Uncategorized — Page 124

Internal theft of coupons on your radar? It should be.

September 15, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

I already here the questions. Are you really concerned about coupon fraud? My answer. YOU BET!! Employee theft, also called internal theft, comes in many different forms. With today’s economy more and more people are looking for coupons in order to save money. This can be a big bonus for stores; especially if you work in a business that uses a lot of coupons as you can grow incremental sales this way. On the downside it is just one more way to incur employee theft.

Internal theft of coupons can do a few negative things. One, it cuts into profits by causing a cash loss. Most manufacturers will reimburse the stores for coupons redeemed. If a customer redeems a coupon and then the employee takes it and uses it for their purchase, or a friends purchase, then you will only get reimbursed once. The other time the coupon was used it just came out of your pocket. The second issue with this type of internal theft is vendor relations. Some companies, like grocery, conduct too many coupon transactions for each one to be individually counted by the manufacturers. What they generally do is spot audit individual days and just assume the numbers are right. If you have a lot of coupon fraud then the manufacturers may be reimbursing you for coupons you don’t actually have and when they find that on the spot audits it puts mud on your face as a company and calls your ethics into question.

The only way to prevent this is to routinely conduct an employee theft investigation looking for coupons fraud. The first place to start is by looking at cashiers that are well above everyone else on coupon transactions. The second is look at employee purchases with coupons. Both of these could lead you to a founded case of coupon fraud.

I know an employee theft investigation is time consuming, but they don’t make a coupon to “save” you from internal theft.

For more information on employee theft , employee theft investigation or internal contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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RF Labels Help Stop Shoplifting

September 15, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Where I work, Checkpoint security tags play an important role in not only helping us stop shoplifting, but also in providing awesome customer service. The Checkpoint labels serve as a visual deterrent for would-be thieves but the use of the tags also lets our customers know we care about keeping prices low for them and are dedicated to work to stop shoplifting in our store.

My store team uses soft RF security labels on smaller merchandise that is frequently stolen or new items that are high dollar that we think might be a potential target item for thieves. Using soft RF security labels on these products gives us a lot of flexibility as we can change where we use the tags to get the most out of our investment. As we notice theft trends change, we can easily adapt by placing tags on different merchandise.

We also use had RF security tags on our clothing merchandise and items like purses and comforters. We have to be very diligent in training our associates to take them off since they aren’t deactivated at point of sale like the RF labels are. Our cashiers do a great job with this which keeps our customers happy because they don’t have to come back and have tags removed before they can wear the merchandise like often happens at other retailers.

Considering using Checkpoint labels in your store? Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF label, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags, stop shoplifting

Prevent Shoplifting with Retail Anti-Theft Devices

September 15, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

It can be frustrating to watch your profits walk out the door if you don’t have a plan in place to help prevent shoplifting. Every time someone steals something from you it’s like they hit your bottom line twice because you lost the product but also potentially a sale of that product to a legitimate customer. Shoplifting can also cause a service issue when items we offer to sale aren’t on our shelves for our customers. Where I work we use a combination of retail anti-theft devices like hard and soft EAS tags and spider wraps in conjunction with CCTV and security personnel and get great success.

Preventing shoplifting can be as easy as hiring a loss prevention investigator or using retail anti-theft devices such as RF tags, CCTV equipment, Alpha spider wraps, bottle locks and EAS tags. Some methods, such as EAS, are a great and simple visual deterrant for shoplifters. They not only make it more difficult for shoplifters to use the merchandise they steal but also establish the impression of control by letting everyone who comes in your store know you take theft seriously and actively work to prevent it.

Retail anti-theft devices are an investment that pays for itself in terms of increased sales, better service to your customers and greater awareness of the physical security of your business and assets in your sales associates. The devices are easy to install and remove and there are a wide variety of options available depending on your merchandising and product needs. There are a number of ways you can prevent shoplifting in your establishment.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices

300 Million Shoplifters And Clothing Security

September 15, 2011 by Staff Editor

According to the Insurance Information Institute there are nearly 300 million shoplifting incidents per year. This is an all out attack on retailers large and small. The big store chains have figured it out. They use store investigators, clothing security, customer service and other techniques and tools. So why haven’t you?

Clothing security is not rocket science. If you use Checkpoint tags you place the security tags on clothes and that lets the shoplifter know that you are simply not going to roll over and die when the shoplifter tries to clean you out. Security tags on clothes are inexpensive and very effective. They come in different shapes, sizes and configurations.

The clothing alarm goes at the front of your store at the customer entrance/exit. When the shoplifter tries to steal a protected item the security tags on clothes will trip the clothing alarm and the shoplifter is uncovered. The system works 24/7 and needs little attention. Checkpoint Security Systems is the leader in this industry.

Checkpoint tags are reusable. The cashier removes them at the time of checkout. They are then taken back and recycled onto another piece of clothing.

Clothing security tags and a clothing alarm combined with good customer service is the solution to shoplifting. When faced with this “wall” shoplifter will go elsewhere where the pickings are easier. This will be your competitor who is not protected.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase a clothing alarm or clothing security tags.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Checkpoint tags, clothing alarm, Clothing Security, clothing security tags, security tags on clothes

Do you know how to stop shoplifting

September 13, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

There is no one answer to stop shoplifting in retail stores. Most true solutions involve several components. One central component necessary in all good models is the use of RF security labels and RF security tags. RF labels and RF security tags work on a Radio Frequency. They are sensor tags that you can apply to your product and they will set off an alarm at the door if the tag has not been removed or deactivated.

Many think that tags and labels are the same, but there actually is a difference. Checkpoint security tags are hard tags that attach to product. You will generally use the Checkpoint security tags for clothing and other soft lines products. You can use lanyards to attach Checkpoint security tags to non-clothing items. Checkpoint labels are what we refer to as soft tags.

Checkpoint labels come in several shapes and designs. The traditional fashion is an adhesive sticker that you can put on boxed product or hid in non-boxed product. By hiding, I mean putting the RF label somewhere inside the product. Example: For wallets you can put a RF label on one of the advertisement cards inside. This way if the thief takes the wallet from the box and puts it in their pocket or purse it is still protected by the RF label. Checkpoint labels also can be sewn into clothing. They are less noticeable and not as likely to be removed by would be shoplifters.

Whatever solution you use to stop shoplifting I urge you to make RF security tags and RF security labels a part of that solution.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

For more information on Checkpoint security tags, Checkpoint labels, RF labels, RF security tags, RF security labels and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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The key to prevent shoplifting is S3.

September 13, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

For those that don’t know, S3 is part of Alpha security’s line of retail anti theft devices. Alpha has a great line of retail anti theft devices aimed at helping you prevent shoplifting.

I first became acquainted with Alpha security’s products a little over a year ago. Now, I am a true believer in the quality and usefulness of their products. Alpha products are designed for retailers who need more than the standard retail anti theft devices. For example, hard line retailers in particular should love the ability to prevent shoplifting that these products offer. Many times there aren’t a lot of great tools for boxed, large or odd shaped products. Sensor tags work great for clothes, but how to you protect TV’s, computers, phones, cosmetics, razors, liquor bottles, handbags, etc?

Easy. Keeper cases, bottle locks, spider wraps, S3 alarm tags, showsafe systems, etc. Not only do all of these solutions work to prevent shoplifting of your high end products, but they are all designed with the goal of keeping your merchandise openly displayed and closer to your customer. The result is increased sales without the sacrifice of security. This is a truly unique set of solutions that will protect most any item you have to sale. Did I mention they look good? If not, let me say that I am impressed with the visual aesthetic of these products. As business leaders we all know the importance of merchandising to “WOW” our customers. Alpha keeps that in mind with their products and gives you the ability to still deliver that great first impression and prevent shoplifting. Try it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices

Clothing security tags … the next best thing to x-ray vision.

September 13, 2011 by Staff Editor

For those who work in clothing retailers you know how impactful shoplifting is to your business. Perhaps the easiest way for shoplifters to steal clothes is by wearing them out. The two most common ways are to simply exchange clothes or, most commonly, put the new clothes on under the old ones. This makes it extremely hard to catch, especially if they are doing this in the fitting rooms.

In order to catch this type of shoplifting you need to put security tags on clothes. It is illegal and unethical to place video cameras in fitting rooms or restrooms. It is also not smart to peek over or under the door to see what your customer is doing. To this end, the clothing security tags are the only thing you have to alert you to this type of theft.

You start by getting Checkpoint tags and installing a clothing alarm at the door. You put the security tags on clothes and then wait for the magic to happen. Now I never recommend making an accusation of theft based solely on the clothing alarm at the door. Fact is, most alarms are created by the cashiers not removing the Checkpoint tags from the products at the register. With that said, when the customer has no bags and the clothing alarm goes off then you at least have a good idea of what is going on.

Furthermore simply engaging the customer to see if they “need help with anything” lets them know that you know what they are doing and is likely to deter them from trying it again. It also helps if you saw them take 5 items in the fitting room and only come out with 2 and then set the system off. Process of elimination dictates they stole and you can safely make an apprehension at that point.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase a clothing alarm or clothing security tags.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Checkpoint tags, clothing alarm, Clothing Security, clothing security tags, security tags on clothes

Loss Prevention Professionals fighting employee theft – Atlanta Georgia

September 13, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

One of the biggest threats to a company is employee theft. Employee theft, also called internal theft, is generally proven to be the number one shortage category in retail. In addition, internal theft affects employee morale, benefits, and wages. Employee theft also affects the ability of you, the business owner, to enjoy time away from work when you don’t know what is happening when you aren’t there. For this reason I suggest using LP professionals to conduct a routine employee theft investigation to see what’s really going on in your store.

An employee theft investigation can take many shapes. One way is you may know that you are losing a certain product or cash. At that point the LP Agent can conduct an employee theft investigation to solve that particular problem. Sometimes you may know who is stealing, but you either can’t prove it or you don’t know to what extent the theft is occurring. Again, an LP Agent is trained to get these answers. Finally, it is sometimes good to just shake the preverbal tree and see what falls out.

I have had a lot of success conducting integrity shops. To do this the LP Agent will get someone unknown to the employees and set up a situation to test their integrity. This can come in a variety of ways. A common tactic is to turn in a live gift card and say it was found in the parking lot. A good employee should turn the gift card into management. What the LP Agent might find is that the employee keeps the card and uses it themselves. The same basic tactic can be used to do several different situations, but the bottom line is it lets you know the caliber of the associates in the building and allows you to opportunity to “weed out” the bad apples in the bunch.

For more information on, employee theft investigation, employee theft or internal theft contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: employee theft, employee theft investigation, internal theft

Employee theft of gift cards. Have you considered it??

September 10, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Recently I had to conduct an employee theft investigation involving gift cards. Gift cards are great, but they are just one more way we as retailers can lose money. Generally gift card theft is an internal theft (or employee theft) problem more than an external theft (shoplifting) problem. The reason is simple. Most all gift cards have to be rung into the register in order to be active and shoplifters cannot do this, but employees can.

Here is one internal theft gift card case I just wrapped up today. A few days ago I got a call from a store manager informing me of a cash shortage of $100. As we all know, mistakes usually don’t come in even dollar amounts like this. This typically means someone stole Big Ben. I started the employee theft investigation like normal and went straight to the “No Sales” and watched the video looking for cash theft. When I did not find any I looked at the “Opening” and “Closing” of that till for cash theft. Still nothing. Here is where cash investigations get fun – NOT!! I started looking at each transaction on the Electronic Journal to see if anything stuck out.

I noticed a $50 gift card paid for with $50 in cash. That struck me as a little odd because usually I see a birthday card or something else in the purchase. I made the mental note and kept going. Several transactions later I saw another $50 gift card for the same store. This too was paid in even cash and no other purchases. Now we’re getting somewhere.

Sure enough when I watched video I saw the employee on both cases scan a gift card with no customer present, pocket the card and put no money in the drawer. Cash theft is a major employee theft problem, but when doing an employee theft investigation don’t forget about the other tender types as well.

For more information on employee theft investigation, employee theft, or internal contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: employee theft, employee theft investigation, internal theft

Security Labels- the best hidden deterrent

September 10, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

In order for one to stop shoplifting, preventive measures must exist. Checkpoint labels like: checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels and RF security tags help deter and eventually stop shoplifting.

Checkpoint labels or RF labels can be small devices or stickers that can easily be hidden or made obvious on items of clothing, electronics, or other high or low dollar merchandise. Some RF labels can even be sewn into clothing disguised as a garment tag; which tricks the potential shoplifter into thinking there are no RF security tags. What better way than to trick or stop a shoplifter from stealing than to fool them with a hidden RF label.

Once I apprehended a shoplifter under the assumption that they could just walk out of my store wearing a high dollar sweater. I had noticed her walk towards the sweaters in just a t-shirt. Well because it was a little chilly outside, an opportunity to get warm quick, I could tell was on her mind. She seemed to be looking for a sweater that had no RF security labels or RF security tags. After a few try-ons, the customer noticed a sweater that did not have any checkpoint security tags instead it had a sewn in RF label, appearing to be the garment tag. The “customer” was obviously unaware of this hidden RF label.

Long story short, she left what she thought was free of checkpoint security tags sweater on and walked out the door. While walking out she set off the checkpoint security alarm tower that recognizes security tags left on items. Of course, this was a shock to her because she thought she had a found an item with no checkpoint labels.

RF security labels are the best deterrent when you can’t always be present. They keep an honest man honest. And they keep a potential shoplifter aware of your no tolerance for theft. You can rest easy also knowing that even when opportunity may arise for a customer to become a shoplifter a hidden RF label will stop shoplifting at the door.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

For more information on RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags, Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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