It Doesn’t Take A Truck Load

When we interview an employee suspected of internal theft, we generally use the same approach. We sit down with them and tell them who we are and what we do. We explain the different types of theft we investigate, and then we ask them to tell us about how they have caused losses to our company. If they try to shut down and not tell us the information we have come to gather, we try to minimize their activities. We tell them we know they didn’t steal a truck load, if the case is about merchandise theft. That will usually lighten the mood enough to help get the confession started. The fact is it doesn’t take a truck load if you sell alcohol. If you are lacking in liquor bottle security, it could take just a few bottles. Without bottle locks on your inventory, it could be just a matter of time before top shelf spirits start disappearing.  

One guy got away with several bottles from a few different places. First he went to a specialty wine dealer and under the guise of planning a big wedding event, was able to get his hands on some very old and very sought after bottles. When the sales person got called away for a moment, the thief made his escape. The diversion was actually a ploy caused by the driver of his getaway vehicle. Sadly, the poor sales guy had no clue that the man left with the stolen products until it was way too late. Had this dealer been utilizing bottle locks, the devices would have alerted the staff as soon as the man got too close to the exit door. The alarm would have sounded and they could have at least attempted to detain the man or get identifying information on the vehicle. A man fitting the same description was reported for a theft at a high end liquor store a month later. He walked in and browsed around the most expensive section of the store. An employee stayed with him, and discussed the brands and bottles he was interested in. At some point she got called away from the man, and like the last incident, he made his move. He concealed a bottle under his shirt this time, but when he turned around, the employee had returned.  She accused him of stealing, but he raised his arms in an effort to show he had nothing. She still suspected him, but could do nothing because she had not actually seen the theft. Again, if bottle locks were being employed in this store, as soon as he approached the door the alarm would sound and confirm her suspicions. At that point she could detain him and call the authorities. Oh, and although this man has been identified and warrants issued for his arrest, he is still on the loose.

Bottle locks, by Alpha security, are the ultimate answer to theft of wine and spirits. There have been instances where someone has actually made off with a truck load from a warehouse. Those instances are rare and major exceptions. The reality is that most times, when wine and liquor are targeted for theft, it is high end brands and bottles produced in specific years. It could be anyone, even the next person to walk through your door, that plans to wipe you out. They come in and feed you a good story, and you give them access to your best line of products. With no liquor bottle security in place, you are gambling with your valuable inventory.  Protect your profit margin and see what bottle locks can do for your business’ peace of mind.

For more information on what bottle locks can do for you, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547