Loss Prevention in supermarkets offers a unique set of challenges in controlling shrink. There is a wide variety of product of all sizes and shapes which are desired by both shoplifters and internal thieves. The nightmare began when we were told that the company was going to offer a variety of premium wines and liquors. As a loss prevention professional my initial thought was how can we employ bottle security? The prices for this category of product were very high and could easily translate to high shrink percentages. We were behind the eight ball since there was a lack of communication between departments alerting the loss prevention department to the introduction of the new products. We would have started research into liquor bottle security at the outset of any potential thoughts to introduce the wine and liquor category.

Our research had unearthed a few options; adding cameras to the sales floor, increasing both LP and sales payroll, using lockable cabinets and putting out only one bottle for representation and then pulling product from the back when that item was sold. The final option was from a company called Alpha Security. Alpha Security had a unique approach to liquor bottle security via an alarmed bottle lock system. The bottle lock system, called EASy bottle, offered a line of bottle locks that slid over the bottle top securing tightly. The locks stood up to our scrutiny. I wanted to know what the deterrence really was to shoplifters. I found out a few things about the EASy Bottle locks, they could not be removed without the detacher. The bottle locks if tampered with emitted a very loud alarm. The bottle lock also when tampered with too much caused the product to be inconsumable. This to me was an excellent deterrence factor. If a shoplifter were able to get the bottle out of the store they would still ruin the wine or liquor with there remedial attempts to remove the bottle lock. To me this was a formidable way to ensure bottle security.

The sales team was all for liquor bottle security as long as it did not effect their payroll budget or their sales. The sales team was very excited to see that the EASy bottle locks were sleek and though clearly marked did not effect the way the product could be merchandised. The bottle locks also did not affect storage capabilities on shelves. The sales team was on board with the Alpha Security product.

Full implementation of the EASy bottle system worked hand in hand with the edition of the new wine and liquor line. The training and employment of the system was seamless with training needed to familiarize oneself with the new inventory category. In the end the Loss Prevention team was able to catch up regardless of the initial miscommunications thus the entire process coming together as a planned partnership. Bottle security seemed to be a challenge but good research and great training solved the issue successfully.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase EASy Bottle bottle locks by Alpha Security.

For more information on Alpha Security, Bottle Lock, Bottle locks, Bottle Security, liquor bottle security or EASy Bottle contact us or call 1.770.426.0547