Lost And Stolen Keys Can Impede The Effectiveness Of Retail Anti-Theft Devices; Put Strong Key Control Procedures In Place

My daughter works for a small box retail clothing store as a sales associate and cashier. Several times these past few weeks she has told be about finding duffel bags they sell in the store filled with empty packages, Alpha 2 Alarm Hard Tags and other retail anti-theft devices. She said that the tags looked intact as though someone had used a detachment key to remove them. She also told me that merchandise came from all different areas of the store so the culprit was moving around the store as he/she was stealing. I asked if anyone had reported anything suspicious and she told me that the store was busy, they were calling back-ups to the register and she thought the salesfloor coverage was frequently on the POS. She was very angry that people were getting away with the amount of items they were taking. I know the feeling. Having been a Loss Prevention Manager for many years, I am familiar with the frustration that comes with finding empty packages and evidence of theft. Truly angering is when it is apparent that a detachment tool was used to remove tags. Often these devices are stolen from retailers when careless employees fail to take care of them, especially the portable detachment keys. Stores need to treat detachment tools with the same importance they place on store keys. Failing to do so makes it difficult to prevent shoplifting not only in their stores, but in numerous other stores across the country.

Alpha 2 Alarm tags effectively prevent shoplifting due to their visible deterrence value. Anyone thinking about stealing will readily recognize a device when it is attached to merchandise. Most devices have the words “Alpha and Alarm” printed on them, clear evidence that the product is protected with a retail anti-theft device. Some devices even have a flashing red LED indicator light which draws a customer’s attention to it. When we describe the 2 Alarms part of the devices we are referring to the loud, 95 decibel tone released when a device is tampered with. It also describes the alarm that is activated in the electronic article surveillance (EAS) towers when a tag comes within the detection field of the tower. The tags also require a special detachment tool to remove them from merchandise which is why the loss of keys and theft of them is a big deal.

Store managers should be placing controls on their portable detachment keys. First each of the keys has a serial number on them. This number should be recorded in a control log and periodically audited to ensure it is up to date. Over time the portable keys do start to break due to wear and tear. When this happens, they should be pulled from use and sent back to the manufacturer with a request for a new key. When pulled from service there should be a column on the control log to indicate when it was removed. When the replacement key arrives, notate that serial number in the log book. A key sign out log should also be used requiring the associate to print and sign for the keys and enter the date and time the keys are being received. They also need to sign them back in when they are done.

Are portable keys necessary? Can a store get by with only the counter mounted units? Portable keys are necessary so tags can be placed on products and sometimes there is a need to remove tags on the salesfloor or in the stockroom. For instance you may have a separate locked stockroom for electronics and you have your team apply Alpha 2 alarm spider wrap on items while they are still in a secure area of the store. Your salesfloor employees may need to remove clothing from the salesfloor to send back to a vendor. It is much easier for them to remove Alpha hard tags while working with the merchandise on the floor. You will find it can be much easier to accomplish some tasks with a portable removal device than the mounted units. 

Retail anti-theft devices are an absolute necessity and can save you money and reduce shortage exponentially. Alpha 2 alarm devices prevent shoplifting and employee theft through deterrence and detection. Just remember it is still important to give great customer service to deter thieves and control your Alpha detachment tools in order to optimize their effectiveness.

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