Experience Summer Profits with Clothing Security

July 26, 2011 by

School is out, summer is here, and people are taking vacations.  They are traveling, maybe taking some time off of work, and may have a little bit of extra free time on their hands.  So that may mean increased customer traffic in your business.  And it could also mean increased loss due to shoplifting. 

The more people that come into your business, the more likely that some of them could be shoplifters.  We’d like to have that increase of business so we can be profitable, but at what cost if so much merchandise, especially clothing, is walking out of the door without being paid for?  Clothing security and security tags on clothes can help increase your profits and your in stock during these summer months, while at the same time reducing the loss you experience due to theft.

Clothing security tags are affixed to the clothing that you sell.  They are a visual deterrent to the shoplifter, showing that shoplifter that you are serious about clothing security.  Your employees can also easily remove security tags on clothes when the clothing is purchased, but they are not so easily removed if the thief wants to hide in a corner of your business and try to remove the clothing alarm.  Most won’t even try, and those that do will probably give up.  It is much easier to move on to the next unprotected business that does not have clothing security.

Take advantage of the summer months by actually having merchandise displayed for your customers, instead of empty racks left behind by your shoplifters.  Clothing security can help you out with that by protecting what you have worked hard to be able to display and sell.

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

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

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Employee Theft Surprises Everyone

July 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment

The true costs of employee theft may never really be known. However, in the retail world, employee theft can be prevented with the right loss prevention awareness program.

A small chain of stores that I oversee as a corporate fraud investigator recently went through an annual inventory process. The shrink numbers coming back showed obvious signs of internal theft. I went to each store to gather more information and to start an employee theft investigation. At the first store, I looked at all available exception reports, narrowing down issues that occurred on the registers. I reviewed hours of footage on CCTV and built a case file. Looking at schedules of all employees, I started eliminating the least likely. After, I compiled all associates I felt may be involved or have knowledge of internal theft.

This employee theft investigation exposed 5 different employees at one location. As my investigation continued, I interviewed each employee, asking questions of a general nature. The first employee admitted to theft and implicated other employees he knew were involved with internal theft. This employee also told me of a manager that was the ring leader in a big portion of this theft. I continued with the employee theft investigation, gather admission statements, witness statements and finalized the cases. Once all was said and done, I took the results of my employee theft investigation to the owners.

Employee theft was something no one at this company wanted to acknowledge. Employees at these stores were “honest”, and paid well… so according to the owners, these employees would have no reason to steal. Being the corporate fraud investigator, I showed them the results of the cases. They could not believe what the employees had been involved with. In fact, they were so surprised; they closed one store for 24 hours to speak with all associates about what had happened.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store.

For more information on internal theft, corporate fraud investigator, or employee theft investigation please contact us at employee theft or call 1.770.426.0547

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Prevent Shoplifting with Customer Service

July 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment

 

Those in business are able to prevent shoplifting in order to be profitable. Retailers lose billions every year to theft, by both their customers and their employees. You as the business owner do have options to stop some of that potential profit that is walking out of your door.

 One excellent way to prevent shoplifting is by simply providing excellent customer service, and teaching your employees to do the same thing. Employees learn by example, so if your management team in engaged in great customer service, your employees will follow suit. Explain to your new employees the importance of customer service and its value towards being able to prevent shoplifting.

For example, shoplifters that come into your business do not want attention. They want to be able to come in, take what they want, and leave without drawing attention to themselves. Teach your employees to approach customers in their areas, and ask them if they are finding everything. A simple gesture such as that can go far to stop the losses that your store is experiencing.

Employees should also be taught to notice customers while they are working. If your employees are working with their heads down and never looking up from their work, the customers and shoplifters will be walking by unnoticed. Not only are your honest customers being neglected, the shoplifters now have an environment in which to thrive.

If building your business and building profit is your dream, make it a reality and prevent shoplifting to reduce loss.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for products to help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

For more information on how you can prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Clothing Security Adds Promise to New Retailer

July 23, 2011 by

A new retailer opened the doors to their new location without clothing security. This business was put together well, yet lacked the necessary security tags on clothes it needs to operate in its current location.

Working for this new retailer, my team and I helped them put to together a clothing security program that would help prevent theft from happening in the first place. First, we showed the owners clothing security tags and offered to install them on a limited number of items and test out the product. With them in agreement, we put security tags on clothes and set the merchandise for open sell.

As a two week period went by, the store claimed to have seen little theft occur in the merchandise, yet other areas of the store were hard hit. In fact, the store owner was so impressed with the performance of the clothing security tags, he placed an order with the vendor that very day.

As time went on, I monitored the progress of this retailer. I looked at the clothing security of other comparable sellers in the area and only a few could match the clothing security tags program this store had. One other retailer did stand out, as they were using a clothing alarm to protect their garments. I really think the clothing alarm is a cool feature. To this day, I get a laugh when I remember the look on the face of the first shoplifter attempting to remove the clothing alarm… the surprised look when the alarm activated.

It has been a couple of years now, this retailer has opened 2 more stores and is continuing with their success and they agree that clothing security tags helped boost their profits and keep them in the black.

 Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store.

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

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Corporate Fraud Investigation Leads to Discovery of White Collar Crime

July 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Corporate Fraud investigation has long been looked at by those in the corporate world as “big brother.” In reality, corporate fraud investigation plays into deterring employee theft or internal theft.

As an experienced corporate fraud investigator, I have seen the damages of white collar crime, and although these types of crimes may not directly affect the general public, the crimes still cause damages. As a corporate fraud investigator, I’ve launched an employee theft investigation into corporate employees whom work in various departments like accounts payable/receivable, accounting, and others. The job at times can be tedious and uninteresting, but very important in driving the development of the business and to curtail employee theft.

As with any investigation, it takes a thorough look through all aspects of the business to identify losing trends, but will be worthwhile when you suspect white collar crime. Now not everyone is cut out for employee theft investigation or allegations of internal theft. It takes an analytical thinker and sharp eyes.

Recently, a corporate employee for a retailer was having a hard time paying bills. She saw an opportunity to double pay a bill, she contacted the payee and claimed the overpay. She told the company of her mistake, and that company sent her back the second payment. She took that money, had her husband endorse it, and deposited the check into her personal bank account. During this employee theft investigation, she was certain she was gonna get away with it. She didn’t.

White collar crime or corporate crimes can and will cost business profits. The time it takes to investigate, representation in court and the loss of the employee all play a part.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store.

For more information on internal theft, employee theft, employee theft investigation or corporate fraud investigator contact us at corporate fraud investigation or call 1.770.426.0547

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Is It really Possible to Prevent Shoplifting?

July 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment

 

I sometimes hear from store managers the question about if it is possible to prevent shoplifting. A good question and one that can be answered simply, yes.

Two of the best ways to prevent shoplifting are checkpoint systems and employee awareness. Let’s start with checkpoint systems. These tools were developed to prevent shoplifting and to increase customer and employee awareness. In order for checkpoint systems to work to prevent shoplifting your entire staff must execute the program as it was designed.

A couple of my stores with checkpoint systems recently told me about issues they had a few years before they had access to checkpoint systems. They wanted to prevent shoplifting but only reacted to the shoplifting incidents and had nothing in place to prevent it from happening in the first place. Their stores were overrun with shoplifters and not just by the professionals; these were average customers that saw how easy it was to steal and simply walked out with merchandise. These stores needed help, and they needed it fast. They looked into Checkpoint and decided to go with a great system that would help protect their merchandise and impact shoplifting.

Almost immediately after the stores installed checkpoint antennas, shoplifting was dramatically decreased. The managers told me they saw many customers stop and look at the antennae as if they were some sort of “alienish” device.

So, can shoplifting be prevented? Of course. It takes good planning and the right tools, but it certainly can be prevented.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store.

For more information contact us at prevent shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547

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What Does It Take to Prevent Shoplifting?

July 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment

 

Have you ever wondered if there is a fool proof way to prevent shoplifting within your business?  Would it take magic, or a miracle, to make this happen?  Or just concern about protecting your business and its assets?  Where do you, as a business owner, turn when you need to stop shoplifters to increase your profits and reduce your losses?

Checkpoint systems are an option than can help prevent shoplifting in your business.  It is amazing what shoplifters will steal, and what reasons they may have in doing so.  And as a business owner you must stay a step ahead of the shoplifters in order to remain in business, and make a living at the same time.  Checkpoint systems can help you out with that.

Shoplifters want to be able to make a quick getaway with your merchandise without drawing attention to themselves.  Checkpoint systems, however, bring attention to the fact that you are interested in being able to reduce theft within your business by investing in the merchandise protection necessary to remain in business.

Being able to prevent shoplifting is not unheard of, and is not impossible.  A business needs to have merchandise available to sell to honest customers instead of empty shelves wiped clean by shoplifters.  By protecting your investment in your business, you can enjoy profits and peace of mind.

Checkpoint systems are not a miracle, or magic.  But they can prevent shoplifting in your business and help convince the thieves that yours is not a business from which they want to steal.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store

 For more information about prevent shoplifting contact us at checkpoint systems or call 1.770.426.0547.

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Employee Theft Causes Long Timer to Lose Dream Job

July 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment

According to the New York Times, the long time clubhouse manager of a major league baseball team was charged with employee theft for stealing items from the team valued at over $2 million, an employee theft investigation revealed.

Sports fans and speculators are willing to pay big money for sports memorabilia, particularly items that are autographed by famous players.

The local District Attorney, who was looking into an organized gambling ring, initiated the corporate fraud investigation that led to this case of internal theft. Soon this turned to the vast collection of sports items and team equipment that was being held in the basement of a house owned by a friend of the suspect.  The basement held several team sets of autographed uniforms bats and balls.

In addition to the employee theft of all the merchandise, the ex-clubhouse manager was charged with embezzling approximately $25,000 from inflated expense claims for providing meals to umpires, and failure to pay taxes on $200,000 received as tips over two years.

According to the article, the suspect was also in charge of the equipment and was the traveling secretary, booking all flights and hotels for the team.  Two or more people, for oversight purposes, normally hold these three jobs, but this individual had free rein, and an open invitation to commit internal theft.

He overbought equipment and handled the road account for the team.  One investigator remarked that he led the team in steals.

This baseball team was fortunate that the District Attorney’s look into gambling activity led to this employee theft investigation.

The lesson from this story for every business owner, is to set policies and procedures in place that will reduce or eliminate internal theft.  There has to be oversight and supervision over every employee, no matter how long they have been employed and no matter what the position.  If not, employee theft is the result. A corporate fraud investigation is not pretty, but with the appropriate security procedures in place you can avoid it.

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

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Prevent Shoplifting and Racketeering in Atlanta Georgia

July 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Efforts to prevent shoplifting in Griffin, a city near Atlanta Georgia recently resulted in the arrests of five professional shoplifters by the local police department. (Read the whole story here: http://wsbtv.com/print/28055378/detail.html)

 The shoplifters stole merchandise valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars from retailers all across the south metro area of Atlanta for a period of around 5 years.  One of the shoplifters said that stealing was the only job he’d ever had.  Their plan was to go to work and steal.  The shoplifters had rented a storage locker to hold their excess goods.

 What adds interest to this case is that the police are prosecuting using racketeering or RICO laws.

 In addition to the shoplifters, police have arrested 4 business owners for buying and fencing the stolen merchandise.

 As provided under the RICO statutes, the state is allowed to seize property that may have been paid for in part by money gained from the illegal activity.  In this case, so far, a gas station, a tire service, two homes and several vehicles have been seized.  One of the vehicles seized was a small bus, which was in the process of being converted into a rolling strip club, complete with a pole. One of the arrestees had planned to use the bus to drive around and sell tickets to patrons who would then watch the entertainment.  The bus was being remodeled using material that was stolen from a home improvement store.

 More charges are coming in this case, according to police.

 Hopefully, you have never had any shoplifters in your store that could be prosecuted under RICO, but that doesn’t meant that shoplifting isn’t a problem.

 Does your program to prevent shoplifting go far enough?  If shortage figures indicate trouble, you may need help to prevent shoplifting from becoming a major issue for your business.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store

 To discuss your prevent shoplifting program with an expert, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Clothing Security is Available in both Cities and Smaller Communities

July 16, 2011 by

The retailer I work for is in a rural community.  We are not, however, immune to theft.  Shoplifters still impact our business, and will impact your business, no matter where it is located.  That is unfortunately the nature of the business that we are in.  More people than we would like to believe are involved in shoplifting, either for their own use, for the thrill, or possibly even for organized retail crime.

If your business is one that sells clothing, you have probably noticed already that clothing is considered a high theft item.  To help prevent the theft of the clothing you sell, clothing security can be an option.  Shoplifters want to be able to steal your merchandise and make a quick getaway.  They do not want to have to fight to remove security tags on clothes that they wish to steal or risk setting off a clothing alarm.

Clothing security, such as clothing security tags, can be attached to your high end and high theft clothes.  These tags are nearly impossible for thieves to remove, but are easily removed at the time of purchase by your store employees.  The clothing security tags can then be reused on more merchandise.  That allows your merchandise to be better available for your paying customers.

Metro businesses can have more theft due to shoplifting than rural areas.  Wherever your business happens to be located, you have options available for clothing security.  You do not have to sit back and watch your merchandise walk out of your door.

An investment in clothing security tags is an investment in high profits and reduced shrink.  That is well worth the effort, just to keep the shoplifters moving on to the next business.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store to purchase security tags on clothes and a clothing alarm.

 For more information about clothing alarm or clothing security or clothing security tags or contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547.

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