Let’s face it, no matter where you’re at in this great country of ours there are certain places where security and loss prevention are a much higher priority than others. In high risk communities it is extremely important that you utilize both tiers properly in order to keep your shrink to a manageable level. Your standard security, usually a uniformed guard or mobile unit, is primarily a deterrent to theft. Even the most brazen thief will think twice about grabbing a handful of merchandise and making a run for the door if there’s an authority figure present to block his/ her path.

The purpose of loss prevention is to identify and eliminate the more clandestine thieves. These criminals make up the majority of the shoplifting community. Most shoplifters don’t want to be identified. Not because they fear prosecution (though I’m sure that must factor into their thinking at some point) but because being identified greatly reduces the opportunity for them to return and steal from you again. This is why your security and loss prevention must work closely together to identify would-be shoplifters and deter hardened criminals.

Security and loss prevention must also work together to in the same way to deter internal theft. Security bag checks and random searches are a great way to keep your employees on their toes. They know that you, the business owner or manager, are far too busy with other tasks to concentrate on them 24/7, but shrink reduction and theft deterrence is the sole purpose of security and loss prevention. Proper utilization of these 2 forces will go a long way to controlling and improving your bottom line.

For more information about loss prevention security or retail loss prevention contact us: security and loss prevention or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

I’ve been in the security and loss prevention field for a long time and still there are things that transpire in the confines of this profession that make me sit back and say “Really?” I was on my way into my local mall the other day, undoubtedly for something I didn’t really need, when I spotted a young man running full speed across the parking lot. Behind him was a member of mall security and loss prevention from one of the mall’s anchor stores. Now, everyone loves a good chase so I stood back and watched.

The young man weaved between a number of parked cars on his way through the parking lot then darted out into traffic, completely oblivious to his own peril. The two pursuers were hot on his heels the entire time. Finally, the store loss prevention officer tackled the assailant to the ground and the mall security officer pounced on him and put him in handcuffs. They yanked him to his feet and began walking him back towards the mall. On the way I observed as the loss prevention officer reached into the young man’s sweater and pulled out 2 music CD’s. My only thought at that point was “Really? All that for $30 bucks?”

A retailer can be held responsible for the actions of his employees, even his security and loss prevention staff. At any point during the above mentioned chase the assailant could have injured himself in any number of ways and, as unfair as it is, the retailer could have been held responsible for those injuries since at the time the assailant was being chased by one of the store’s agents. It is critical to send a message to shoplifters that crime will not be tolerated, however was the loss of that $30 worth the possible tens of thousands in lawsuits that they opened themselves up to in that situation? It is important to be aware of the law and possible liability that you as a company face in apprehending and detaining shoplifters. There are a number of rules, many of which vary from state to state, that your security and loss prevention staff need to be aware of.

For more information about loss prevention security or retail loss prevention contact us: security and loss prevention or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

One of the most important parts of loss prevention security is what happens at the point of sale. It has become quite common in this day and age for a shoplifter to conceal a great deal of merchandise on their person, bags, and etc. then walk boldly up to the cash register and purchase a single item. This is almost always done in an attempt to allay suspicion. Your point of sale associates need to be mindful of this fact and aware of any bulges in clothing or abnormally stuffed bags. A thief will also often attempt to stash merchandise underneath shopping carts, out of view of the cashier. Cashiers should make it a regular practice to check the bottom of all shopping carts for this reason. 

            Point of sale is also where your loss prevention security will find a great deal of employee theft taking place. Whether it is someone taking money from the register, giving fake discounts or simply slipping extra merchandise to friends and family these actions all happen right at the point of sale. With all of this activity going on in one place how is your loss prevention security supposed to keep track of all of it? Well, there are 2 very simple tools that can make your life much easier. 

            First of all, you should have cameras facing each and every point of sale location. Keep these cameras in plain sight so the associates are aware that they are being watched. Second, utilize your register journal. This electronic journal that allows the loss prevention security to see a transaction as it is occurring live. Thus, it enables them to see if an item has been bagged and not rung in, if any voids have been made or any discounts have been taken on merchandise. Point of sale surveillance should always be a priority to your loss prevention security personnel. 

For more information about security and loss prevention and retail loss prevention contact us: loss prevention security or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia