Preventing Internal Theft Through Education – Atlanta Georgia

April 29, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I’ve found that one of the best ways to prevent internal theft is by educating loss prevention consultants on proper cash handling procedures. Let’s face it, we’re experts on the many different ways to prevent shoplifting, and many of us can conduct a simple employee theft investigation flawlessly. However, quite a few loss prevention consultants are not well versed on simple cash handling procedures that can make it easier to spot when something isn’t going the way it is supposed to.

Early on in my career I had many an employee theft investigation that took far longer than it should have because when I witnessed something suspicious in the cash office I had to contact another manager (and hope that they weren’t involved in the scheme as well) and ask for their input because I had never worked a cash register or worked in a cash office before and wasn’t sure what to look for. There are steps one must follow in order to prevent shoplifting. In the same way there are steps that must be followed to prevent internal theft.

Before you can begin an employee theft investigation you must understand the normal operating procedures and be able to identify when something isn’t being done properly. Next, you have to be able to tell whether the mishap is a simple mistake, someone cutting corners, or an employee attempting to steal from the company. I’m a firm believer that the best way to know and understand a process is by actually doing it. So I would advise any and all business owners to put your loss prevention consultants through a short training course on register operations and cash handling procedures. The benefits will go a long way towards reducing internal theft in your organization.

For more information contact us at Internal Theft or call 1.770.419.0547 – Marietta, Kennesaw, Cobb County, Atlanta Georgia

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The Loss Prevention Investigator – Atlanta Georgia

April 29, 2011 by

            A retail loss prevention investigator is responsible for ensuring that a company’s shrink is kept under control. Now, there are many different causes of shrink and therefore the job is multi-faceted. The first, and most recognizable, form of shrink is from external theft, or shoplifting. The loss prevention investigator is trained in surveillance techniques and how to spot odd or suspicious behavior in a customer. Once this type of behavior is identified they will follow the individual either on foot or by using the store’s CCTV system to gather evidence of a crime.

             The second form of shrink, and most dangerous to a company’s bottom line, is internal theft. This is when an employee begins stealing money or merchandise from their employer. In a similar way to shoplifters the loss prevention investigator will observe and look for the warning signs. Once found he will then initiate an employee theft investigation. This is a means of gathering evidence of the associate’s criminal activity. Once enough evidence is acquired they will then interview the individual and pass on their recommendation to upper management.

             Many companies also lose money because their employees are not following policies and procedures. This reckless behavior can lead to worker’s compensation claims, lawsuits, lost or stolen merchandise, vendor fraud and, in the most extreme cases, armed robbery. Therefore it is important to perform audits and implement checks and balances on all of your processes. Make sure that your company is in compliance with all fire safety and OSHA regulations and keep an eye out for anything that could negatively affect the company’s bottom line. Making a business profitable is management’s job. Ensuring that the business remains profitable is the job of the loss prevention investigator.

For more information contact us at Loss Prevention Investigator or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Clothing Security and The Retail Store Manager

April 29, 2011 by

I worked with a store manager years ago that believed clothing security was overrated. He believed the way around clothing security was to sell the merchandise before it was stolen.

Of course this was a great thought… assuming you could really stock and sell merchandise before a thief bent on profiting themselves could out steal your sales. Clothing security is always something to consider when selling this type of merchandise.

Some time ago, a discount clothing store I worked opened a new location in a high crime area. Talking with the surrounding retailers, the business was good but top levels of clothing security would be needed. Looking at comparable stores, business was also good. A competitor opened a store just a few blocks south, so I made my way over to investigate potential theft issues. Walking in, I was immediately confronted by the level of clothing security present in this store. If I were a thief walking into this store, I would instantly be discouraged. As a matter of fact, I would probably leave altogether and find some other retailer without security tags on clothes. On top of the visual security deterrence, I was immediately greeted by a store associate in a kind and professional manner. Couple this with clothing security tags; you have one heck of a security program. As I toured the store, clothing security tags were everywhere. I went through the youth’s section, clothing security tags. Headed for the men’s department, clothing security tags. Passed through the ladies apparel, clothing security tags. You honestly could not walk a section of the apparel departments without seeing security tags on clothes.

I introduced myself to the store manager and passed my business card over to her. I complimented her on the amount of security tags on clothes and asked her how she did it. She spoke of the need for security and recommendations from loss prevention pointed her to a solid security tags on clothes program.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store for your clothing alarm needs

For more information contact us at clothing security or call 1.770.426.0547

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Proper Way To Prevent Shoplifting 1

April 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment

             Obviously we all want to prevent shoplifting within our individual stores. However, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do everything. When it comes to employing anti shoplifting methods the risks may far outweigh the rewards if the proper precautions aren’t taken.

             The first step in your anti shoplifting checklist should be: you must see the subject enter the store or the department without the merchandise. If you skip this step you open yourself up to a world of hurt. How do you know that the person didn’t bring in a piece of clothing to return or exchange? Maybe they brought it with them in order to match it up to another piece they’re thinking of purchasing. If you don’t know then don’t risk it.

             Secondly, in order to prevent shoplifting, you must be able to identify the items taken, the location from which it was taken and the location, on the individuals person or belongings, where the merchandise has been concealed. Don’t play a guessing game. You need to know this information before you approach a shoplifter. If not you risk seeming unsure or unprofessional and could easily end up in a he said/ she said argument with the subject, or worse the police.

             Next, you must be able to describe how the subject concealed the merchandise and how they removed it from the store. Did they shove it down the front of their pants? (Don’t laugh; this happens far more often than anyone likes to admit) Did they simply walk out with it palmed in their hands? You’ve got to know all the details before making a stop. There are several other anti shoplifting steps that must be followed. These are just the initial steps you must perform in order to prevent shoplifting in your store.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store to prevent shoplifting  

For more information contact us: Prevent Shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547

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Employee Theft – More Than We Know

April 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment

When faced with unknown business shortages and losses, employee theft is often not on the initial list when owners seek answers.

Business owners and employers usually look at all the other possible causes for missing merchandise, property, or cash.  External theft, shoplifters, vendor shortages, bookkeeping or accounting errors, or almost any other imaginable reason is considered before turning an eye of suspicion toward a “valued and trusted” employee.

Internal theft is often left to go on unstopped for months or even years because of misplaced trust by an employee.  As a matter of fact, many cases of employee theft are only discovered when the guilty employee is away from his or her job for a period of more than a couple of days, and the replacement uncovers a situation such as an unusual check, or missing merchandise that the thief was always able to cover up when left alone without supervision or without ever having another employee check his work.  A policy of checks and balances and shared job responsibilities tend to deter large thefts by employees.

When considering employee theft, look at every way that assets can be appropriated by employees.  Think of salespeople, receiving, accounting and other office personnel.  How many ways are there that employees in different positions can get away with theft? Retail business owners frequently turn to qualified experts, loss prevention consultants.  Based on years of experience and practical application, a loss prevention agent will efficiently assess vulnerabilities and offer solid suggestions and solutions to assist the business owner in eliminating the conditions that allow internal theft to occur.

A loss prevention agent is also useful when the storeowner suspects that there is a n employee on payroll who is stealing from the business – in effect from the owner.  A loss prevention agent can then be contacted and conduct an internal theft investigation. The loss prevention agent can assess the situation with an investigator’s eye, and remain totally objective as he develops facts and conducts interviews with the staff.  A skilled interviewer will draw definitive conclusions about any theft involvement of employees.  Emotion will not be a factor as the results are delivered to the owner, who will then make the appropriate decisions for the benefit of his business.

Employee theft is a national problem that comes to light locally all too often.

For advice on employee theft, call loss prevention consultants at 770-426-0547 or click here for more information.

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Staying a Step Ahead with Clothing Security

April 27, 2011 by

Sometimes it seems as if the shoplifters are one step ahead of our efforts to deter them.  At the business I work for, I am always learning about new ways that shoplifters steal, ways that I would have never even considered.  I often wonder what kind of world we would live in if those who chose to steal in these creative ways would simply put their efforts into something beneficial instead of illegal.

Shoplifters target merchandise that they desire, or merchandise in which they can make a profit.  Clothing is no exception, so clothing security needs to be considered if your business sells it.  Clothing is needed by everyone, and is relatively easy to conceal.  Clothing security tags are an option to consider when shopping around for clothing security options.

A clothing alarm can be attached to your high theft clothing and will alert your store staff should it leave your business without being paid for.  Clothing security tags are a visual deterrent to the would-be thief also, so the shoplifter may simply choose not to steal from you.

A shoplifter deciding whether or not to steal from you is a decision that you can sway by having security tags on clothes.  For minimal investment you can protect your merchandise and be able to stay a step ahead of the shoplifters, for a change, instead of vice versa.  Being one step ahead of theft does wonders for your profitability and your ability to serve your honest, paying customers.

In a world of poor choices that shoplifters make, the decision not to steal from you is an excellent choice that is influenced by your decision to have clothing security.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store for a clothing alarm or security tags on clothes

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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Keep an Eye Out for Employee Theft – Atlanta Georgia

April 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment

What are some of the first indicators of employee theft?

It all starts when an employee with a need realizes that there is an opportunity to get merchandise, supplies, or money, from the place where he works, and there is little chance that the theft will be uncovered.

Frequently, the employee starts out by “borrowing”, and may even intend to pay back the company for his thefts, but times goes by without his being detected and the amount stolen gets out of hand.  And the amounts taken seem to increase by incident as the thief becomes bolder.

The business owner should look for certain signs in the employee or groups of behaviors that might indicate dishonesty in an employee.

Does the employee live beyond his means?  He may have come into a large inheritance, or he may have bought his new BMW with an unauthorized salary increase?

Has the employee’s behavior changed?  Does the employee seem to be suspicious or defensive?

Is the employee very protective of her duties and reluctant to let anyone else relieve her?  An employee only takes one or two days off at a time, or even delays or forfeits vacation may not be so much dedicated as they are defensive, and wants to avoid another set of eyes scrutinizing her work.

Are there indications that an employee has a problem with alcohol, drugs, or gambling?  These are often expensive habits to feed, sometimes fed by employee theft.

Does the employee get more than her share of personal telephone calls?  Could they be calls from collectors?  Does the employee appear secretive when talking on the phone?  There may be financial issues that are causing excessive pressure for the employee.

Are there customers or vendors who only want to deal with a particular employee?  The employee may be offering excellent service, or they could be giving “friend” discounts or working in collusion with a vendor to steal merchandise.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of employee theft indicators nor do these actions definitely point to theft, but may indicate the need to manage that employee more closely so that there are no surprises to the company.

If you have a suspicion of employee theft, or want more information on the prevention of internal theft, call 770-426-0547 or click here in Atlanta Georgia or anywhere in the U.S.

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Security Tags on Clothes Helps Keep Profits in Stores

April 25, 2011 by

Those new to the world of security tags on clothes might not understand how security tags on clothes work and what they do to keep profits in stores. One management team I worked with was very familiar with the profitability of security tags on clothes and made sure they stayed profitable.

Downtown was never an easy market for this retailer in this big city. A newer chain of clothing stores, the managers wanted clothing security to be the highlight of their business. They knew clothing security was an important part of the business and ensured each new store was outfitted with security tags on clothes. Walking the store prior to its soft opening, the management team walked the sales floor looking at the shopability of the store and security tags on clothes. The managers considered clothing security as an integral part of the business and understood that by providing clothing security, they kept merchandise ready and available for customers, ultimately boosting profits.

The opening came. Sure enough in the first week, the store experienced several shoplifting attempts. Thieves seemed to flock to new openings, surely because they assume these retailers weren’t staffed as they should be and might not have the best clothing security.

Clothing security tags were all over merchandise. The would-be thieves were deterred, stopped and apprehended all week. Looking over the various sections of the store, the managers were happy with the business decisions they had made regarding clothing security tags. In reality, the visibility of the clothing security tags probably stopped even more shoplifters than the store had realized. Feeling positive with the results of the clothing security tags, the managers spoke with the store encouraging them to keep up with the clothing security tags program and to provide excellent customer service.

Visit our Retail Loss Prevention Store to see the best pricing and selection on all your clothing alarm needs.

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

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Prevent Shoplifting Through Customer Service – Atlanta Georgia

April 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Can exceptional customer service prevent shoplifting in a retail operation, or at least greatly minimize it?  The following items are not just useful customer service tips, but also act as a factor in retail theft prevention.

What does a shoplifter want to avoid when he comes into your store?  The answer is that he does not want to be noticed or recognized in any way.  The more anonymous the shoplifter can remain, the better he likes it.  By offering prompt and excellent service to each of your customers, losses from shoplifting can be reduced substantially.

Have someone available to greet of acknowledge each customer as soon after she enters the store as possible.  Speak to her directly and make eye contact. Create the impression that you recognize her and that you know who she is. Notice any attempt the customer might make to avoid help from an employee.

Shoplifters crave privacy so they won

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Another Employee Theft Case

April 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Another employee theft case shows the need for redundancy in job duties and the necessity of adequate supervision and follow up.

An accounts payable clerk for a Pennsylvania security company was recently arrested and charged with the theft of over $880,000 from the company. [Read the full story here at lancasteronline.com.]

The woman, an employee since 2003, stole the money over a period of six years.  She would endorse checks to herself and deposit them in her own account in amounts ranging from $1000 to $3500.

The employee theft was discovered, as many often are, while the employee was away from work for a while, and another employee had to look at the bank statements.

Upon her return, her employment was terminated and the owners continue to investigate the case.  Initially, the thefts were thought to be around $17,000 and the investigation was handed over to the police department, who discovered the rest of the missing funds.

According to the owners, the former employee was allowed to handle all financial transactions for the company.  The detective assigned to the case was quoted as saying, “Businesses put people in these positions because they feel they can be trusted – then those people take advantage of that trust.”

This business is fortunate that the police department was able to fully investigate this incident.  Frequently, police agencies have their hands full with violent crimes and other types of theft to adequately devote the manpower to white collar crime, unless it involves, as this case does, large amounts of money.

To prevent employee theft, companies write procedures and job descriptions that delegate responsibilities for cash handling to several employees so that the duties are separated.  This greatly reduces the opportunity for embezzlement.

At the first suspicion of internal theft of any kind, a business should contact an expert, a qualified loss prevention agent, to investigate and solve any improprieties.  A loss prevention agent with a background in business understands the concerns of the business from the standpoint of recovery and prevention and is able to assist the business owner in avoiding instances of internal theft in the future.

A business oriented loss prevention agent can help prevent and correct employee theft.

Call 770-426-0547 to speak with a loss prevention agent or click here if you have suspicions or concerns about employee theft for more information.

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