The evolution of Checkpoint security tags.

I remember when I first started working in Loss Prevention.  The company I worked for used Checkpoint security tags.  It was a hardlines retailer so we primarily used the “soft” Checkpoint labels.  These were stickers with a barcode printed on them so they looked like a product UPC.  In fact, on the bottom of the sticker was the Radio Frequency lining that made these RF security labels sound the door alarms when the product was stolen.

 These are great and can still be used today.  In addition, there are many other RF security labels and RF security tags than can be used to accomplish the same task, which is to stop shoplifting.  In addition, to the standard sticker RF labels, you can now get Checkpoint labels that are built into the hang tags of your merchandise.  The RF label is actually built inside of the tag and most shoplifters don’t even know.  You can also get Checkpoint labels that are sewn into the clothes themselves if you work in softlines.

 Most softline retailers rely on hard RF security tags.  For this you can still get a variety of Checkpoint security tags.  There are now a half dozen different sizes and shapes for RF security tags so you can find the right tag for each different type of product.  You can also get Checkpoint security tags that have ink inside that “pop” if a shoplifter tries to remove the tag without the proper device.

 It has always been a challenge to stop shoplifting, but RF security tags and RF security labels have come a long way to help with this struggle.

 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

This Just In: The World is Not Square

 

Come to find out, the world is indeed round. Not only is this great big planet we live in not square but also the majority of items in this world are also not square.

While the notion that you were not aware that the earth is round is ridiculous, what you might not know is that not all RF labels are square.

 Several years ago the people at Checkpoint had a brilliant revelation that not all the products being tagged had squared off edges. Since this flash of genius these folks have created a plethora of different Checkpoint labels and Checkpoint Security Tags to help retailers tag items that don’t fit the generic inch and a half square mold.

 In my personal opinion, the best RF label they have is a round label that is about an inch in diameter. This RF label can be applied to the bottom of medicine bottles, almost anything in health and beauty care or any other item that might have caused an issue with standard RF security labels. Not to mention that in a lot of cases it is also more aesthetically pleasing.

 For the retailer looking for a more sleek and sexy design, Checkpoint labels also offer a clear polyurethane label that can be placed directly over a barcode. This allows you to place RF security labels on items without having to cover up any instructions or ingredients that are listed on the packaging.

 These are just a couple of the many different RF security tags that are offered to help you stop shoplifting from occurring in your business.  

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels and RF Security Tags 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

Retail anti theft devices that do more than stop theft.

There are many different retail anti theft devices on the market today.  One set of products that I absolutely have fallen in love with are the Safer Cases from Alpha.  These products do more than just prevent shoplifting.  They also add a positive visual aesthetic to your shelf presentation; which, from a merchandising standpoint is great for sales.

 These retail anti theft devices are hard plastic boxes that you can lock your boxed or package products in.  They are great because the customer can still handle the product and read the product information without having to wait on an associate to unlock a case for them.  Once at the register the cashier has a key to unlock the Safer case and ring the product up.  It can prevent shoplifting by keeping a shoplifter from being able to easily conceal the product.  In addition, there is a sensor tag built into the lid of the case that will activate the existing EAS alarm if someone tries to steal the product.

 As for visual aesthetics they make the product look great and make the shelves look full.  One problem with that most stores face is the issue of putting out too much of a high theft product because they don’t want the shelves to look empty.  This sets them up for Organized Retail Crime rings to wipe out a large amount of product at one time since it was all sitting out.  The Safer cases do take up a little room, but that is good as it adds depth to the shelf.  You can get away with having just a few items out to purchase without looking like you are going out of business.  Additionally, it makes it easy to keep items in odd shaped packages neat and orderly.  In the boxes everything lines up in nice crisp rows that really add an organized look to the shelf.

 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

Prevent Organized Retail Crime with Clothing Security

A common practice amongst thieves is theft for resale. Organized retail crime impacts our businesses more than we sometimes realize, and businesses that sell clothing are not exempt. Groups of shoplifters have been known to enter businesses, grab handfuls of merchandise, and exit quickly without making an attempt to conceal the crime. Speed is the tool that they use to try and make their quick getaway.

 Clothing security can help prevent these types of crimes. Having a clothing alarm, such as Checkpoint tags, can make shoplifters nervous that extra attention may be drawn to their crimes. Removing clothing security tags after the theft is extremely difficult also, as Checkpoint tags require a key for removal. Your employees can remove the clothing security tags easily at the time the merchandise is purchased, but shoplifters do not want to have to fight for hours to remove them from the merchandise they have stolen.

 Having clothing security also includes merchandising your items in such a way to minimize theft. Make sure that high theft, highly sought after merchandise is not located right near the entrance and exits of your business. High theft merchandise should also be located in an area where employees can monitor it. Employees should also be taught to provide good customer service to keep your honest customers coming back, and to deter the shoplifters from stealing.

 Security tags on clothes are a recommended option to protect your merchandise from those that wish to steal it. Checkpoint tags are a visual deterrent to shoplifters, and can be just convincing enough to encourage the shoplifters to move on to a business that does not have clothing security.

 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

Checkpoint RF Security Tags and RF Security Labels for Merchandise Protection

 

There is no one in a better position to make decisions the use of RF security tags and RF security labels than the business owner himself.  Of course the decision should not be made without a thorough analysis of the factors that contribute to the inventory shrinkage problem and gaining all the input he can possibly get. 

 The shoplifting problem may be obvious.  The owner/manager may receive reports from customers or employees that have witnessed customer theft.  Merchandise may mysteriously disappear from display.  Empty packages and price tags may be found hidden around the store. There are any number of signs that may point to a big shoplifting problem. The most serious problem is inventory loss that translates into lost profits.

 One of the most effective solutions to stop shoplifting comes from Checkpoint Security Systems.  The use of pedestals from Checkpoint Systems, along with Checkpoint RF security tags and Checkpoint RF security labels will not only alert store personnel when an item that has not been paid for is leaving the store or department, but will deter most shoplifters from even attempting to steal from the store.

 Pedestals from Checkpoint Security Systems can detect merchandise of all kinds, large or small.  There are Checkpoint security tags designed to protect everything from eyewear to shoes to golf clubs.  Checkpoint RF security labels are used to safeguard groceries, boxes, packages, and certain types of apparel.   Almost any style or category of high theft merchandise can be protected by RF security tags or labels from Checkpoint Security Systems.

 No matter the size of the business, a Checkpoint Security System and the use of RF security tags and Checkpoint labels will be cost effective because the profit gained from the sale of merchandise that would have otherwise been stolen will quickly cover the cost of the system.

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

Some shoplifters know how to bypass retail anti theft devices. Do you???

At this point in time there are several known tools used by career shoplifters to bypass retail anti theft devices.  As business owners and managers we have to keep up with these in order to make our retail anti theft devices still prevent shoplifting to the population at large.

 One example is what is called a booster bag.  If you know what to look for you can easily spot these.  Booster bags are generally large paper bags with handles that you expect to find at most clothing retailers.  The shoplifter lines the inside of the bag with tin foil and if a large amount of items with EAS tags are placed inside the foil boosts the RF signal from the tags to a point that it is too much for the pedestals to handle and thus causes the EAS alarm not to activate.  It is important to train you employees to be mindful of customers shopping that have bags from other retailers (especially if that retailer is nowhere close to your shop).  They need to pay extra attention to customers with paper bags and try to get close enough to see inside to make sure it is not lined with anything.

 Additionally, I have seen a number of stores who use handheld EAS deactivators at their registers for hard tags.  Personally, I recommend using flush mounted deactivators because they cannot be stolen as easily as the handhelds can.  It is becoming more common to find that thieves are distracting the clerks and stealing the handheld deactivators so that they can remove your retail anti theft devices themselves.  If you are going to use the handhelds then at least make sure to mount them to the register and make sure your cashiers alert you if any go missing.

 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

Clothing security that makes shoplifting pointless. Now that’s a solution.

The basic idea behind putting security tags on clothes is to deter theft.  One of the major deterrent factors is that clothing security tags sound an alarm and brings attention to the shoplifter (which they don’t want).  Over the years I have seen some pretty interesting work-arounds to standard clothing security.  On of the biggest problems I’ve seen occurs when people use “knock-Off” clothing security tags.

When cheap import tags are used instead of Checkpoint tags, shoplifters can often remove the tags by prying them apart or breaking them. With Checkpoint tags you can be assured that your clothing security tags will not make be removed by anyone except your sales associate. Genuine Checkpoint tags are also the most effective with your clothing alarm.

Another option is to use ink tags. Ink tags are hard tags that have a dye built into the tag.  If the product is handles normally then there is no problem.  If the thief tries to remove the ink tag then it will break the ink vials and ruin the garment and the hands of the thief.  By using these security tags on clothes it makes the garment not worth stealing.  This ink cannot be washed out so it is pointless to the thief to even try to steal it.  The downside is that you can lose a few items to damage until the thieves figure this out; however, better lost to damage than theft.  Also, in the long run it will save you product.  For this reason I suggest standard hard tags as your first clothing security option, but this is great if that is not working.

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

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

Employee Theft for Employers

Employers – do your employees know that if they’re guilty of employee theft it can:

  •  Mean immediate termination from employment?
  • Result in an arrest and criminal conviction that stays on their record forever?
  • Cause them to have to pay heavy fines and restitution?
  • Mean time in jail?
  • Cause them to have to report to a probation officer?
  • Cause them embarrassment to their friends, family, and co-workers?
  • Disqualify them from obtaining quality employment?
  • Harm their reputation and standing in the community?
  • Destroy trusting relationships with others?
  • Bar them from obtaining certain professional licenses?
  • Severely limit their future opportunities?

Internal theft is a fact of business life that will not go away; however, employers should be certain that the consequences of employee theft are known to each and every employee from the newest clerk to the most experienced manager.

Every employee who steals realizes that there is some risk to his or her activity.  But some employees ultimately decide to take that risk, most realizing there is a possibility that they will be caught.  Being certain that employees understand the full risks can only deter all but the most desperate thief.

The occurrence of employee theft hurts all employers and their customers, but many are surprised to learn that retailers lose more to their own employees than they do to shoplifters (16.2 billion vs, 12.1 billion in 2009 according to one survey).

If you are a business owner, be sure that all employees know through training, education, and reinforcement that your company has a zero tolerance policy regarding internal theft and that anyone caught stealing or who is aware of dishonest employees will be dealt with immediately according to the company’s published policies and procedures.

Make no secret of the corporate culture regarding employee theft and consistently and strongly enforce it to protect your company’s reputation and profits.

For more information on how to stop employee theft or internal theft contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

The many faces of RF security labels …

Did you know that there are now many different types of RF security labels available?  The RF label is what you probably know as a sensor tag that goes on products and sets of that alarm at the door.  There are two main different types: RF security labels and RF security tags.  The RF labels are what we generally think of as “soft tags”.  These have an adhesive that sticks the RF label to the product.  The RF security tags are “hard tags” that clamp onto product and are harder to remove.  Both are good tools used to stop shoplifting.

 One of the leading national providers of RF security tags and RF security labels is Checkpoint security.  They have their own brand of Checkpoint labels and Checkpoint security tags.  They have gone even farther than most to offer different varieties of both to better help your business stop shoplifting.

 Checkpoint security tags now come in a variety of sizes and shapes.  You can get tags with ink or just the standards hard tags.  There are small tags that are great for undergarments, accessories and display merchandise.  They also have the standard size hard tags that are easy to spot and help stop shoplifting by deterring the theft.

 Checkpoint labels are also offered in a variety of different ways.  They have plain RF labels.  They have labels made to look like barcodes.  You can get labels embedded in the hanging price tag.  You can also get tags woven into the product yourself.  This is great for high end clothing retail.  These companies want the best in visual aesthetics without sacrificing security and this works perfectly.

 Whatever you need for your business the solution is available.

 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

Can you really have a business that doesn’t use retail anti theft devices?

Of course.  Is it recommended?  Not really.  Shoplifting is a real part of any retail environment.  The solution to prevent shoplifting is fairly easy.  The answer is retail anti theft devices.

 There are a variety of retail anti theft devices.  One major device is the EAS system.  EAS stands for Electronic Article Surveillance.  In short, these are the noise makers at the door that beep when merchandise walks through that has security tags on them.  Putting tags on merchandise is a great way to prevent shoplifting.  Shoplifters by nature are sneaky.  They want to come in and go out without much attention.  If a shoplifter knows that the product they are stealing is going to set off an alarm then the whole “sneaky” thing goes out the window.  This is the deterrent effect that you want to have.  The hard part is getting the employees involved.

 In order to really prevent shoplifting you have to have a team effort.  Retail anti theft devices work to alert the associates of merchandise that might not be paid for, but it is still up to them to respond.  If a shoplifter sees someone set off the alarm and nobody pays attention then the deterrent effect is lost.  Not going to prevent much shoplifting that way.  A proper system is one where the employees actively engage the customer who set off the alarm.  That lets the potential shoplifters know that they will be questioned and their bags checked if they mess up and take product that has sensor tags on it.  Now we have a solution that will prevent shoplifting.

 Just remember, retail anti theft devices are designed to alert associates of a problem.  It is still their job to give good “customer service”.

 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