglar alarm system. These panic buttons should be installed in places that employees can retreat to in the event of an emergency. Having them at the POS is fine but, the back office, stock rooms are better. Train your staff on how to respond appropriately in different scenarios.

It’s important for retailers to conduct a thorough risk assessment based on their specific store locations, customer demographics, and historical incidents to determine the most appropriate security measures to implement. Consulting with a Loss Prevention Expert or industry associations can provide valuable insights tailored to the retail environment.

For more information Contact Us. You can also visit our website.

Filed Under: antishoplifting, clothing alarm, Clothing security tags, Inventory Shrinkage, Loss Prevention Agent, Loss Prevention Consultant, Preventing Theft, Security, Seminar, Sensormatic Systems, Shoplifting Prevention, Training

Shoplifting & Return Fraud

June 7, 2023 by

Shoplifting and return fraud are two types of theft that can significantly impact retailers’ bottom line. Shoplifting is the act of stealing merchandise from a store, while return fraud is when a customer returns an item they did not purchase or returns an item that has been used or damaged. Both of these types of theft can result in lost revenue and can be challenging for retailers to prevent. However, there are several strategies that retailers can use to minimize their losses.

One way retailers can prevent shoplifting is by implementing security measures in their stores. This can include using security cameras, hiring security guards, and installing electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems such as a Sensormatic System that detect when merchandise is leaving the store without being paid for. These measures can act as a deterrent to potential thieves and can also help identify shoplifters when theft does occur.

Another way retailers can prevent shoplifting is by training their employees to be vigilant and to recognize signs of shoplifting. This can include looking for customers who are carrying large bags or who are dressed in bulky clothing that may be used to conceal stolen merchandise. Retailers can also train their employees to approach customers who are acting suspiciously and to offer assistance, which can deter potential shoplifters.

Return fraud can be more difficult to prevent than shoplifting, but there are still several strategies that retailers can use to minimize their losses. One approach is to implement strict return policies that require customers to provide proof of purchase and that limit the time frame in which items can be returned. Retailers can also use technology to track returns and identify patterns of fraud, such as customers who frequently return items without a receipt.

Another way retailers can prevent return fraud is by inspecting returned items to ensure that they are in the same condition as when they were sold. This can include checking for signs of wear and tear or damage, and verifying that all parts and accessories are included. Retailers can also use third-party verification services that specialize in detecting return fraud.

Remember, shoplifting and return fraud can be significant challenges for you as a retailer however, there are several strategies that can be used to prevent them. These include implementing security measures, training employees to recognize signs of theft, and using technology to track returns and detect patterns of fraud. By taking a proactive approach to theft prevention, retailers can minimize their losses and protect their bottom line.

If you would like more information please Contact Us or go to our web site at Loss Prevention Systems

Filed Under: antishoplifting, Background checks, Background Screening, clothing alarm, Clothing security tags, Employee Theft, Internal Theft, Inventory Shrinkage, Preventing Theft, Security, Seminar, Shoplifting Prevention, Training

What Are The Four Types Of Shoplifters & How Do I Deal With Them?

May 1, 2023 by

Shoplifting is a significant problem for retailers and businesses of all sizes. According to the National Retail Federation, shoplifting costs retailers billions of dollars annually. To address this problem effectively, it is essential to understand the different types of shoplifters and their motivations. Shoplifters can be broken down into four categories: Organized Retail Crime (ORC) groups, professional shoplifters, amateur shoplifters, and impulse shoplifters. In this article, we will discuss each of these categories and the methods that can be used to stop them.

Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Groups
Organized Retail Crime (ORC) groups are highly organized and operate like businesses. These groups often consist of several individuals who work together to steal merchandise from retailers. ORC groups typically steal high-value items that can be easily resold, such as electronics, designer clothing, and jewelry. These groups may also engage in other illegal activities, such as credit card fraud and identity theft.

To stop ORC groups, retailers must be proactive and work closely with law enforcement. Retailers can implement several security measures to deter ORC groups, such as installing high-quality video surveillance systems, using Sensormatic electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags on high-value items, and training employees to recognize and report suspicious behavior.

Professional Shoplifters
Professional shoplifters are individuals who steal merchandise for profit. These individuals are highly skilled and often work alone or in small groups. Professional shoplifters typically target high-value items that can be easily resold, such as designer clothing, jewelry, and electronics.

To stop professional shoplifters, retailers must implement strict security measures, such as installing video surveillance systems, using Sensormatic EAS tags, and training employees to recognize and report suspicious behavior. Larger Retailers should also consider hiring plainclothes security personnel to monitor the sales floor and deter theft.

Amateur Shoplifters
Amateur shoplifters are individuals who steal merchandise on a whim or for personal use. These individuals may not have a plan or a specific item in mind when they enter a store. Amateur shoplifters typically steal low-value items, such as cosmetics, snacks, and clothing.

To stop amateur shoplifters, retailers can implement several security measures, such as installing video surveillance systems, using Sensormatic EAS tags, and training employees to recognize and report suspicious behavior. Retailers can also use signage and displays to remind customers that shoplifting is illegal and will not be tolerated.

Impulse Shoplifters
Impulse shoplifters are individuals who steal merchandise on a whim or as a result of a sudden impulse. These individuals may not have a specific item in mind when they enter a store and may steal low-value items, such as candy or small toys.

To stop impulse shoplifters, retailers can implement several security measures, such as placing high-value items in locked display cases, using Sensormatic EAS tags and labels on high-value items, and training employees to recognize and report suspicious behavior.

Sensormatic EAS systems are highly effective in stopping professional, amateur and especially impulse shoplifters. Studies show that impulse shoplifters make the majority of shoplifters.

Retailers can also use signage and displays to remind shoplifters that shoplifting is illegal and will not be tolerated. However, keep in mind that it is difficult enough to get our legitimate customers to read our signs. It stands to reason that shoplifters will be the same. In all but impulse shoplifters, their intent, before they entered your store is to steal. A sign is not likly to deter them.

Also, keep in mind that shoplifters know that you are not likly to be watching CCTV cameras. CCTV is generally used for after the fact review. By that time they have stolen from you are are long gone. Even though you may feel that CCTV is a deterrent, shoplifters do not.

Because shoplifting is a significant problem for retailers, and it is essential to understand the different types of shoplifters and their motivations. By implementing strict security measures and having a friendly relationship with law enforcement, retailers can deter shoplifting and protect their businesses from financial losses.

For more information or to STOP SHOPLIFTERS NOW, contact us.

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Filed Under: antishoplifting, clothing alarm, Clothing security tags, Inventory Shrinkage, Loss Prevention Agent, Loss Prevention Consultant, Loss Prevention Investigator, Security, Shoplifting Prevention, Training

Solutions To Combat Shoplifting and Employee Theft

May 30, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Shrinkage – Employee theft, shoplifting, clerical and vendor errors-is an issue that big and small retailers have in common. From Wal-mart to Target and whole-sellers like Costco, shoplifting is a common occurrence that cost the retail industry billions of dollars each year. 

Many small business owners in the retail industry choose to not prosecute the theft.  The reasons? The cost associated with prosecuting a shoplifter or employee theft is too costly for many of them and believe at the end of the ordeal it is in their best interest to take the theft as a business loss. 

For the big retail chains, theft is important and the measures they take to prevent, prosecute and avoid it are serious.  The profits are greatly diminished when shoplifting, employee theft, and vendor or clerical errors occur frequently in their business.

How can they be profitable if they do not combat a financially crippling problem?

 The retail industry’s shrinkage average nationwide is between 1%-2%, and for many retailers that is a big chunk of their profits that will disappear every year.  Big retailers like J.C. Penney and Costco have implemented shrink measures that have seen shrink reduction decrease tremendously.  Costco shrink’s rate is just 0.11% to 0.12% of sales and J. C. Penney has seen a decrease of 20% reduction in shrink dollars. 

The security measures they have been implemented in those stores are the big difference between out of control losses and security measures that are working out for them to prevent theft in their stores.

For many of these stores, implementing technology to combat theft is the first step they take in their quest to prevent it.  

Personnel training is another big change they take into consideration when dealing with theft.  Research has shown for many years now, that a happy employee is an employee that will, in the long run, be an asset to your business. Training employees, and providing them with a good salary are investments that many companies take seriously, and research has shown happy employees provide a better customer experience that results in less theft.

Shoplifting and employee theft are hard to combat and they can be hard to understand when looking at profits. There are solutions your store can implement to combat them and to give you peace of mind. Finding a solution is necessary and too important to ignore for too long.

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What can a Loss Prevention System do for you?

April 19, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Loss prevention technology along with the proper personnel training will allow a retail store to reduce loss, improve customer service and provide the data necessary to access up to minute inventory information in the store.

A loss prevention system is a preventable measure retail stores need to adopt to prevent the losses that plague the retail industry. A loss prevention system along with trained personnel can be a deterrent to shoplifting, vendor and employee theft that can save the retail store thousands of dollars a month.

A loss prevention system can protect the merchandise in the store while protecting customers and the employees as well. Incidents, where violence and sometimes deaths occur, can be avoided with the proper systems, training, and the continuous effort to ensure the safety of the employees and customers alike.

A loss prevention system can allow the employees and manager of a store to focus and ensure customers have a good experience shopping at their store. Good customer experience can translate to continuous business, and great customer satisfaction has been linked to less shoplifting in the retail industry.

If you are the owner of several retail stores, a loss prevention system can be adapted to each store’s unique layout and needs while providing the same information you need to prevent shoplifting or to take the necessary measures to prevent it.

A loss prevention system is an investment a retail store cannot do without, but along with an investment in a loss prevention system, trained personnel plays an important role in making sure the system can do what it is supposed to do. Data from the loss prevention system cannot go unchecked, and it cannot be ignored.

Employees have to be trained and knowledgeable of the stores’ policies and procedures regarding shoplifting to ensure an efficient and quick response if shoplifting occurs in the store. Violence can and must be avoided at all costs.

There’s research out there that clearly indicates the cost versus benefits of having a loss prevention system in place.  Profits in a business can be slim, losing them to shoplifting, employee or vendor theft can be detrimental to any business.

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An Investment For Your Business

March 13, 2019 by Leave a Comment

When new legislation passes in many states, the array of issues that come to new elected officials varies considerably.  

Shoplifting laws are one of the many topics legislators review to make sure the punishment is appropriate.  Businesses and small businesses in general need to be protected by the laws of the country to ensure the economic growth of a locality, the state and ultimately the country.

The punishment for shoplifting varies according to the state and in some instances the county where the business is located.  Laws are put in place to make sure these silent crimes are not committed with impunity, and the shoplifter is prosecuted according to the law. 

Unfortunately, many of these shoplifting incidents are not prosecuted for  many different reasons. Ultimately, it is up to the business to decide whether to prosecute the shoplifter or not.  As a business owner, they have to consider the costs associated with prosecuting shoplifters as a rule and whether it is economically sound to do so.

A lawyer’s fee for an hour or to prosecute a case depends on the region, the experience and the complexity of a case but, either way, their fee does not come cheap. 

 As a business owner, is it practical or economically possible for you to have a privately retained attorney? Is it your business practice to prosecute a shoplifter regardless of the quantity they steal?  There are many questions one needs to answer, and many options you have to make as a business owner regarding shoplifting.

Shoplifting in the United States have become a multi billion nightmare for businesses in the retail industry.  From the casual shoplifter to organized retail rings, the losses the retail industry suffers are staggering.  The small stores or shops in this industry have to fight and stop loses because their livelihood depends on their ability to stop the shoplifters. The profit margin from sales is too small for them to ignore the problem or to neglected it for too long.

For many of the small retail businesses, a loss prevention system that allows them to protect their merchandise and profits is one of the best ways to invest in their business.  Big retail chains have for many years now invested in loss prevention systems to help them minimize the losses and help them prevent shoplifting and employee theft. 

A loss prevention system that gives the employer or management of the store up to the minute information about the merchandise , allows them to do their job more efficiently and helps them prevent theft is an investment that will pay off sooner than you think.

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Benefits of a Loss Prevention System

February 6, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Most retailers in the United States end their fiscal year on December 31st. and begin the New year with a new budget, new goals, and new strategies to implement in their business.  

For the loss prevention team or management of the store, allocating sufficient funds to the prevention of shoplifting and security of their store begins anew.  If a store has not purchase a loss prevention system and the losses of the store are too many to ignore, the new year allows them to budget and purchase a system that will help them minimize their losses and prevent them from happening in the future.

Research has shown the budget for the prevention of shoplifting and loss prevention teams have been declining over the years with no plans to change it, while the problems associated with shoplifting, employee theft, internal clerical issues and lost merchandise continue to grow.  Every retail store has different problems associated with them, but shoplifting is a problem that is common for every one of them. 

Allocating enough funds to the prevention of theft in your store is vital. According to research purchasing a loss prevention system to help you minimize the losses in your store will return your investment within months. Reduction in merchandise losses, increase productivity, personnel reduction, and an increase in sales are some of the benefits associated with the purchase of a loss prevention system that will see more profits going to you.

Finding out what kind of loss prevention system your store requires will need the help of a seller that understands systems, training and prices. 

An EAS system can give the store an up to the minute understanding of what merchandise is in the store, what items have been sold, and what merchandise is missing. These systems can let you know up to the minute information about your store without having to do a physical count every time you need to know something about a specific item.  With an EAS or a point-of-sale (POS) system, information about the merchandise in your store is within your grasp within minutes.

Investing in technology that can help your management and loss prevention teams work effectively while minimizing cost will help your store succeed.  These systems not only offer help in deterring shoplifting but help you meet the needs of customers and their shopping habits.

Preventing shoplifting in your store with a loss prevention system is key to your success.

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A Loss Prevention System To Start The New Year

January 11, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Shrink in the retail industry is a  loss that many retailers seem unable to fight.  The budget to invest in security in the retail industry has declined over the years with no plans to restore it now or in the foreseeable future. Many of the small retailers believe that installing a loss prevention system will be too expensive for them to afford even though  they seem unable to stop the shoplifting that is causing their store major losses.

Loss prevention systems that allow these retailers to deter the shoplifting from happening in their stores are an investment they seem to ignore or to believe they are too expensive for them to even consider. The benefits associated with installing a loss prevention system in a retail store are numerous, and research has  shown the investment of purchasing such system can be recouped within a year.

Many retail stores do a physical inventory regularly that allows them to gauge the state of their store. Depending on the size of their business, this physical inventory should be done at the end of the month or quarter, and definitely one at the end of the year. For many retail stores, if an inventory is done after the holidays, it can offer a very shocking reality.  

The shoplifting, employee theft, vendor and clerical errors are seen clearly and painfully, and cannot offer an explanation or a solution to the tremendous losses in the store. A physical inventory is also a very expensive way to account for the merchandise in the store. The many hours and personnel required to do this kind of inventory are financially draining for many businesses and their bottom line.

If after the holidays your business has decided to purchase and install a loss prevention system that will allow you to deter the shoplifting and  employee theft in your store, there are a few key features such system should have to help you be successful.

  1. A software platform that allows the retail business a concise and up to the minute inventory analysis to make the necessary adjustments for their business.  
  2. EAS  solutions that are tied to an RF surveillance system that enables the loss prevention team to make decisions accurately and in a timely manner every day all year long
  3. A loss prevention system that will offer training to your employees and help you navigate solutions to your specific problems.

There are many loss prevention systems sellers that will help you find the financing available, give you the training, and the customer care you need to make the installation of the system a success.

Having doubts about buying and installing a loss prevention system in place is understandable and expected.  But, letting shoplifting, employee theft and other external factors influence the earnings you work hard to earn is not a sustainable solution. Contact us and talk to us, we will be happy to work with you.

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Loss Prevention Systems For The New Year

December 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment

For a loss prevention officer, the holiday season is a hard time to be jolly when the busiest shopping season of the year brings with it its shoplifters, crime, and theft.  During the holiday season, the number of incidents involving shoplifting increases considerably, and the losses the store suffers can be devastating to their bottom line.

For any retail store in the United States and across the globe, having a loss prevention system in place or a loss prevention officer in their store can be the difference between having profits or losses during their fiscal year. 

According to recent studies, more than half of retail stores in the United States have stopped investing in their loss prevention teams or systems even though their inventory shrink rate has seen an increase in the last year.  The inventory shrink rate takes into consideration the following:

  • Shoplifting
  • Employee theft
  • Vendor fraud
  • Administrative and paperwork errors

Shoplifting theft accounts for almost 40% of the total theft a store experiences, and even though the amount an employee steals can surpass that of the common shoplifter each instance it happens, the shoplifting theft can be considerable every year.

According to many pieces of research, retail stores lose approximately $35 million a day due to shoplifting or $48.9 billion in a year. Those detrimental statistics in the retail industry are worth considering when many stores and businesses decide whether to invest in a loss prevention system or a loss prevention team to combat the shoplifting in their store.

A loss prevention system expense can be recovered within a short period of time, and if your losses are increasing each year, the time you will recoup the money invested in the system shortens considerably. 

The introduction of a loss prevention system in the store allows your employees to dedicate more time with the customers entering your store, than attempting to catch the shoplifter. The system also allows your store to be protected and send a message to the shoplifters. Shoplifters know where and which stores to target.  If you are a store that doesn’t prosecute shoplifters or doesn’t have a loss prevention team or system, you are vulnerable and can become the target store for many of these shoplifters.

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Hiring Well For The Holiday Season

November 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

For the retail industry and small businesses in general, the holiday season has started, and for them, this season can be a financial boost for their business.

The significant change in sales, profits, and employment take a front seat during the holiday season, and it can be a breaking or making point for many businesses across many industries.

By November, the retail industry has hired many part-time sales personnel to help with the holiday season, expecting those employees will be ready when black Friday sales start.   Many of those businesses will let go many of those employees, but some of them will stay with the business well after the season is over. 

The benefits associated with keeping those employees on payroll are many, but most importantly, it is the expense associated with hiring new employees every few months that make sense. Many businesses strive to hire quality employees and can see the benefit in training them and keeping them well after the holiday season is over.  The expense of hiring new employees regularly makes no financial sense for them considering the rise in costs associated with it.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the cost of hiring a new employee is $4,129.  Not only that,  but it also takes weeks for those employees to be ready to perform their job well, and if not trained properly, the cost of retraining puts a financial strain in the business and their profits.

When paying for a background check before hiring a new employee, or for proper training the first time around, the costs associated with acquiring quality employees can become minimal if done properly the first time around. 

Many businesses now a day hire new employees constantly, never training them well and getting rid of them before their first paycheck arrives.  That’s a very costly way of acquiring employees or retaining the ones they have, and acquiring good employees using this method is riddled with problems from the beginning.

A business needs to invest in properly hiring and training their new hires.  The financial benefits will follow for the business.

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