Clothing security is a shortage focus point for the retail chain my daughter works for. As a department manager over a softlines area she is expected to be monitoring her department to ensure all of the merchandise is properly tagged with Checkpoint tags. During a recent visit from the store’s District Loss Prevention Manager they were given recognition for having merchandise protected. One thing they were doing incorrectly was placing the tags in the wrong location on slacks. The tags were being placed too high on the waistband rather than lower in the leg seam. When my daughter was discussing this issue with me and she seemed a bit confused about why this slight variance would make a difference. I was able to put on my Loss Prevention Manager Super-Dad cape and clear it up for her. Before I go into the details of my conversation though it would be best to make sure all of the readers know what I am talking about when I discuss Checkpoint Tags and clothing security.
Clothing is a top theft item for shoplifters. Some steal for personal use and others will steal for resale for drugs, at a flea market to an organized theft ring or other outlets. Loss Prevention Systems Inc. understands the threat to a retailer posed by criminals and recommends business owners stop thieves by using clothing security tags. These tags are anti-theft devices that are pinned on a piece of clothing and prevent theft from shoplifters and deter employees from stealing too. Forced removal of clothing tags is not an issue as Checkpoint tags can take a lot of abuse from thieves trying to force them off and the tags still hang on. If a store uses the Checkpoint brand of security tags they also receive the benefit of superior electronic article surveillance (EAS) alarm protection. EAS towers are placed where merchandise should not be taken such as restrooms and at store entry and exit points. If a tagged garment nears the towers the shrill, screeching alarm from the tower activates and store employees respond and recover the merchandise. And yes, even if the merchandise is hidden in a purse or under a coat the tag can be “read” by the tower and will still alert.
Getting back to the story about my conversation with my daughter, I explained why the District Manager was concerned with the placement of the tags. If Checkpoint tags are placed too high on a pair of pants or let’s say too close to the cuff of a shirt sleeve it is possible for a shoplifter to remove a tag. There would be a small amount of damage to the garment as a small cut in the material might have to be made to slide the tag off but if the merchandise is valuable enough that may not be a concern. On the other hand, if the security tag is placed further down the pant leg or higher up the sleeve of the blouse cutting the garment is not an option. The merchandise would have to be damaged to the point that the item is rendered unserviceable. Additionally, criminals don’t want to have to put that much effort into stealing something. It is easier for them to locate another item that is not tagged and steal it. Hint to store owners and managers: Tag EVERYTHING, your store becomes a waste of time for the bad guys and they just leave you alone altogether. My daughter said that my explanation made sense to her and she was going to be sure to have those issues fixed for her next visit. I was happy and put my Loss Prevention Manager Super-Dad cape away until it is needed again in the future.
You may not have a Loss Prevention Manager Super-Dad to help you stop shoplifting or explain how clothing security is enhanced with Checkpoint tags but you do have a resource that is just as invaluable. Bill Bregar and the staff of Loss Prevention Systems Inc. are your resources for all you need to know about protecting your store against thieves. Reach out to them, they specialize in how to improve profitability through reduced shortage and can help your store thrive. There may not be a super cape involved but there is a super team and they love helping stores with the best solutions to theft prevention.
Get more information of clothing security, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
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