For any retail store, shoplifting is a crime they have to protect themselves from and find solutions to prevent possible incidents from happening in their stores. Shoplifting has been rising in some cities and the laws that some communities want change concerning shoplifting prevention are not there yet. What are some precautions that as a retail store owner or manager you need to know to prevent shoplifting incidents? Please follow the links below to find more about this topic.
Shoplifting spike prompts new program
Crime is falling in most categories in Carthage, but one category is spiking, and that’s got Carthage law officers’ attention.
Crime is falling in most categories in Carthage, but one category is spiking, and that’s got Carthage law officers’ attention.
A big increase in the number of shoplifting cases in Carthage over the past two years prompted the Carthage Police Department to get creative and use some new tools to catch the thieves and alert business owners to who might be coming into their businesses with sticky fingers.
Carthage Police Chief Greg Dagnan said the numbers told the story.
The department investigated 44 cases of shoplifting in 2011, 99 in 2012 and 148 in 2013.
“It’s a huge climb and of course while I can’t list everywhere where shoplifting occurs, the most, if you look statistically, it’s the bigger retailers,” Dagnan said. “The Walmart, the Dollar General, the Price Cutter, the bigger retail places in town are typically where these are occurring.”
6 Simple, Low-Tech Ways to Reduce Shoplifting
It’s our instinct to turn to technology first, when solving a problem. However, when it comes to preventing theft in your store, low-tech solutions can be very effective. These low-cost and often free ideas can sometimes even require less employee training and resources.
Here are 6 low-tech ways to prevent theft in your store:
1. Put out the welcome mat. Shoplifters want to be anonymous and make as little contact with store employees as possible. One of the most effective ways to deter shoplifters is to greet every customer that walks into the store. “Don’t just shout “Good morning” over your shoulder, but make eye contact and greet customers like you are happy to see them,” says Chris McGoey, security expert and founder of Crime Doctor, a security firm. “Not only is it good customer service, a simple greeting can make potential shoplifters change their mind about stealing from your store because they know you can identify them.”
Hiding the Merchandise
Favorite Shoplifter Devices
A large open bag is a common shoplifter tool. It is placed at the thief’s feet, and objects are casually dropped into it. Be on the lookout for the “bad bag” — a paper bag that is dirty and wrinkled. Also keep an eye out for shopping bags that are not from local stores. Preventing this is why many stores staple bags shut. Other stores require customers to leave their bags by the front door when they come in.
Women sometimes use purses to hide stolen items. There is little you can do to stop women from carrying purses and handbags. The best prevention in these cases is to watch the customers very carefully.
The baby carriage or stroller is a great tool for shoplifters. There are always blankets, toys, and other things in strollers (including the baby) that merchandise can be hidden under. Some thieves have even built false bottoms in baby carriages.
A newspaper can be used to hide small objects.
Umbrellas with handles are handy for shoplifters trying to steal small items. A common tactic is to keep a closed (but not snapped) umbrella hanging on one’s elbow or leaning against a counter, and then to drop items into it.
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