Relying on your Checkpoint Systems

In retail theft prevention the key to a safe apprehension is simple; be smart. We have all seen the horror stories of apprehensions gone wrong, and situations where something gets out of hand causing dangerous circumstances. I myself have experienced situations that have come close to getting out of control had I handled it incorrectly. Situations like these can cause lawsuits, job loss, and can even be life threatening. The biggest thing to remember is that a bad apprehension is never worth its weight in what we could have recovered. Relying on your checkpoint systems can help keep you safe from apprehensions gone wrong.

Your first line of defense is to check for defeated anti shoplifting devices when investigating a shoplifter. Finding defeated anti shoplifting devices is extra proof that the shoplifter had the intent to steal. If you don’t find removed tags or anti shoplifting devices, did the checkpoint systems alarm sound when they left the store? If it didn’t, are you positive you saw concealment and had constant surveillance? Video review to ensure accuracy is not only easy with the right equipment, but can save you from a bad mistake if you missed something during your surveillance.

Always be sure you are making a safe approach to an apprehension. Ideally have one person on cameras that can obtain a vehicle description, license plate, direction of travel, or relay any potential threatening situations to the police while someone else is making the apprehension.

Be a good judge of the situation; always be aware of what is going on around you and be prepared to get out of the way if danger ensues. Having used the hands off approach for years, I have come to realize there is always another way. If words don’t work, rely on the authorities to locate the suspect for you with the information you have already obtained.

If a shoplifter makes a threat or acts to harm you, simply getting out of the way and allowing them to leave will usually resolve the situation. A threat of harm is typically only levied as a way out for the shoplifter. Giving them that way out resolves the need for them to be physically violent. And in that worst case situation where the shoplifter gets away, remember that they will be back, and next time will be even easier to catch them as you already know what they are going to do.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase retail theft prevention devices from Checkpoint Systems.

For more information on Anti Shoplifting , Checkpoint Security System or Checkpoint Security Tags contact us at Retail Theft Prevention or call 1.770.426.0547