Checkpoint: A Security Solution To Stop Shoplifting

February 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Checkpoint Systems is a premier security solutions company.  Their products have been used for years to stop shoplifting.  The company now has a full line of security devices such as: Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, and RF security tags.

 When I first began my loss prevention career, there were not many options for article security.  The idea of RF label technology was not yet developed.  Checkpoint had developed and was using the Checkpoint Security Tags as a method to stop shoplifting.  While these tags did their job effectively, they were not appropriate for everyone’s business.  Seeing this, Checkpoint labels were developed.  The Checkpoint labels use RF Label technology.  These RF labels are less intrusive than the RF security tags.  They are perfect for the retailer that does not want to take away from the visual presence of the merchandise.  The RF security labels utilize Radio Frequency technology just like the RF security tags.  The only difference is the RF labels do not need to be attached to the merchandise like the Checkpoint Security Tags.  This is great for expensive easily damaged merchandise, or the retail that has non-flexible look in their store.

 If a retailer is looking for to stop shoplifting, but does not have the visual standard that the RF label excels in, the Checkpoint security tag is the right solution for you.  Having begun my career in a discount retailer, the Checkpoint Security tag was the perfect fit.  We were able to secure our merchandise and provided a direct visual deterrent to stop shoplifting.  The RF security Label is a great solution for someone looking for security and a non-intrusive device.  The RF security label will provide a retailer with peace of mind and the effectiveness of the security tag.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Spider Wrapping to stall shoplifters

February 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment

It’s odd looking, a little cumbersome, and makes funny loud noises if mishandled.  I speak, of course, of Spider Wraps.  They are retail anti theft devices specifically designed to prevent shoplifting of larger, bulk items.  In my store Spider Wraps can be found protecting things such things as televisions, power tools, and vacuum cleaners.  It takes a bit of effort ensuring the floor staff properly applies them where they are required but it is simply part of the job facilitating such loss prevention policy.  What good are retail anti theft devices if they aren’t being used in a great enough quantity?

A Nano Gate is also needed at the entry point of your store to provide your Spider Wraps with a secondary alarm system.  While the units do possess self-contained alarms which sound when they are tampered with (like when someone cuts one of the cords without disabling the alarm) they won’t do anything if someone walks out of the store with a Spider Wrapped product but no Nano Gate to trigger the secondary alarm.  Of course, those in the know have their methods of disabling or removing the units, but such methods are messy and time consuming, not to mention time consuming.  That is how they prevent shoplifting usually.  Most thieves will bypass a bulky product that is Spider Wrapped because they know how noticeable such an action would be.  While other retail anti theft devices are a little less conspicuous (like the 2 Alarm or 3 Alarm systems or Shark Tags and Jewel Locks) they are mostly meant for different applications.  That doesn’t mean they don’t have their uses or aren’t as effective, but they wouldn’t make quite the same impact for protecting large items.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Clothing security to deal with Organized Retail Crime

February 20, 2012 by

For those of us in Loss Prevention, Organized Retail Crime is probably the second biggest threat to a store’s bottom line right behind internal theft.  Every ORC syndicate is different in methodology and composition and therefore each one must be discovered and dealt with differently.  There is no ‘silver bullet’ no ‘perfect system’ to catch these seasoned thieves in the act and they have been at it for so long that shoplifting is their primary source of income; therefore they have made it their business to know our capabilities and our equipment.  It doesn’t mean we can’t catch them, but it does mean they are among the hardest shoplifters to stop.

At my particular store, ORC syndicates target high end clothing and accessories nine times out of ten.  Even with our extensive camera network and with security tags on clothes and purses they still manage to beat us a fair amount of time.  But, every so often we manage to stop them by taking advantage of what we know and what we have at our disposal.  At my store we use Checkpoint tags on our clothes and purses.  The ORC groups know this and all have their methods for dealing with them be it taking them to a fitting room and snapping off the tags with tools or stuffing them in foil-lined bags to try and confuse the clothing alarm.  Usually, while they go about trying to remove or disable the clothing security tags they have something else going on to catch our attention or screen their movements.  Even if they have a plan to be in and out before we have time to react, the amount of time they need to invest to deal with the Checkpoint tags gives us the opportunity to stop them.

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

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

How pre employment screening is pivotal for building your workforce

February 20, 2012 by

It is a sad sign of the times that companies are practically required to perform background checks on every applicant submitting a resume.  Unfortunately, no matter how depressing such a fact may be, it is a necessary action to protect your company from people who would pose a serious threat to the future of not only your company, but the livelihoods of all who make an honest living in it.  They may not be convicted thieves or acquitted murderers, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have skeletons in the closet that should be brought to light.

Most applicants aren’t going to be so honest and forthcoming to tell you they were terminated from a previous job because they were caught stealing, or perhaps they were embroiled in some scandal involving bigotry or racial slurs.  Thankfully, that information is available through the use of employee background checks perpetrated by trained background check experts.  The process is as thorough as you need it to be; and of course the deeper you wish the background check to be, the longer it takes for the information to be gathered and compiled.  But of course the extensiveness of pre employment screening is entirely a prerogative based on the position you are trying to fill.  You wouldn’t want someone who had been arrested for sale and possession of stolen goods to be working in a distribution warehouse, would you?  That’s why we have things like criminal background checks.  They are not meant to embarrass or harm a person’s future; whatever bad history a background check reveals is the result of said person’s previous actions and possible current disposition.  Why should you risk them bringing such harm to you and your company when you can so easily afford to avoid it?

 For more information on background check experts , background checks , criminal background checks , employee background checks or pre employment screening contact us at the background check company or call 1.770.426.0547 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Cops and Robbers 2.0

February 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Growing up, my favorite game to play with my neighborhood friends was cops and robbers, and I always chose the role of the “good guys.” And whatever scenario we were acting out that day, I never let my robber playmates get away without sending them to jail in my playhouse. Throughout my Loss Prevention career, I have taken on the same “us vs. them” mentality towards preventing theft because my objective is in direct conflict with a shoplifter’s. As a result, I am always looking for ways to reduce my store’s vulnerability to the inevitable pilferage that all retailers are subjected to.

 One way I do this is by effectively utilizing merchandise protection strategies provided by my employer. While working for a big box retailer, my favorite retail anti-theft device was the spider wrap. I favored this solution because with proper application and the absence of loose cables, this is one of the most difficult products to defeat. Wraps enabled with 2 Alarm technology sound off if tampered with or the wires are cut and they signal the EAS to alarm. Even better, 3 Alarm wraps have the additional feature of self-alarming when taken from the store.

 As I mentioned above, spider wraps are difficult to defeat. Personal experience and frequenting websites and blogs designed to help shoplifters have taught me this. When questions are posted on how to remove wraps from products, a simple answer is never provided. Aside from buying an S3 key online or holding the product with the wrap under water in the toilet to short out the alarm, it’s not easy. As most of us in Loss Prevention know, any anti-theft device can be defeated if a person has time and tools (and privacy). The success of these products increases when a store has an effective sales team. That way, the shoplifter will never be able to get the merchandise to the bathroom.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices like the spider wrap that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Checkpoint Tags: The Cost Effective Solution

February 17, 2012 by

When you work in clothing sales, you start to live in a different sense of seasonality. Swim suits start to show up in the dead of winter. Coats make their appearances in the sweltering heat of August. This is in addition to the constant change of new product on a daily basis in some retailers. When you spend significant payroll hours remerchandising and setting new POGs, clothing security is often pushed to the bottom of the priority list.

It may seem that the need for clothing security doesn’t always outweigh the costs involved starting it up. Here are some common concerns about clothing security tags.

Hard tags are expensive: Yes, the initial investment can be a large sum of money. However, Checkpoint tags cannot be deactivated. The pins and tags are physically removed at the point of purchase. That means the tags are reusable. Once the initial purchase of hard tags is made, there is a minimal financial upkeep.

How will one product work for all my merchandise? The clothing security tags have different sized pins or lanyards that will accommodate just about every scenario needed.

Regardless of which season’s clothing you are getting in, there is a Checkpoint tag designed to fit. After your clothes are tagged, they will stay secured no matter how many times they are moved around. It will be one less thing to check off when you do your next plan o gram.

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

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

The Real Cost of Bad Hires

February 17, 2012 by

Do you know how much it cost to hire an employee? It’s not just the price you pay per hour worked. That is only the beginning. When I look at employee retention and unnecessary turnover, I calculate the true cost of a new hire.

I need to have a base wage for the associate. Then I need to determine how many hours of training am I going to give them. I will then need to add in the hours it takes for their trainer to adequately train them on proper execution of company standards and tasks. Realistically, I should also know how many hours it will take this associate to really work at full speed once they are done with formalized training. Should I include the payroll used to compensate for the trainer and trainee’s unproductive time (while in the training mode)? Yep! And don’t forget, I have to spend time training the trainer to make sure they know what to do.

That is a lot of payroll!

Imagine if you hire someone who turns out to be a total deadbeat. Not only will you end up replacing that associate, but also you potentially will lose your good associates along the way.

Taking the time to run pre employment screening and background checks will help save money in the long run. Hiring the right candidate the first time will save countless hours of payroll dollars. Background checks are designed to weed out the bad apples so you can focus on running a successful business, not a perpetual training facility.

For more information on background check experts , background checks , criminal background checks , employee background checks or pre employment screening contact us at the background check company or call 1.770.426.0547 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Shoplifters’ Paranoia

February 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment

When I first began working in Loss Prevention, I was always curious why most shoplifters removed the packaging from items they were stealing, whether it was a video game, pair of earrings, or eyeliner pencil. At first I naively believed the main motivation was to be able to claim that the merchandise was theirs if they were detained for the theft. Over time, I began questioning shoplifters I had detained about why they had removed the plastic wrap from a fragrance or took the DVD out of the case and placed it in their pocket.

 The surprising answer I received consistently was that they knew that retailers and vendors often hid RF security labels in product packaging; however, they didn’t know what they may look like, where they were placed, or what items they were reserved for. Instead of taking the time to examine the item or question if it would be cost-effective to place an RF label on a pack of gum, they tend to err on the side of caution and rid themselves of the risk of setting off those EAS towers when they leave the store.

 While nothing can replace a vigilant and dedicated Loss Prevention associate in the mission to stop shoplifting, RF security tags are most beneficial in deterring the category of shoplifters referred to as “the opportunist.” They’re not familiar with merchandise protection measures and have no idea what makes the door beep when some people walk out. The professional shoplifter may not be daunted by the sight of RF labels, but there is nothing more obvious than spotting a customer in an empty aisle ripping off the packaging on a product. Also, it buys Loss Prevention time to get in place for an apprehension.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags, and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Is Your Job Worth a Jelly Bean?

February 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Employee theft can be detrimental to a company. Not only does it cost money through product loss, but employees that have a tendency to steal from their employers are far less likely to be productive. Employee theft investigations can be difficult as well. Cameras typically have to be moved to strategic places prior to any event. Then investigators have to hope that future employee thefts will occur where the cameras have been placed.

 All of this is a long shot with far too many variables. If the employee catches wind of the investigation, quits, or just decides that they do not want to steal again the investigation is typically over.  

 A few years ago, a company that I worked for hired a young individual as a seasonal employee in the electronics department. At first he did a good job and was well liked by customers. However, it was not long before we began to find internal theft in the backroom. At first we did not suspect him until his behavior began to change as well. He started showing up late to work, leaving early, and working under the influence. The internal theft in the backroom began to increase and an employee theft investigation was opened on the individual in question. I continued to watch him for a period of a couple weeks with no success. We moved cameras in hopes that we might be able to see something, nothing ever did. I started to think that he realized what we were doing and decided to take a break. One night I was doing a standard observation on him, not expecting anything to happen. All of a sudden the employee walked by our jelly bean dispenser, filled his hand with jelly beans and began to eat them.

 Finally, we had him. Although we did not have him on anything big, the go ahead by higher ups was given and an integrity interview was approved. We scheduled the interview multiple times, but the individual quite showing up to work. At least the employee theft was taken care of and all future loss from that individual had stopped.      

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

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Up In Smoke

February 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Many years ago, I heard this tale of employee theft when I had just started with a new company. I was working for a retailer that had night stocking. There was a small crew and a manager. They worked a typical Monday through Friday shift about 10 PM to 6 AM.

The store had been suffering some strange losses in high dollar products. These high dollar items were big, bulky and extremely heavy. They were also kept under lock and key 24 hours a day. The Loss Prevention team was beside themselves trying to figure out what was going on.

After countless hours of digging through receiving reports and cross checking invoices, there was only one conclusion they could see. This was an internal theft situation. The only problem was they didn’t know who to start their employee theft investigation on.

In a seemingly unrelated issue, they noticed things being moved in their office. Papers would be slid aside on the desk, or pens would be missing. So the LPs installed a night sensitive camera in the office.

It wasn’t long before they saw the night manager come into the LP office in the middle of the night. He shoved the papers aside, and threw his feet up on their desk.  Low and behold, this manager then pulled out a pipe and started to smoke (and it wasn’t tobacco).

Well, this was just the beginning. After the LPs opened their employee theft investigation on this manager, all the pieces started to fit. They watched as the manager would open the doors at night and roll the merchandise out to a waiting truck. As it turns out, the manager was trading stolen store merchandise for drugs.

This manager confessed to tens of thousands of dollars in losses. He also confessed to a drug habit that he had been in rehab previously for, and was battling again. Without the covert camera installed, it would have been a long road to discovering the source of the losses in this employee theft case.

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »