Can Emotions Affect Efforts To Stop Shoplifting? Part 1

October 3, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

Stop Shoplifting-3                                                                                                                       WC Blog 666
Sensormatic Labels-3
Can Emotions Affect Efforts To Stop Shoplifting? Part 1
     Coming from a retail background in Loss Prevention I am accustomed to having to stop shoplifting by all types of people. I have caught everyone from the young to somewhat old (a few years ago I would have said elderly, but I am getting up in years myself and it seems those people are younger than I would have imagined back then!). I have caught those who are dressed in stereotypical shoplifter attire, unseasonable jackets, hats pulled low over the eyes, baggy clothing. I have caught people stealing while wearing business meeting attire. I have apprehended the people I imagined were going to resist and fight and turned out to be compliant. I have stopped people I thought would be compliant who became extremely combative. So when I can prevent a theft through aggressive customer service I feel no sympathy for the person. I also forget that my experiences have opened my eyes to the fact that anyone can be a shoplifter. This makes it all the more important to me that store owners are placing Sensormatic labels on even the smallest of merchandise when possible. I will tell you more about why I write on this subject in a moment but I want to digress and talk about tagging of small items.
     There are some pieces of merchandise that are just too small to protect with any type of security tag and I understand that. Take for instance a pack of chewing gum it just doesn’t lend itself to any type of protection. On the other hand there are pieces of merchandise such as cosmetics that have been too difficult to tag in the past because they were just too thin. There are Sensormatic labels on the market now that can be placed on this type of product. The label I am talking about is the HBC Sheet Label. At only 6.0mm wide and 45.21 mm in length this little tag can provide a big result in theft reduction. Because of the small size of a cosmetic such as a lipstick, the merchandise was a favorite among shoplifters and cosmetics were always on my store and my company’s top shortage department list. They were easy for thieves to conceal and always risky for Loss Prevention personnel to try to make an apprehension on unless it was a significant amount of merchandise. Applying a security label to merchandise ensures an alarm pedestal will activate if a theft is attempted. Frankly, the label itself acts as a deterrent because criminals know it is going to set off that alarm and elicit a response from store employees.
     Cosmetics are just one example of small items that can now be protected in your efforts to stop shoplifting. I had a situation just the other night when a suspicious woman with a large handbag entered our store, grabbed a handful of single markers from a display and carried them into the store. Unfortunately the merchandise was not tagged but could have been with the HBC Sheet Labels. I saw her with them in her hand and offered her assistance but her fidgety and nervous behavior told me she was looking for an easy theft. I called the manager on duty, alerted him and together we did not allow her an opportunity to conceal the markers or other merchandise she was looking at. Based on my experience this woman was looking for something to steal to try to trade or sell for narcotics. Eventually a cashier walked up and asked her if she needed assistance and the woman put the markers down and left. After she was gone the cashier started talking about how she felt sorry for the woman and wouldn’t have thought she would try to take anything. That was when I reflected on the difference in our perspectives and how it can affect our efforts to stop shoplifting. If an employee does not know what clues can indicate someone may be a thief or the tools a criminal will use that employee’s judgement can be clouded by emotion. Sympathy or concern may override judgement as to when a manager should be alerted to a suspicious person. It may also dissuade more focused customer service to deter theft. The use of security labels can mitigate some of the human emotion factor in deterrence efforts.
     In Part 2 we will explore what to train employees to look for in order to identify shoplifters. We will also talk more about how Sensormatic labels can help create barriers to crooks so they won’t want to come to your store in the first place. Employees can feel sorry for the circumstances criminals find themselves in but they can’t allow emotions to interfere with theft prevention.
Sensormatic labels are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.

Coming from a retail background in Loss Prevention I am accustomed to having to stop shoplifting by all types of people. I have caught everyone from the young to somewhat old (a few years ago I would have said elderly, but I am getting up in years myself and it seems those people are younger than I would have imagined back then!). I have caught those who are dressed in stereotypical shoplifter attire, unseasonable jackets, hats pulled low over the eyes, baggy clothing. I have caught people stealing while wearing business meeting attire. I have apprehended the people I imagined were going to resist and fight and turned out to be compliant. I have stopped people I thought would be compliant who became extremely combative. So when I can prevent a theft through aggressive customer service I feel no sympathy for the person. I also forget that my experiences have opened my eyes to the fact that anyone can be a shoplifter. This makes it all the more important to me that store owners are placing Sensormatic labels on even the smallest of merchandise when possible. I will tell you more about why I write on this subject in a moment but I want to digress and talk about tagging of small items.

There are some pieces of merchandise that are just too small to protect with any type of security tag and I understand that. Take for instance a pack of chewing gum it just doesn’t lend itself to any type of protection. On the other hand there are pieces of merchandise such as cosmetics that have been too difficult to tag in the past because they were just too thin. There are Sensormatic labels on the market now that can be placed on this type of product. The label I am talking about is the HBC Sheet Label. At only 6.0mm wide and 45.21 mm in length this little tag can provide a big result in theft reduction. Because of the small size of a cosmetic such as a lipstick, the merchandise was a favorite among shoplifters and cosmetics were always on my store and my company’s top shortage department list. They were easy for thieves to conceal and always risky for Loss Prevention personnel to try to make an apprehension on unless it was a significant amount of merchandise. Applying a security label to merchandise ensures an alarm pedestal will activate if a theft is attempted. Frankly, the label itself acts as a deterrent because criminals know it is going to set off that alarm and elicit a response from store employees.

Cosmetics are just one example of small items that can now be protected in your efforts to stop shoplifting. I had a situation just the other night when a suspicious woman with a large handbag entered our store, grabbed a handful of single markers from a display and carried them into the store. Unfortunately the merchandise was not tagged but could have been with the HBC Sheet Labels. I saw her with them in her hand and offered her assistance but her fidgety and nervous behavior told me she was looking for an easy theft. I called the manager on duty, alerted him and together we did not allow her an opportunity to conceal the markers or other merchandise she was looking at. Based on my experience this woman was looking for something to steal to try to trade or sell for narcotics. Eventually a cashier walked up and asked her if she needed assistance and the woman put the markers down and left. After she was gone the cashier started talking about how she felt sorry for the woman and wouldn’t have thought she would try to take anything. That was when I reflected on the difference in our perspectives and how it can affect our efforts to stop shoplifting. If an employee does not know what clues can indicate someone may be a thief or the tools a criminal will use that employee’s judgement can be clouded by emotion. Sympathy or concern may override judgement as to when a manager should be alerted to a suspicious person. It may also dissuade more focused customer service to deter theft. The use of security labels can mitigate some of the human emotion factor in deterrence efforts.

In Part 2 we will explore what to train employees to look for in order to identify shoplifters. We will also talk more about how Sensormatic labels can help create barriers to crooks so they won’t want to come to your store in the first place. Employees can feel sorry for the circumstances criminals find themselves in but they can’t allow emotions to interfere with theft prevention.

 

Sensormatic labels are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Prevent Shoplifting As Part Of A Strategy To Fill Shelves And Attract Shoppers Part 1

September 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Prevent shoplifting-4                                                                                                                 WC Blog 516
Alpha Security-4
Retail anti-theft devices-3


Prevent Shoplifting As Part Of A Strategy To Fill Shelves And Attract Shoppers Part 1

     Brick and mortar stores are closing up at alarming rates and part of the issue is losses incurred due to failures to prevent shoplifting and return fraud.  I heard a radio news report just the other day reporting that Sears would be closing another 100 Sears and K-Mart stores in the coming months. There are people who will say that the closing of traditional stores is due to the changing buying habits of customers. People can order something simply by tapping their smartphone or clicking a few keyboard strokes and there you go your purchase is on the way, to you or to the person you want it sent to. Some people say that retailers aren’t adjusting their business models to keep up with changing times. I have my own thoughts on the situation. I shop a bit online but not nearly to the extent others do. I may purchase dvd’s (yeah, I know why do it when you can stream it? THAT is part of my pet peeves with today’s generation. I have a hard copy, I can watch when I want to. Your choices may not always be readily available on a streaming service) I have bought cd’s and I have made a book purchase or two. HOWEVER, when it comes to clothing, furniture and even most technology I prefer to buy in a store. I hear it now, the groans and moans of some readers who just think I am so passé and old fashioned. I’m just not hip, is it because my flip phone won’t allow me the ‘convenience’ of online shopping? Brick and mortar store owners, there is some responsibility on your part too to adapt. You HAVE to get customers to want to shop in your stores and you can’t afford to have thieves shoplifting and stealing profits. Bill Bregar and Loss Prevention Systems Inc. can help you with methods to prevent shoplifting including the use Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices on merchandise.

      If you own a store and are not using retail anti-theft devices to prevent shoplifting I am going to explain what you are missing out on. Alpha Security products are designed to use electronic article surveillance technology to sound an alarm if someone tries to remove a tagged device from a store. Relying on radio waves transmitted by anti-theft devices stores set up pedestals near the building entrances and exits that can pick up these radio waves. Tagged merchandise carried close to the pedestals initiates an alarm that blares across a store. Lights also flash and attract attention to the pedestals as a security tagged item is carried too close. Alarms sounding and lights flashing are not exactly the ideal situation for shoplifters and the majority of the time merchandise is dropped at the doors or a responding employee conducts a receipt check and recovers the merchandise. When products are not stolen they are available for customers to buy and that increases sales not to mention reduces shortage. The truth of the matter is a customer comes to a store to find something to purchase and bare shelves is a sure way to drive them away. Loss Prevention Systems Inc. has the Alpha Security products you need to keep merchandise from being stolen and ready to sell.

     If you aren’t convinced that a lack of merchandise will lead to lost customers I would remind readers to look at some of the traditional big name stores that have struggled. In a Wall Street Journal article, “Retailers Rethink Inventory Strategies” by Paul Ziobro, June 27, 2016, the story discusses how many retailers are trying to reduce on hand inventory to increase profit but as the author writes, “But Destocking isn’t without risk. Bare shelves are a major annoyance to shoppers who take the time to go into stores to shop.” Quoting Rodney Sides, Vice Chairman of the retail practice at Deloitte LLP, “If I hold too much inventory out of the stores, then I look like I’m out of business.” Too little inventory can be the result of planned reductions but it can also be the result of theft and thus it is necessary to take appropriate steps to prevent shoplifting.

     Use Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices and keep shelves full for customers. While you are at it is there anything else you can do to bring in customers? Are you trying to reach out to the online shoppers as well as the walk-in customers like me? How do you keep things fresh and new? In part 2, I will discuss some things that can help in your efforts to attract more customers and increase sales while deterring shoplifters in the process.
Alpha Security is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
    

Brick and mortar stores are closing up at alarming rates and part of the issue is losses incurred due to failures to prevent shoplifting and return fraud. I heard a radio news report just the other day reporting that Sears would be closing another 100 Sears and K-Mart stores in the coming months. There are people who will say that the closing of traditional stores is due to the changing buying habits of customers. People can order something simply by tapping their smartphone or clicking a few keyboard strokes and there you go your purchase is on the way, to you or to the person you want it sent to. Some people say that retailers aren’t adjusting their business models to keep up with changing times. I have my own thoughts on the situation. I shop a bit online but not nearly to the extent others do. I may purchase dvd’s (yeah, I know why do it when you can stream it? THAT is part of my pet peeves with today’s generation. I have a hard copy, I can watch when I want to. Your choices may not always be readily available on a streaming service) I have bought cd’s and I have made a book purchase or two. HOWEVER, when it comes to clothing, furniture and even most technology I prefer to buy in a store. I hear it now, the groans and moans of some readers who just think I am so passé and old fashioned. I’m just not hip, is it because my flip phone won’t allow me the ‘convenience’ of online shopping? Brick and mortar store owners, there is some responsibility on your part too to adapt. You HAVE to get customers to want to shop in your stores and you can’t afford to have thieves shoplifting and stealing profits. Bill Bregar and Loss Prevention Systems Inc. can help you with methods to prevent shoplifting including the use retail anti-theft devices on merchandise.
     

If you own a store and are not using retail anti-theft devices to prevent shoplifting I am going to explain what you are missing out on. Retail anti-theft devices are designed to use electronic article surveillance technology to sound an alarm if someone tries to remove a tagged device from a store. Relying on radio waves transmitted by anti-theft devices stores set up pedestals near the building entrances and exits that can pick up these radio waves. Tagged merchandise carried close to the pedestals initiates an alarm that blares across a store. Lights also flash and attract attention to the pedestals as a security tagged item is carried too close. Alarms sounding and lights flashing are not exactly the ideal situation for shoplifters and the majority of the time merchandise is dropped at the doors or a responding employee conducts a receipt check and recovers the merchandise. When products are not stolen they are available for customers to buy and that increases sales not to mention reduces shortage. The truth of the matter is a customer comes to a store to find something to purchase and bare shelves is a sure way to drive them away. Loss Prevention Systems Inc. has the retail anti-theft products you need to keep merchandise from being stolen and ready to sell.
     

If you aren’t convinced that a lack of merchandise will lead to lost customers I would remind readers to look at some of the traditional big name stores that have struggled. In a Wall Street Journal article, “Retailers Rethink Inventory Strategies” by Paul Ziobro, June 27, 2016, the story discusses how many retailers are trying to reduce on hand inventory to increase profit but as the author writes, “But Destocking isn’t without risk. Bare shelves are a major annoyance to shoppers who take the time to go into stores to shop.” Quoting Rodney Sides, Vice Chairman of the retail practice at Deloitte LLP, “If I hold too much inventory out of the stores, then I look like I’m out of business.” Too little inventory can be the result of planned reductions but it can also be the result of theft and thus it is necessary to take appropriate steps to prevent shoplifting.
     

Use retail anti-theft devices and keep shelves full for customers. While you are at it is there anything else you can do to bring in customers? Are you trying to reach out to the online shoppers as well as the walk-in customers like me? How do you keep things fresh and new? In part 2, I will discuss some things that can help in your efforts to attract more customers and increase sales while deterring shoplifters in the process.

 

Retail anti-theft devices are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.    

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With:

20 WAYS TO STOP SHOPLIFTING AND OTHER COMMON FORMS OF LOSS – PT3

September 4, 2018 by

 

20 WAYS TO STOP SHOPLIFTING AND OTHER COMMON FORMS OF LOSS – PT3
11. Know the peaks 
You know when your sales peak for the month. You know when sales will be tight. You know the exact time of day that you better have more than 3 cashiers on a register, so why don’t you know when the peak times for shoplifting are? Knowing when your thieves are striking can help you to be more proactive and Stop Shoplifting. In general (and this changes with tides) thieves will target a store early in the morning, late at night, or when it’s very busy. Each of those scenarios holds one thing in common; less staff to see their acts. By knowing when you’re most likely to experience a loss from shoplifting, you’re more likely to prevent it. Knowing your business is a key trait to any successful Retail Theft Prevention strategy.
12. Spot the Symptoms
What does a shoplifter look like? That’s a tough egg to break. Since a shoplifter can be virtually anyone, you have to look for the signs. Things such as out of season clothing, large flat purses, and those that go through great lengths to avoid staff can be big clues to one’s intentions. You can also look for people who grab clothing off the racks without looking at sizes, or colors. Customers that grab all the expensive items and walk towards the rear of the store should also warrant a little extra attention. Any type of unusual behavior should pique your interest. Being observant of your customers can help you to Stop Shoplifting.
13. Floor Coverage
In order to provide great, engaging customer service, you have to staff your floor appropriately. This is a basic function for any meaningful Retail Theft Prevention program. If you’re busy from 11-2, then you shouldn’t allow the majority of the staff to take a lunch at noon. This is retail, you should schedule to meet the needs of your customers and your employees should understand that when they are hired. You can’t provide great service, deter thieves and stock the shelves if you don’t have the proper coverage. Pay attention to your scheduling and make sure that you’re meeting the expectations of the business. 
14. Create a Policy to Deal with Shoplifters when they are Caught
So, you have a shoplifting problem. You’ve tried cameras, Checkpoint Systems, locked showcases and none of that has worked on this guy. So, you catch him in the act and call the police. Now what? If you don’t have a written policy on how to handle this situation, you need one yesterday! Having a policy allows you to treat every offender the same, keep you out of any potential legal liability and ensures that the message is clear. You won’t tolerate theft. Not only will you work tirelessly to Stop Shoplifting, you will prosecute to the fullest those that test you.
15. Prosecute Everyone, no Matter how Sappy their Story is
This goes along with the above. If you catch someone stealing, whether they be 16, 60, white, black, orange, tall, short, etc.. they all get treated the same. With jail. You can’t say that you’re going to prosecute criminal “A”, but criminal “B” comes along and you don’t call the cops. If criminal “A” finds out how inconsistent you are, it could spell trouble for your case in court. This is why it’s so important to set a clear standard and stick to it. Now, it is wise to establish a dollar amount that you’ll prosecute. (You won’t be popular with law enforcement if you’re calling them out on a $1 shoplifting case.) In my stores, anything over $10 gets you a free ride downtown, with the exception of multiple offenders. Retail Theft Prevention doesn’t have to be hard. You just have to set a standard, and stick to it. 
 
Need information on Retail Theft Prevention? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now. 

11. Know the peaks 

You know when your sales peak for the month. You know when sales will be tight. You know the exact time of day that you better have more than 3 cashiers on a register, so why don’t you know when the peak times for shoplifting are? Knowing when your thieves are striking can help you to be more proactive and Stop Shoplifting. In general (and this changes with tides) thieves will target a store early in the morning, late at night, or when it’s very busy. Each of those scenarios holds one thing in common; less staff to see their acts. By knowing when you’re most likely to experience a loss from shoplifting, you’re more likely to prevent it. Knowing your business is a key trait to any successful Retail Theft Prevention strategy.

12. Spot the Symptoms

What does a shoplifter look like? That’s a tough egg to break. Since a shoplifter can be virtually anyone, you have to look for the signs. Things such as out of season clothing, large flat purses, and those that go through great lengths to avoid staff can be big clues to one’s intentions. You can also look for people who grab clothing off the racks without looking at sizes, or colors. Customers that grab all the expensive items and walk towards the rear of the store should also warrant a little extra attention. Any type of unusual behavior should pique your interest. Being observant of your customers can help you to Stop Shoplifting.

13. Floor Coverage

In order to provide great, engaging customer service, you have to staff your floor appropriately. This is a basic function for any meaningful Retail Theft Prevention program. If you’re busy from 11-2, then you shouldn’t allow the majority of the staff to take a lunch at noon. This is retail, you should schedule to meet the needs of your customers and your employees should understand that when they are hired. You can’t provide great service, deter thieves and stock the shelves if you don’t have the proper coverage. Pay attention to your scheduling and make sure that you’re meeting the expectations of the business. 

14. Create a Policy to Deal with Shoplifters when they are Caught

So, you have a shoplifting problem. You’ve tried cameras, electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems, locked showcases and none of that has worked on this guy. So, you catch him in the act and call the police. Now what? If you don’t have a written policy on how to handle this situation, you need one yesterday! Having a policy allows you to treat every offender the same, keep you out of any potential legal liability and ensures that the message is clear. You won’t tolerate theft. Not only will you work tirelessly to Stop Shoplifting, you will prosecute to the fullest those that test you.

15. Prosecute Everyone, no Matter how Sappy their Story is

This goes along with the above. If you catch someone stealing, whether they be 16, 60, white, black, orange, tall, short, etc.. they all get treated the same. With jail. You can’t say that you’re going to prosecute criminal “A”, but criminal “B” comes along and you don’t call the cops. If criminal “A” finds out how inconsistent you are, it could spell trouble for your case in court. This is why it’s so important to set a clear standard and stick to it. Now, it is wise to establish a dollar amount that you’ll prosecute. (You won’t be popular with law enforcement if you’re calling them out on a $1 shoplifting case.) In my stores, anything over $10 gets you a free ride downtown, with the exception of multiple offenders. Retail Theft Prevention doesn’t have to be hard. You just have to set a standard, and stick to it.  

Need information on Retail Theft Prevention? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now. 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Clamp Down On Organized Retail Crime With EAS Tags

September 2, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Clothing Security-3                                                                                                                         WC Blog 566
Checkpoint Tags-4


Clamp Down On Organized Retail Crime With Checkpoint Tags

     The idea of purchasing a clothing security system may seem to be an expensive prospect for smaller retailers. Before writing it off owners and managers should consider the impact Organized Retail Crime groups can have on a clothing store. Organized Retail Crime (ORC) is not the impulse shoplifter, this is a group of people who plan and target specific merchandise and retailers. The groups seek merchandise that is hard to track, easy to steal and easy to re-sell at a significant profit. They will pay people cents on the dollar to go into stores with “shopping lists” to steal specific merchandise. While the amateur shoplifter does financial harm to a store, it is usually in smaller doses and often it is done on an impulse, like a teenager stealing on a dare from friends. I am not marginalizing this group of thieves but compared to what ORC groups are doing is a drop in the bucket. Let me give you a two examples of Organized theft activity:
• Patch.com March 9, 2018, by Neal McNamara, “Downtown Seattle Thieves Stole Liquor, Clothes – And Tide Pods” the reporter writes, “Police recovered over $160,000 worth of goods and cash…They also found clothing, perfume, and those notorious Tide Pods.”
• Mypanhandle.com Jan 12, 2018, “WCSO: Retail Theft Ring Busted in Walton County”. “Investigators found more than $6,000 in stolen merchandise inside of the car from several different stores including Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Justice, Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger.” 
These are examples of Organized Retail Crime thefts and as you can see the dollar values of such cases go into the thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. In light of these numbers it is imperative that all retailers have a clothing security plan in place that incorporates the use of Checkpoint tags to protect clothing and softlines goods.

     What are Checkpoint tags and how do they protect clothes from being pilfered? You have probably encountered them in your own shopping sprees. These are usually the hard plastic tags that you find attached to garments in addition to the manufacturer hang tags on sleeves or waistbands of a shirt or slacks. The security tags are two-piece designs, a main tag with a pin and a clip piece to keep it in place. Checkpoint tags are designed to create an almost seamless connection that prevents them from being pried apart. It is not uncommon for a shoplifter to see a tag and put an item down. Rather than risk trying to pull apart a tag which would take too much time and probably result in an alarm activation, thieves just move on to other merchandise or other stores. Speaking of alarm activations I should mention that these tags, both the hard and soft label versions are built with electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology imbedded in them. This means that if a criminal decides to try to just conceal an item and walk out of the store with it they will set off EAS pedestals near the front doors. Trained employees will quickly respond and check receipts and get unpaid merchandise back.

     Returning to the initial question of whether a small business owner can afford to purchase a clothing security system to prevent ORC there are two considerations, cost of a system and space. Loss Prevention Systems Inc. (LPSI) founder Bill Bregar knows that this is not an easy decision since many small clothing retailers are operating on a shoestring budget. There also may not be a lot of room in a store and selling space is at a premium. Taking away space for EAS pedestals may not seem to be a viable option. To answer the concern over price LPSI has provided the means for owners and managers to see how a system can pay for itself through shortage reduction in a matter of months. This is done through a ROI calculator on their web page. Everyone is free to use it with no obligation. 

     The issue of lost salesfloor space with the setup of EAS pedestals is not a concern either. By installing a Checkpoint Classic N10 pedestal or an overhead EAS System minimal to zero floor space is lost to anti-theft equipment.  ORC groups won’t be able to fill bags or roll shopping carts out the doors without being detected by a Checkpoint Security system.

     All shoplifting is criminal and a drain on finances but ORC groups are particularly harmful. Don’t allow amateurs or professionals to walk out with your profits. Apply Checkpoint Tags to all of your goods and install a Checkpoint EAS pedestal or overhead system today!

Need information on Checkpoint tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now. 

The idea of purchasing a clothing security system may seem to be an expensive prospect for smaller retailers. Before writing it off owners and managers should consider the impact Organized Retail Crime groups can have on a clothing store. Organized Retail Crime (ORC) is not the impulse shoplifter, this is a group of people who plan and target specific merchandise and retailers. The groups seek merchandise that is hard to track, easy to steal and easy to re-sell at a significant profit. They will pay people cents on the dollar to go into stores with “shopping lists” to steal specific merchandise. While the amateur shoplifter does financial harm to a store, it is usually in smaller doses and often it is done on an impulse, like a teenager stealing on a dare from friends. I am not marginalizing this group of thieves but compared to what ORC groups are doing is a drop in the bucket. Let me give you a two examples of Organized theft activity:

• Patch.com March 9, 2018, by Neal McNamara, “Downtown Seattle Thieves Stole Liquor, Clothes – And Tide Pods” the reporter writes, “Police recovered over $160,000 worth of goods and cash…They also found clothing, perfume, and those notorious Tide Pods.”

• Mypanhandle.com Jan 12, 2018, “WCSO: Retail Theft Ring Busted in Walton County”. “Investigators found more than $6,000 in stolen merchandise inside of the car from several different stores including Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Justice, Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger.” 

These are examples of Organized Retail Crime thefts and as you can see the dollar values of such cases go into the thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. In light of these numbers it is imperative that all retailers have a clothing security plan in place that incorporates the use of electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags to protect clothing and softlines goods.

 

 What are EAS tags and how do they protect clothes from being pilfered? You have probably encountered them in your own shopping sprees. These are usually the hard plastic tags that you find attached to garments in addition to the manufacturer hang tags on sleeves or waistbands of a shirt or slacks. The security tags are two-piece designs, a main tag with a pin and a clip piece to keep it in place. EAS tags are designed to create an almost seamless connection that prevents them from being pried apart. It is not uncommon for a shoplifter to see a tag and put an item down. Rather than risk trying to pull apart a tag which would take too much time and probably result in an alarm activation, thieves just move on to other merchandise or other stores. Speaking of alarm activations I should mention that these tags, both the hard and soft label versions are built with electronic article surveillance technology imbedded in them. This means that if a criminal decides to try to just conceal an item and walk out of the store with it they will set off EAS pedestals near the front doors. Trained employees will quickly respond and check receipts and get unpaid merchandise back.

     

Returning to the initial question of whether a small business owner can afford to purchase a clothing security system to prevent ORC there are two considerations, cost of a system and space. Loss Prevention Systems Inc. (LPSI) founder Bill Bregar knows that this is not an easy decision since many small clothing retailers are operating on a shoestring budget. There also may not be a lot of room in a store and selling space is at a premium. Taking away space for EAS pedestals may not seem to be a viable option. To answer the concern over price LPSI has provided the means for owners and managers to see how a system can pay for itself through shortage reduction in a matter of months. This is done through a ROI calculator on their web page. Everyone is free to use it with no obligation. 
     

The issue of lost salesfloor space with the setup of EAS pedestals is not a concern either. ORC groups won’t be able to fill bags or roll shopping carts out the doors without being detected by a EAS security system.
     

All shoplifting is criminal and a drain on finances but ORC groups are particularly harmful. Don’t allow amateurs or professionals to walk out with your profits. Apply EAS Tags to all of your goods and install a EAS pedestal or overhead system today!

 

Need information on EAS tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now. 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Stores Are Safer With EAS Systems In Place

August 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

Retail Theft Prevention – 3                                                                                                      WC Blog 544
Checkpoint Systems – 5
Stop shoplifting -5
Stores Are Safer With Checkpoint Systems In Place
     Retail theft prevention should be part of a larger store security and safety strategy for your business. Stores that fail to take appropriate actions to prevent criminal activity from taking place put more than the store’s property, money and merchandise at risk. Owners and managers that fail to properly manage risk factors also endanger their employees and customers. In an article in Loss Prevention Media by Garrett Seivold, “A Security Lawsuit Is a Legal Landmine”, the author makes some excellent points regarding retail safety. Mr. Seivold references a convenience store robbery which had taken place in Rochester, New York. During the robbery, a Security Guard was shot in the face and suffers severe injuries today because of the shooting. The lawsuit included several complaints that led the jury to find the parent company of the convenience store responsible. The writer mentions the following factors which contributed to the jury decision:
• In the ten years before the incident six shootings and 126 robberies had taken place at this store and others in the area
• Money was not regularly transferred to a bank
• Store employees had access to the safe rather than the use of a drop box accessible only to armed security personnel
• “The parking lot was too dark.”
The defendant responded to these points but according to the article, in the end the jury awarded approximately 1.2 million dollars to the plaintiff. The lesson to store owners is that you have to show you are taking active measures to protect your staff and your customers. One way to do this is to take steps to stop shoplifting with Checkpoint Systems. 
     I know there are some of you who are wondering how you increase safety and security in a store with the installation of Checkpoint Systems. Other readers may not even know what the systems are and so I will briefly explain it before I move on. Checkpoint Systems are retail anti-theft devices that stop shoplifting through deterrence and theft detection. Systems are comprised of towers, tags and detachment tools or deactivation pads. The towers are placed near the exits of a building and can detect security tags on merchandise. Regardless of whether tagged merchandise is in the open or concealed the towers can pick up the radio frequency waves sent out from the tags. When a security tag is within a certain distance of the tower an alarm is activated and employees respond. Trained responders check receipts and manage a situation which usually results in a would-be shoplifter returning products or purchasing the items. The detachment tools and deactivation pads are the parts of Checkpoint Systems that remove hard tags or “turn off” soft electronic article surveillance tags at the points of sale. This prevents a legitimate customer from inadvertently causing a false alarm at the towers.
     I want to get back to the part where efforts to stop shoplifting are relevant to maintaining a safe and secure retail business. In stores where shoplifting is rampant it is not unusual to find other criminal activity taking place also. For example in the 2013 National Retail Federation’s Organized Retail Crime Survey they report on page 12, “…more companies this year report that the level of violence has grown in the past three years, both on the intimidation of sales associates and those who attempt to apprehend boosters.” They go on to say, “according to the survey, approximately two in 10 (18.3%) apprehensions now lead to some sort of violence…” There also appears to be an increase in the number of shoplifting cases related to the opioid crisis. When stores incorporate retail theft prevention steps to stop shoplifting the associated criminal activity also dries up.
     As seen in the case I referenced at the beginning of the article there are numerous areas that should be reviewed in a safety and security plan. Exterior lighting of the building and parking lots should be a top priority. Cash handling procedures should be reviewed. How are cash drops handled and are bank deposits regularly made? Guidelines need to be established for the maximum amount of funds held in a store and in cash registers. Associates should be limited in how much money they have access to. These suggestions only scratch the surface and should be part of a comprehensive security plan.
     Loss Prevention Systems Inc. can help you with a retail theft prevention program starting with Checkpoint Systems to stop shoplifting. Remove that criminal element and you will take a leap in the right direction of eliminating other crime in your area. As the bad guys begin to move out your environment will begin to become safer for your customers and employees. THAT will also help to increase your sales and improve your profit line.
Retail theft prevention is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.

Retail theft prevention should be part of a larger store security and safety strategy for your business. Stores that fail to take appropriate actions to prevent criminal activity from taking place put more than the store’s property, money and merchandise at risk. Owners and managers that fail to properly manage risk factors also endanger their employees and customers. In an article in Loss Prevention Media by Garrett Seivold, “A Security Lawsuit Is a Legal Landmine”, the author makes some excellent points regarding retail safety. Mr. Seivold references a convenience store robbery which had taken place in Rochester, New York. During the robbery, a Security Guard was shot in the face and suffers severe injuries today because of the shooting. The lawsuit included several complaints that led the jury to find the parent company of the convenience store responsible. The writer mentions the following factors which contributed to the jury decision:

• In the ten years before the incident six shootings and 126 robberies had taken place at this store and others in the area

• Money was not regularly transferred to a bank

• Store employees had access to the safe rather than the use of a drop box accessible only to armed security personnel

• “The parking lot was too dark.

”The defendant responded to these points but according to the article, in the end the jury awarded approximately 1.2 million dollars to the plaintiff. The lesson to store owners is that you have to show you are taking active measures to protect your staff and your customers. One way to do this is to take steps to stop shoplifting with electronice article surveillance (EAS) systems. 

I know there are some of you who are wondering how you increase safety and security in a store with the installation of EAS systems. Other readers may not even know what the systems are and so I will briefly explain it before I move on. EAS systems are retail anti-theft devices that stop shoplifting through deterrence and theft detection. Systems are comprised of towers, tags and detachment tools or deactivation pads. The towers are placed near the exits of a building and can detect security tags on merchandise. Regardless of whether tagged merchandise is in the open or concealed the towers can pick up the radio frequency waves sent out from the tags. When a security tag is within a certain distance of the tower an alarm is activated and employees respond. Trained responders check receipts and manage a situation which usually results in a would-be shoplifter returning products or purchasing the items. The detachment tools and deactivation pads are the parts of EAS systems that remove hard tags or “turn off” soft electronic article surveillance tags at the points of sale. This prevents a legitimate customer from inadvertently causing a false alarm at the towers.

I want to get back to the part where efforts to stop shoplifting are relevant to maintaining a safe and secure retail business. In stores where shoplifting is rampant it is not unusual to find other criminal activity taking place also. For example in the 2013 National Retail Federation’s Organized Retail Crime Survey they report on page 12, “…more companies this year report that the level of violence has grown in the past three years, both on the intimidation of sales associates and those who attempt to apprehend boosters.” They go on to say, “according to the survey, approximately two in 10 (18.3%) apprehensions now lead to some sort of violence…” There also appears to be an increase in the number of shoplifting cases related to the opioid crisis. When stores incorporate retail theft prevention steps to stop shoplifting the associated criminal activity also dries up.

As seen in the case I referenced at the beginning of the article there are numerous areas that should be reviewed in a safety and security plan. Exterior lighting of the building and parking lots should be a top priority. Cash handling procedures should be reviewed. How are cash drops handled and are bank deposits regularly made? Guidelines need to be established for the maximum amount of funds held in a store and in cash registers. Associates should be limited in how much money they have access to. These suggestions only scratch the surface and should be part of a comprehensive security plan.

Loss Prevention Systems Inc. can help you with a retail theft prevention program starting with EAS systems to stop shoplifting. Remove that criminal element and you will take a leap in the right direction of eliminating other crime in your area. As the bad guys begin to move out your environment will begin to become safer for your customers and employees. THAT will also help to increase your sales and improve your profit line.

 

Retail theft prevention is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

STRANGE INCIDENT IN RETAIL STORE SHOWS IMPORTANCE OF EAS LABELS!

August 1, 2018 by Leave a Comment
STRANGE INCIDENT IN RETAIL STORE SHOWS IMPORTANCE OF EAS LABELS! 


 EAS Labels-   4                  ML Blog 24
 Stop Shoplifting – 3
        
       Working as Loss Prevention Manager shows you all aspects of inventory control. One of the most tedious tasks you’ll face in managing a retail store is keeping up with your stock. Each day you’ll spend a significant part of your day tracking inventory. A thorough inventory system will make it simple to meet the needs of your shoppers and minimize your losses. Each day as you are managing your location, you never know what will happen or what situation you will come across. Some days you run into extremely strange situations that make every day just plain interesting! Just last month, I had a strange incident with EAS Labels involving inventory counts! My store now uses them every day to prevent daily loss. 

       There are multiple advantages of a having a superior inventory system. It provides theft controls, product tracking, customer service advantages, and managing your financials. Without an inventory system, it’s impossible to know how much is stolen by customers or employees until completely after the fact. You can also steer clear of running out of stock and keep track of how you’re doing. It makes no sense to go long periods of time without knowing the actual status of your stock! Each day I complete perpetual counts of our high dollar, most stolen products. Completing this task daily helps stop shoplifting by being able to immediately track a missing item, and have CCTV of who stole the merchandise! If I count 3 days in a row a specific high theft item, and it disappears on day 4 without any product sales, I will know what time frame the theft happened. Once I have a hot theft item, I usually will place one of my PTZ cameras pointed specifically at that product. I also place EAS labels on them to protect the product. There are extensive benefits of utilizing EAS Labels versus just constant surveillance. Even though I catch a high amount of thieves, I can’t be there 24-7. They help stop-shoplifting by deterrent methods.  Retailers can confidently open-display their products which helps with sales. Anytime I start at a new location, I ensure they are utilizing these tags to stop shoplifting. One morning I was completing my daily perpetual counts, and had a subject enter the store acting very suspicious. He paced the sales floor for close to 20 minutes, looking for associates and acting extremely strange. This is a behavior I know too well from shoplifters, so I had to be patient and continue to observe. The subject finally selects 2 of our high dollar products and heads into a corner of the store that is semi-blocked by a tall fixture. At this point, I keep CCTV on him and was thinking I 100% had a shoplifter.  I see the subject appear to be in a sitting stance, and stays like that for a few minutes. The subject stands up, looks around, but still has all the high dollar product. The product is still in the packaging and it does not looked messed with at all. The subject ends up leaving the products at our register and walks out of our exit. I quickly run to the area to look for any tags or figure out if I missed something the subject may have concealed. I get to the corner of the store, to find my worst nightmare. Let’s just say I figured out why the subject was acting strange and went to the corner. The subject went to the bathroom inside the store!!! They selected product to look normal in case anyone walked by. So I spent an hour of my time on a stomach issue, than a shoplifting issue. Even though this was an epic fail, at least I know I am on top of anyone selecting our high theft items.  I knew at this point, this was going to a long, crazy day! I still continued to do my perpetual counts and finally had a missing item on another product. I was able to view sales history and find on CCTV a known subject come in and try to wipe out an item. They selected the item and went into the fitting room, trying to remove the security tag from the product. The attempt failed and they left the item in the fitting room, so we were able to find and recover the product. It was definitely a win, that day!  EAS Labels saved us from taking a loss on this product! After this incident, I had several other occurrences where the labels worked to stop shoplifting. Less worry, but more product on the shelf for customers. Another positive element is how extremely easy they are to apply, and work as an inexpensive fix.

       My store management team and I still laugh about the disaster day I had. But the payoff was massive being able to later see how EAS Labels do work, and the importance of inventory controls. This was a strange day, but showed everyone that we are on top of ensuring our product stays on the shelf. You will see a decrease in theft trends once you utilize the same security device program and tracking system that I use. 

   Need information on EAS Labels? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now. 
.                                                        




Working as Loss Prevention Manager shows you all aspects of inventory control. One of the most tedious tasks you’ll face in managing a retail store is keeping up with your stock. Each day you’ll spend a significant part of your day tracking inventory. A thorough inventory system will make it simple to meet the needs of your shoppers and minimize your losses. Each day as you are managing your location, you never know what will happen or what situation you will come across. Some days you run into extremely strange situations that make every day just plain interesting! Just last month, I had a strange incident with EAS Labels involving inventory counts! My store now uses them every day to prevent daily loss. 
       

There are multiple advantages of a having a superior inventory system. It provides theft controls, product tracking, customer service advantages, and managing your financials. Without an inventory system, it’s impossible to know how much is stolen by customers or employees until completely after the fact. You can also steer clear of running out of stock and keep track of how you’re doing. It makes no sense to go long periods of time without knowing the actual status of your stock! Each day I complete perpetual counts of our high dollar, most stolen products. Completing this task daily helps stop shoplifting by being able to immediately track a missing item, and have CCTV of who stole the merchandise! If I count 3 days in a row a specific high theft item, and it disappears on day 4 without any product sales, I will know what time frame the theft happened. Once I have a hot theft item, I usually will place one of my PTZ cameras pointed specifically at that product. I also place EAS labels on them to protect the product. There are extensive benefits of utilizing EAS Labels versus just constant surveillance. Even though I catch a high amount of thieves, I can’t be there 24-7. They help stop-shoplifting by deterrent methods.  Retailers can confidently open-display their products which helps with sales. Anytime I start at a new location, I ensure they are utilizing these tags to stop shoplifting. One morning I was completing my daily perpetual counts, and had a subject enter the store acting very suspicious. He paced the sales floor for close to 20 minutes, looking for associates and acting extremely strange. This is a behavior I know too well from shoplifters, so I had to be patient and continue to observe. The subject finally selects 2 of our high dollar products and heads into a corner of the store that is semi-blocked by a tall fixture. At this point, I keep CCTV on him and was thinking I 100% had a shoplifter.  I see the subject appear to be in a sitting stance, and stays like that for a few minutes. The subject stands up, looks around, but still has all the high dollar product. The product is still in the packaging and it does not looked messed with at all. The subject ends up leaving the products at our register and walks out of our exit. I quickly run to the area to look for any tags or figure out if I missed something the subject may have concealed. I get to the corner of the store, to find my worst nightmare. Let’s just say I figured out why the subject was acting strange and went to the corner. The subject went to the bathroom inside the store!!! They selected product to look normal in case anyone walked by. So I spent an hour of my time on a stomach issue, than a shoplifting issue. Even though this was an epic fail, at least I know I am on top of anyone selecting our high theft items.  I knew at this point, this was going to a long, crazy day! I still continued to do my perpetual counts and finally had a missing item on another product. I was able to view sales history and find on CCTV a known subject come in and try to wipe out an item. They selected the item and went into the fitting room, trying to remove the security tag from the product. The attempt failed and they left the item in the fitting room, so we were able to find and recover the product. It was definitely a win, that day!  EAS Labels saved us from taking a loss on this product! After this incident, I had several other occurrences where the labels worked to stop shoplifting. Less worry, but more product on the shelf for customers. Another positive element is how extremely easy they are to apply, and work as an inexpensive fix.
       

My store management team and I still laugh about the disaster day I had. But the payoff was massive being able to later see how EAS Labels do work, and the importance of inventory controls. This was a strange day, but showed everyone that we are on top of ensuring our product stays on the shelf. You will see a decrease in theft trends once you utilize the same security device program and tracking system that I use. 
   

Need information on EAS Labels? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.                                                        

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

DON’T LET THIEVES FLY AWAY WITH YOUR DRONES

July 26, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

DON’T LET THIEVES FLY AWAY WITH YOUR DRONES – USE AN ALPHA SPIDER WRAP
The drone business is set to be a multi-billion dollar a year industry and this shopping season should see sales take-off like never before. As with any hot new and exciting product, you have to Prevent Shoplifting if you want to keep yourself profitable. Whether you plan to stock the very best high-end camera platforms, or some inexpensive toys, these products are guaranteed to be a hit this year and can really add a significant amount to your bottom line. So, let’s talk strategy, shall we?
Last year around the holidays, my store purchased tons of drones. Small ones, big ones, cheap ones and expensive ones. They were an absolute hit and we sold them hand over fist. We also lost quite a bit to both internal and external theft. This was our first year really buying into the category, and we really dropped the ball in securing them. This year, we bought a few hundred Alpha Spider Wraps to get us through the season. Here’s why we made that decision this year and why you should consider it as well. 
With the drone category, you really have to give your customer’s access to the product. The open-sell concept is what really drives the business in this category. You can’t have the product behind a case, or a have just a display box on the shelf. You have to let the customer see the product, hold it in their hands, and yes, even let them play with it. (I set up a little indoor area for customers to play with some of the more popular ones. Great way to blow out of them). What I didn’t do was use an Alpha Spider Wrap in order to Prevent Shoplifting. 
Within the first week that we set our displays out, we had lost two. In another week, I had lost 10. By the time Black Friday rolled around, I was down nearly 25 units. I stationed an employee at the display center, but you know how it is during those busy days. There’s just no way that you can keep up with everyone. All told, I lost about 100 units last year. You can bet that my stores are not going to lose that much again this year. I’ve got my retail utility belt on and I’m primed and ready to Prevent Shoplifting. 
If you’re thinking about adding some cool new drones to your store’s holiday assortment this year, you’d be remiss if you didn’t at least consider the Alpha Spider Wrap. While I never expect any singular product to completely Prevent Shoplifting, I fully expect to see between 50-60% less theft than last year. Go ahead, give them a try. 
 
For more information about Alpha Tech contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.

The drone business is set to be a multi-billion dollar a year industry. As with any hot and exciting product, you have to Prevent Shoplifting if you want to keep yourself profitable. Whether you plan to stock the very best high-end camera platforms, or some inexpensive toys, these products are guaranteed to be a hit this year and can really add a significant amount to your bottom line. So, let’s talk strategy, shall we?

 Last year around the holidays, my store purchased tons of drones. Small ones, big ones, cheap ones and expensive ones. They were an absolute hit and we sold them hand over fist. We also lost quite a bit to both internal and external theft. This was our first year really buying into the category, and we really dropped the ball in securing them. This year, we bought a few hundred wrap tags  to get us through the season. Here’s why we made that decision this year and why you should consider it as well. 

 With the drone category, you really have to give your customer’s access to the product. The open-sell concept is what really drives the business in this category. You can’t have the product behind a case, or a have just a display box on the shelf. You have to let the customer see the product, hold it in their hands, and yes, even let them play with it. (I set up a little indoor area for customers to play with some of the more popular ones. Great way to blow out of them). What I didn’t do was use an wrap tag in order to Prevent Shoplifting. 

 Within the first week that we set our displays out, we had lost two. In another week, I had lost 10. By the time Black Friday rolled around, I was down nearly 25 units. I stationed an employee at the display center, but you know how it is during those busy days. There’s just no way that you can keep up with everyone. All told, I lost about 100 units last year. You can bet that my stores are not going to lose that much again this year. I’ve got my retail utility belt on and I’m primed and ready to Prevent Shoplifting. 

 If you’re thinking about adding some cool new drones to your store’s holiday assortment this year, you’d be remiss if you didn’t at least consider the retail anti-theft devices. While I never expect any singular product to completely Prevent Shoplifting, I fully expect to see between 50-60% less theft than last year. Go ahead, give them a try. 

 
For more information about retail anti-theft devices, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.

 

Alpha spider wraps

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Super Advice On Why Clothing Security Is Important

July 5, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Clothing Security – 4                                                                                                                         WC Blog 541
Checkpoint Tags-5

Super Advice On Why Clothing Security Is Important

     Clothing security is a shortage focus point for the retail chain my daughter works for. As a department manager over a softlines area she is expected to be monitoring her department to ensure all of the merchandise is properly tagged with Checkpoint tags. During a recent visit from the store’s District Loss Prevention Manager they were given recognition for having merchandise protected. One thing they were doing incorrectly was placing the tags in the wrong location on slacks. The tags were being placed too high on the waistband rather than lower in the leg seam. When my daughter was discussing this issue with me and she seemed a bit confused about why this slight variance would make a difference. I was able to put on my Loss Prevention Manager Super-Dad cape and clear it up for her. Before I go into the details of my conversation though it would be best to make sure all of the readers know what I am talking about when I discuss Checkpoint Tags and clothing security.

     Clothing is a top theft item for shoplifters. Some steal for personal use and others will steal for resale for drugs, at a flea market to an organized theft ring or other outlets. Loss Prevention Systems Inc. understands the threat to a retailer posed by criminals and recommends business owners stop thieves by using clothing security tags. These tags are anti-theft devices that are pinned on a piece of clothing and prevent theft from shoplifters and deter employees from stealing too. Forced removal of clothing tags is not an issue as Checkpoint tags can take a lot of abuse from thieves trying to force them off and the tags still hang on. If a store uses the Checkpoint brand of security tags they also receive the benefit of superior electronic article surveillance (EAS) alarm protection.  EAS towers are placed where merchandise should not be taken such as restrooms and at store entry and exit points. If a tagged garment nears the towers the shrill, screeching alarm from the tower activates and store employees respond and recover the merchandise. And yes, even if the merchandise is hidden in a purse or under a coat the tag can be “read” by the tower and will still alert.

     Getting back to the story about my conversation with my daughter, I explained why the District Manager was concerned with the placement of the tags. If Checkpoint tags are placed too high on a pair of pants or let’s say too close to the cuff of a shirt sleeve it is possible for a shoplifter to remove a tag. There would be a small amount of damage to the garment as a small cut in the material might have to be made to slide the tag off but if the merchandise is valuable enough that may not be a concern. On the other hand, if the security tag is placed further down the pant leg or higher up the sleeve of the blouse cutting the garment is not an option. The merchandise would have to be damaged to the point that the item is rendered unserviceable. Additionally, criminals don’t want to have to put that much effort into stealing something. It is easier for them to locate another item that is not tagged and steal it. Hint to store owners and managers: Tag EVERYTHING, your store becomes a waste of time for the bad guys and they just leave you alone altogether. My daughter said that my explanation made sense to her and she was going to be sure to have those issues fixed for her next visit. I was happy and put my Loss Prevention Manager Super-Dad cape away until it is needed again in the future.

       You may not have a Loss Prevention Manager Super-Dad to help you stop shoplifting or explain how clothing security is enhanced with Checkpoint tags but you do have a resource that is just as invaluable. Bill Bregar and the staff of Loss Prevention Systems Inc. are your resources for all you need to know about protecting your store against thieves. Reach out to them, they specialize in how to improve profitability through reduced shortage and can help your store thrive. There may not be a super cape involved but there is a super team and they love helping stores with the best solutions to theft prevention.
Get more information of clothing security, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.

Clothing security is a shortage focus point for the retail chain my daughter works for. As a department manager over a softlines area she is expected to be monitoring her department to ensure all of the merchandise is properly tagged with Checkpoint tags. During a recent visit from the store’s District Loss Prevention Manager they were given recognition for having merchandise protected. One thing they were doing incorrectly was placing the tags in the wrong location on slacks. The tags were being placed too high on the waistband rather than lower in the leg seam. When my daughter was discussing this issue with me and she seemed a bit confused about why this slight variance would make a difference. I was able to put on my Loss Prevention Manager Super-Dad cape and clear it up for her. Before I go into the details of my conversation though it would be best to make sure all of the readers know what I am talking about when I discuss Checkpoint Tags and clothing security.
     

Clothing is a top theft item for shoplifters. Some steal for personal use and others will steal for resale for drugs, at a flea market to an organized theft ring or other outlets. Loss Prevention Systems Inc. understands the threat to a retailer posed by criminals and recommends business owners stop thieves by using clothing security tags. These tags are anti-theft devices that are pinned on a piece of clothing and prevent theft from shoplifters and deter employees from stealing too. Forced removal of clothing tags is not an issue as Checkpoint tags can take a lot of abuse from thieves trying to force them off and the tags still hang on. If a store uses the Checkpoint brand of security tags they also receive the benefit of superior electronic article surveillance (EAS) alarm protection. EAS towers are placed where merchandise should not be taken such as restrooms and at store entry and exit points. If a tagged garment nears the towers the shrill, screeching alarm from the tower activates and store employees respond and recover the merchandise. And yes, even if the merchandise is hidden in a purse or under a coat the tag can be “read” by the tower and will still alert.
     

Getting back to the story about my conversation with my daughter, I explained why the District Manager was concerned with the placement of the tags. If Checkpoint tags are placed too high on a pair of pants or let’s say too close to the cuff of a shirt sleeve it is possible for a shoplifter to remove a tag. There would be a small amount of damage to the garment as a small cut in the material might have to be made to slide the tag off but if the merchandise is valuable enough that may not be a concern. On the other hand, if the security tag is placed further down the pant leg or higher up the sleeve of the blouse cutting the garment is not an option. The merchandise would have to be damaged to the point that the item is rendered unserviceable. Additionally, criminals don’t want to have to put that much effort into stealing something. It is easier for them to locate another item that is not tagged and steal it. Hint to store owners and managers: Tag EVERYTHING, your store becomes a waste of time for the bad guys and they just leave you alone altogether. My daughter said that my explanation made sense to her and she was going to be sure to have those issues fixed for her next visit. I was happy and put my Loss Prevention Manager Super-Dad cape away until it is needed again in the future.
       

You may not have a Loss Prevention Manager Super-Dad to help you stop shoplifting or explain how clothing security is enhanced with Checkpoint tags but you do have a resource that is just as invaluable. Bill Bregar and the staff of Loss Prevention Systems Inc. are your resources for all you need to know about protecting your store against thieves. Reach out to them, they specialize in how to improve profitability through reduced shortage and can help your store thrive. There may not be a super cape involved but there is a super team and they love helping stores with the best solutions to theft prevention.

 

Get more information of clothing security, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

An Alpha Bug Tag Deters Display Theft

June 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Prevent Shoplifting-3                                                                                                 WC Blog 492
Alpha Bug Tag-5
Retail Anti-Theft Devices-4


An Alpha Bug Tag Deters Display Theft

     How do you prevent shoplifting of your computer tablet, computer or laptop displays? I work in a store that sells all of the above and other merchandise as well. Our displays are secured with retail anti-theft devices but despite the security we are using we have had at least one theft of a high priced computer tablet that I am aware of. The display was attached to an alarmed wire that is connected to the tablets and computers but in the situation I am addressing the thief was not concerned with the system we are using. I wondered what other steps the company could take to prevent another such incident. The first thing that came to me was that the company could invest in an Alpha Bug Tag for each unit. 

     The Alpha Bug Tag is a retail anti-theft device that uses electronic article surveillance to deter and prevent shoplifting (and the theft of mobile devices used in retail and the medical field too). The tag attaches directly to the unit to be protected and should someone walk towards a doorway that has EAS towers while holding a protected item alarms sound and warning lights flash. The tag also has a tamper alarm that sounds when a criminal tries to pry a device off of a display or mobile device. The 3 Alarm version of the tag also has a self-alarm that is activated if a shoplifter exits the store with a device and chooses to ignore the EAS tower alarm. The third alarm capability means that the shoplifter can no longer melt into a crowd of people and become anonymous; everyone around them will know they have stolen items. While you shouldn’t chase a thief you can act on information provided by bystanders who will give you get away vehicle and license plate information.

     At our store the bad guy who stole our tablet display came into the building, looked around and knelt down by the tablet displays. When no one was in the area he grabbed the display, jerked it from the alarm wire and mounts and ran out the door. The only alarm that was heard was at the display and our suspect was gone. Had a 3 Alarm Alpha Bug Tag been used to supplement the anti-theft unit the tablet was mounted on the tag would have set off the EAS towers AND the Tag would have sounded an alarm while the suspect was running in the parking lot. The combination might have been enough to prevent shoplifting since the suspect may have dropped the merchandise when he realized the alarm was going with him. While a police report was filed and the District Loss Prevention Manager was notified of the incident to the best of my knowledge the suspect has never been captured.

      Looking for an alternative to using dual retail anti-theft devices to protect your displays? There is now an Alpha Bug Tag 2 Snare that can be used in with the Bug Tag 2 units. The snare allows the tag to be secured to a shelf and provides the same capability of traditional retail anti-theft fixtures permitting patrons to pick up and handle display products. The Tag retains the anti-tampering features and if one of the cables is cut an alarm is activated and employees are alerted to a theft taking place at the display.

     Displays in your store require as much attention of not more attention than the brand new merchandise. Shoplifters get an active display unit in their grasp and may be more inclined to try to get away with it because they are holding it. It’s sort of like a new car. It’s one thing to look at it shiny and new on the salesfloor but once you get in it and hold the wheel in your hand it becomes more difficult to resist. Give criminals a reason to resist the temptation to steal your displays. Use an Alpha Bug Tag on all of the items you display whether it is on a traditional display or using the tag and Snare combination.
Need information on Alpha Bug Tag? Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 now.
     

How do you prevent shoplifting of your computer tablet, computer or laptop displays? I work in a store that sells all of the above and other merchandise as well. Our displays are secured with retail anti-theft devices but despite the security we are using we have had at least one theft of a high priced computer tablet that I am aware of. The display was attached to an alarmed wire that is connected to the tablets and computers but in the situation I am addressing the thief was not concerned with the system we are using. I wondered what other steps the company could take to prevent another such incident. The first thing that came to me was that the company could invest in an Alpha Bug Tag for each unit. 
     

The Alpha Bug Tag is a retail anti-theft device that uses electronic article surveillance to deter and prevent shoplifting (and the theft of mobile devices used in retail and the medical field too). The tag attaches directly to the unit to be protected and should someone walk towards a doorway that has EAS towers while holding a protected item alarms sound and warning lights flash. The tag also has a tamper alarm that sounds when a criminal tries to pry a device off of a display or mobile device. The 3 Alarm version of the tag also has a self-alarm that is activated if a shoplifter exits the store with a device and chooses to ignore the EAS tower alarm. The third alarm capability means that the shoplifter can no longer melt into a crowd of people and become anonymous; everyone around them will know they have stolen items. While you shouldn’t chase a thief you can act on information provided by bystanders who will give you get away vehicle and license plate information.
     

At our store the bad guy who stole our tablet display came into the building, looked around and knelt down by the tablet displays. When no one was in the area he grabbed the display, jerked it from the alarm wire and mounts and ran out the door. The only alarm that was heard was at the display and our suspect was gone. Had a 3 Alarm Alpha Bug Tag been used to supplement the anti-theft unit the tablet was mounted on the tag would have set off the EAS towers AND the Tag would have sounded an alarm while the suspect was running in the parking lot. The combination might have been enough to prevent shoplifting since the suspect may have dropped the merchandise when he realized the alarm was going with him. While a police report was filed and the District Loss Prevention Manager was notified of the incident to the best of my knowledge the suspect has never been captured.
     

Looking for an alternative to using dual retail anti-theft devices to protect your displays? There is now an Alpha Bug Tag 2 Snare that can be used in with the Bug Tag 2 units. The snare allows the tag to be secured to a shelf and provides the same capability of traditional retail anti-theft fixtures permitting patrons to pick up and handle display products. The Tag retains the anti-tampering features and if one of the cables is cut an alarm is activated and employees are alerted to a theft taking place at the display.
     

Displays in your store require as much attention of not more attention than the brand new merchandise. Shoplifters get an active display unit in their grasp and may be more inclined to try to get away with it because they are holding it. It’s sort of like a new car. It’s one thing to look at it shiny and new on the salesfloor but once you get in it and hold the wheel in your hand it becomes more difficult to resist. Give criminals a reason to resist the temptation to steal your displays. Use an Alpha Bug Tag on all of the items you display whether it is on a traditional display or using the tag and Snare combination.

 

Need information on Alpha Bug Tag? Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 now.     

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Using Imposter Tags For Clothing Security Can Prove Costly

June 5, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Clothing Security-5                                                                                                                 WC Blog 529
Checkpoint Tags-5

Using Imposter Tags For Clothing Security Can Prove Costly

     Protecting clothing against theft is too important for stores to resort to the use of imposter clothing security tags. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. In some instances I would agree. I would use parody music as one example where this is the case. I like to listen to music by Weird Al Yankovic and a parody band called Apologetix. Both musical groups take original music by major music talents and change the words to create parodies. They sound a LOT like the originals and in the case of Weird Al, he has even created music videos that spoofed the song and the video that went with it, for example the song and video “Eat It”. Sometimes the parody even has a message that the group wants their audience to hear but uses humor to do so. Merchandise protection can be similar in that there are companies that make security tags that look like or seem to act like Checkpoint tags but the devices are inferior to those of Checkpoint. Going cheaper can cost more in the long- run and that is why the CEO of Loss Prevention Systems Inc. Bill Bregar wants retail owners to use proven electronic article surveillance technology. Checkpoint tags provide consistency in the prevention of shoplifting and employee theft.

     Checkpoint tags for clothing security come in a hard tag design that is built to prevent a criminal from pulling it off an item. The tags have two components, a piece with a pin and the pin cap. When attached to a garment they are clipped so closely together that there is almost no space created. This seamless connection makes prying the pieces apart impossible without tearing or ripping material. Since torn merchandise is not what a shoplifter wants they tend to stay away from products with clothing security tags attached to them. Checkpoint tags also stop shoplifters through the electronic article surveillance (EAS) protection built into the devices. The tags have a radio frequency signal transmitting from them. When merchandise with tags on them get into the range of EAS pedestals or an overhead Checkpoint system an alarm is activated. This alarm elicits an immediate response from nearby employees who are able to resolve issues and get unpaid goods and products back.

     If what I call imitation tags can deter theft why not purchase them instead of the Checkpoint brand? Let me ask you this question, if an imposter is always as good as an original why would you ever buy a name brand product? I can go into my favorite grocery store and I can get a great deal on a store brand of soft drink. I may only pay 78 cents for a 2-liter bottle of store brand cola. I have the option of paying $1.99 for a 2-liter bottle of a nationally known brand. Why would I ever pay $1.21 more for that national brand? I would do so because the national brand is a much better quality. I KNOW the national brand will have a consistent quality and taste. Sometimes the store brand varies a bit in flavor and is not always the same in taste each time. I can’t trust the quality. The same can be said for your merchandise protection. Some other tags can be tampered with much more easily that the Checkpoint brand. The Checkpoint brand can also be depended on to alarm properly when it is near a tower or pedestal. Use another company’s clothing security tags and you may soon see your shrinkage increase as shoplifters find the vulnerability in your strategy.

     I have used Checkpoint tags as a Loss prevention Manager and I know that they work. I trusted them and made sure they were a key component of my merchandise protection plans. The results spoke for themselves and only twice during my career did I see shortage climb slightly over 1%. I have also walked into stores and observed other devices being used and found myself scratching my head. What in the world was the store management thinking? Their tags looked like poor imitations of the tags I used. Spoofs are light-hearted imitations that bring fun and enjoyment as they parody a serious craft. In entertainment that is fine but it is another thing when it is your profits that are on the line. Don’t take clothing security lightly use products that are proven to be effective and stop shoplifting and theft in your stores.
 Need information on Checkpoint tags? Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.

     

Protecting clothing against theft is too important for stores to resort to the use of imposter clothing security tags. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. In some instances I would agree. I would use parody music as one example where this is the case. I like to listen to music by Weird Al Yankovic and a parody band called Apologetix. Both musical groups take original music by major music talents and change the words to create parodies. They sound a LOT like the originals and in the case of Weird Al, he has even created music videos that spoofed the song and the video that went with it, for example the song and video “Eat It”. Sometimes the parody even has a message that the group wants their audience to hear but uses humor to do so. Merchandise protection can be similar in that there are companies that make security tags that look like or seem to act like Checkpoint tags but the devices are inferior to those of Checkpoint. Going cheaper can cost more in the long- run and that is why the CEO of Loss Prevention Systems Inc. Bill Bregar wants retail owners to use proven electronic article surveillance technology. Checkpoint tags provide consistency in the prevention of shoplifting and employee theft.
     

Checkpoint tags for clothing security come in a hard tag design that is built to prevent a criminal from pulling it off an item. The tags have two components, a piece with a pin and the pin cap. When attached to a garment they are clipped so closely together that there is almost no space created. This seamless connection makes prying the pieces apart impossible without tearing or ripping material. Since torn merchandise is not what a shoplifter wants they tend to stay away from products with clothing security tags attached to them. Checkpoint tags also stop shoplifters through the electronic article surveillance (EAS) protection built into the devices. The tags have a radio frequency signal transmitting from them. When merchandise with tags on them get into the range of EAS pedestals or an overhead Checkpoint system an alarm is activated. This alarm elicits an immediate response from nearby employees who are able to resolve issues and get unpaid goods and products back.
     

If what I call imitation tags can deter theft why not purchase them instead of the Checkpoint brand? Let me ask you this question, if an imposter is always as good as an original why would you ever buy a name brand product? I can go into my favorite grocery store and I can get a great deal on a store brand of soft drink. I may only pay 78 cents for a 2-liter bottle of store brand cola. I have the option of paying $1.99 for a 2-liter bottle of a nationally known brand. Why would I ever pay $1.21 more for that national brand? I would do so because the national brand is a much better quality. I KNOW the national brand will have a consistent quality and taste. Sometimes the store brand varies a bit in flavor and is not always the same in taste each time. I can’t trust the quality. The same can be said for your merchandise protection. Some other tags can be tampered with much more easily that the Checkpoint brand. The Checkpoint brand can also be depended on to alarm properly when it is near a tower or pedestal. Use another company’s clothing security tags and you may soon see your shrinkage increase as shoplifters find the vulnerability in your strategy.
     

I have used Checkpoint tags as a Loss prevention Manager and I know that they work. I trusted them and made sure they were a key component of my merchandise protection plans. The results spoke for themselves and only twice during my career did I see shortage climb slightly over 1%. I have also walked into stores and observed other devices being used and found myself scratching my head. What in the world was the store management thinking? Their tags looked like poor imitations of the tags I used. Spoofs are light-hearted imitations that bring fun and enjoyment as they parody a serious craft. In entertainment that is fine but it is another thing when it is your profits that are on the line. Don’t take clothing security lightly use products that are proven to be effective and stop shoplifting and theft in your stores. 

 

Need information on Checkpoint tags? Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
     

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,
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