Nano Gates are no good without the right tags!

November 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The other day I was in a store in a different part of the district that had not reported any tagging audits in over four months.  It just so happened that at that same point in history that store’s Loss Prevention department had been dissolved due to budget cuts, leaving all Loss Prevention duties in the hands of the store manager and his assistant managers.  Unfortunately they weren’t all that knowledgeable, or properly trained when it came to enforcing and adhering to LP practices.

 I was there with a team of other LP associates to perform a sweep of the property and find everything that was being done incorrectly so that it could be corrected and to simultaneously instruct store management as to how to perform their required duties.  While there were a few major issues, such as no employee bag checks or failure to review CCTV footage, the biggest issue was found in the realm of what I was assigned to look for.

 There wasn’t a single retail anti-theft device in place, anywhere.  Not a one 2 Alarm or 3 Alarm tag was being used.  Not even a Spider Wrap haphazardly attached to a bulk item.

 We were stunned.

 This was a store that had a fully functional Nano Gate system at all of the entrances, but that was of course useless without any retail anti-theft devices to set it off.  When asked how they expected the Nano Gates to function, the store manager thought that all products arrived in store with security devices hidden inside them.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for Alpha 2Alarm, Alpha 3Alarm, Alpha Fashion2, Alpha Jewel Lok, Alpha Jewel Lock, Alpha Nano Gate,  Alpha Shark Tag, Alpha Spider Wrap and other retail anti-theft devices from Alpha Security to use in conjunction with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

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Find the equipment to fit your needs

November 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The other day I was walking through a certain retail sporting goods store when I came across a display of football jerseys.  I had to stop and consider the display, not because I liked the team, or the colors, or even the price offered, but because of how ridiculous the jerseys looked while being festooned with four retail anti-theft devices A PIECE. 

 You did not read that last sentence wrong.  Each piece of clothing had an Alpha 2 Alarm, an Alpha 3 Alarm, an Alpha Shark Tag, and an Alpha Fashion2 attached at various points of the garment.  Just by looking at them I could tell it would be near impossible for any customer to try on any of the jerseys without being bludgeoned into a coma by the amount of devices.

 I believe that if you have that many retail anti-theft devices on a piece of clothing you might have a few issues in your company.  First of all, you need to look at moving your store out of that neighborhood if the need to prevent shoplifting is THAT severe.  Secondly, your Loss Prevention or merchandising team has no idea how to properly attach devices to product.  Or, finally, you just have too many excess devices and no reasonable idea what to do with them.

 Here’s some advice; research each anti-theft device BEFORE ordering it.  That way you will know what can fit your company needs so your customers can try on the clothing and find out what fits them.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for Alpha 2Alarm, Alpha 3Alarm, Alpha Fashion2, Alpha Jewel Lok, Alpha Nano Gate,  Alpha Shark Tag, Alpha Spider Wrap and other retail anti-theft devices from Alpha Security to use in conjunction with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

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One, two, three

September 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment

With so many great retail anti theft devices out there to prevent shoplifting, it can get kind of confusing understanding the nuances of each type of product.

 I wanted to give a quick overview of the different stages of EAS alarms to include 2 Alarm, and 3 Alarm products.

 At the most basic of levels, all EAS products (soft and hard tags) regardless of form are equipped with a level one alarm. It means that the alarm will go off at the front doors when the retail anti theft devices passes trough, if they are not deactivated or removed first.

 That seems simple enough.

 Next comes the 2 Alarm. These are products that are a little more complex. The alarms are for higher ticket or higher theft items that need a little bit better of security. A 2 Alarm product will emit an audible alarm if the device is tampered with. So even if the EAS is not near a doorway, the alarm will sound if someone tries to remove the device.

 A 3 Alarm EAS tag is the highest and most involved form of retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting. A 3 Alarm will do what both a one alarm, and a 2 Alarm product will do. The best part is that the 3 Alarm will continue to emit that penetrating audible alarm for a full ten minutes after the product has left the store.

 I hope this helps clarify the differences for you.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices in conjunction with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

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The right device for the right product

June 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment

In my years of working in loss prevention I have seen some ridiculous misuses of company resources.  Most of the time it involves company employees pulling dangerous or inane stunts with equipment that they think is funny.  I have seen people driving scissor lifts through coffee shop drive-thrus and riding pallet jacks like skateboards.  While such things fall within our realm of responsibility as liability issues they are actually not the worse misuse of equipment we can come across.

I am speaking specifically about incorrect or improper application of retail anti theft devices.  Just the other day I came across fifty dollar sneakers in a store with Spider Wraps sealing the boxes.  Now I understand some stores have issues with footwear theft and are looking to prevent shoplifting but Spider Wrapping boxes is somewhat extreme, rather time-consuming, and creates a hassle for when someone wants to try on or buy said shoes. 

I have seen retail anti theft devices ineffectively attached to items (like putting cable locks on detachable or unsecured appendages), overused (putting a 2 Alarm AND Spider Wrap onto the same piece of product), or completely unused (EAS tags left in boxes instead of put on product).  If you are trying to prevent shoplifting then you need to be mindful of how to correctly implement your anti-theft devices in order to protect your assets and also make sure you aren’t wasting your time and money in the long run.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices in conjunction with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

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Out of the ordinary placement of anti theft devices

May 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment

In one of my stores there is a problem that isn’t exactly unique to them but is somewhat of an epidemic.  They are constantly losing shoes to shoplifting.  In their efforts to prevent shoplifting in their store they have tried brainstorming numerous ways to battle this issue, but in spite of their efforts their total shrink in that department is astounding.  They have done everything from ensure one hundred percent tagging standards to twenty-four hour surveillance of the area, but still they get beat. 

The problem seems to be that the retail anti theft devices they are currently using have been beaten and the local thieves seem to have spread the word on the methods to do it.  After researching the problem we have come up with a somewhat unorthodox use for a different type of retail anti theft device which so far has seemed to confound the culprits.  Now the department is required to use 2 Alarm locks on all footwear in the store, specifically running the cable through the eye-loops of the footwear itself or attaching it to a structurally sound part of the item.  Also, if possible, they are to run the 2 Alarm units through BOTH pieces of footwear, thereby ensuring that the pair is kept intact and should anyone attempt to defeat the 2 Alarm piece it will simply sound off alerting associates to possible purloining of product. 

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices in conjunction with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 

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Securing your removal keys is a no-brainer

April 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Every type of security device is removed in one of two methods: the legitimate way using a corresponding removal key, and the illegitimate way which usually involves a pair of pliers or bolt-cutters.  Savvy shoplifters know how to identify the legitimate tools and always look for opportunities to get their hands on them.  Every so often they succeed thanks to the laziness, forgetfulness, or plain carelessness of an employee. 

I’ve seen some companies secure the tools right to the cash wrap and others require their employees to carry them on their person or stash them in a register.  For stores using Spider Wraps, 2 Alarm, or 3 Alarm retail anti theft devices only the last two methods are plausible as it would prove impossible to remove a Spider Wrap with a tool that was welded to a counter.  In my experience, the best way to ensure the convenient removal of your Spider Wraps is to make it impossible for your tools to wander.  Obviously there is no sure-fire practice as every store operates differently, but I am basing my suggestion on a fairly ‘textbook’ store setup. 

In most stores there is usually a space (or cubby-hole if you prefer) somewhere directly beneath or nearby the register.  Installing a small storage space, similar to a hide-a-key on the underside of the space provides you with a discreet area to protect your removal tools from prying eyes while also keeping them in an area your employees will remember since it will be so unique.

Keep in mind though that regardless of how you secure you try to prevent shoplifting by protecting your retail anti theft device removal tools if a shoplifter really wants to get their hands on one, they will find a way.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 

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They don’t help if you don’t use them right

March 30, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The other day I was out shopping with my wife at one of her favorite retail clothing stores.  It is one of those places that offers bargains and sale prices on big name items in the fashion community and has on hand everything from shoes, perfumes, clothes, handbags, and even cookware.  As I was staring off into oblivion (as I am unable to maintain interest in a store that offers nothing to those of us with a Y chromosome) I noticed something that actually roused me from my self-induced stupor.

It was as we were walking through the part of the store where they kept the handbags.  The bags are on racks and hang by their straps to save space and provide ease of access and, upon inspection I noticed the majority of them had 2 Alarm tags affixed to them.  In and of itself, the application of 2 Alarm tags, or ANY retail anti theft device on designer handbags was nothing special.  Rather, it was HOW the 2 Alarm tags had been affixed that caught my eye.

On almost every bag I came across, the 2 Alarm tags had been placed on the most ineffectual part of the bag possible.  Rather than thread a heavy ring or loop of any of the bags, the tags had been secured AROUND the straps themselves.  These meant that anyone wishing to remove them would only need to unlatch one side of the adjustable strap and simply slide the tag right off the purse. 

I doubt it had been intentional but it was so blatant I had to tell the store management about the oversight.  There’s no point having retail anti theft devices if they aren’t going to be used effectively.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices in conjunction with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

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Retail Anti-Theft Devices: Technology For A Real Problem

March 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Shoplifting or theft is as old as the marketplace.  For many years retailers worked with limited technology to address the issue, but today is a new day.  The loss prevention industry has long sought for new technology to provide an edge against shoplifting.  Recently, the focus has been on retail anti-theft devices as a means to prevent shoplifting.  Currently, there are many retail anti-theft devices on the markets, some examples are:  2 Alarm, 3 Alarm, Jewel Lok, Nano Gate, Shark Tag, and Spider Wrap.

 Each of these tools has their place in the retail environment.  The 2 Alarm and the 3 Alarm security tags is a flexible article security tag.  It can be used for many different applications such as:  Clothing security, merchandise security and most of all to prevent shoplifting.  The 2 Alarm and 3 Alarm tags use RF or EAS technology to notify the store’s personnel in the event that merchandise is taken from the store.  These tags work best with merchandise that can be pinned.  The Jewel Lok is a small security tag.  The Jewel Lok is designed to work to secure your high priced jewelry.  The Jewel Lok works on the same principal as the 2 Alarm and 3 Alarm, but in a smaller package.  These devices are designed to prevent shoplifting

 The shark tag and Spider Wrap are newer products to hit the marketplace.  The Shark tag is used to prevent loses that can occur from return fraud.  The Shark Tag is a non EAS/RF retail anti theft device.  It is attached to merchandise and easily removed by cutting.  This allows the retailer to see if the merchandise has been worn.  While not designed to prevent shoplifting, the retailer can then deny the return of unsellable merchandise.  Spider Wrap is used for securing merchandise packaged within boxes.  The Spider Wrap retail anti-theft device is a great tool for “tagging” these difficult to control items. 

 All of the above mentioned retail anti-theft devices could be partnered with the Nano Gate.  The Nano Gate is a device that is placed on the exit/entrance of an area that needs to be secure and not have your product in the area.  I’ve worked in the loss prevention industry for a number of years and it’s my belief that it is important to invest in retail anti theft devices for the health of any business.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

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Nano Gates are no use without tags!

March 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The other day I was in a store in a different part of the district that had not reported any tagging audits in over four months.  It just so happened that at that same point in history that store’s Loss Prevention department had been dissolved due to budget cuts, leaving all Loss Prevention duties in the hands of the store manager and his assistant managers.  Unfortunately they weren’t all that knowledgeable, or bright, when it came to enforcing and adhering to LP practices.

I was there with a team of other LP associates to perform a sweep of the property and find everything that was being done incorrectly so that it could be corrected and to simultaneously instruct store management as to how to perform their required duties.  While there were a few major issues, such as no employee bag checks or failure to review CCTV footage, the biggest issue was found in the realm of what I was assigned to look for.

There wasn’t a single retail anti theft device in place, anywhere.  Not a one 2 Alarm or 3 Alarm tag was in place.  Not even a Spider Wrap haphazardly attached to a bulk item.

We were stunned.

This was a store that had a fully functional Nano Gate system at all of the entrances, but that was of course useless without any retail anti theft devices to set it off.  When asked how they expected the Nano Gates to function, the store manager thought that all products arrived in store with security devices hidden inside them.

At this point you may apply palm to face in frustration.

As for the store supply of retail anti theft devices; we found ALL OF THEM tucked away in a stock room in boxes that clearly indicated what they were.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

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Retail Anti-Theft Devices: Technology For A Real Problem

March 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Shoplifting or theft is as old as the marketplace.  For many years retailers worked with limited technology to address the issue, but today is a new day.  The loss prevention industry has long sought for new technology to provide an edge against shoplifting.  Recently, the focus has been on retail anti-theft devices as a means to prevent shoplifting.  Currently, there are many retail anti-theft devices on the markets, some examples are:  2 Alarm, 3 Alarm, Jewel Lok, Nano Gate, Shark Tag, and Spider Wrap.

Each of these tools has their place in the retail environment.  The 2 Alarm and the 3 Alarm security tags is a flexible article security tag.  It can be used for many different applications such as:  Clothing security, merchandise security and most of all to prevent shoplifting.  The 2 Alarm and 3 Alarm tags use RF or EAS technology to notify the store’s personnel in the event that merchandise is taken from the store.  These tags work best with merchandise that can be pinned.  The Jewel Lok is a small security tag.  The Jewel Lok is designed to work to secure your high priced jewelry.  The Jewel Lok works on the same principal as the 2 Alarm and 3 Alarm, but in a smaller package.  These devices are designed to prevent shoplifting

The shark tag and Spider Wrap are newer products to hit the marketplace.  The Shark tag is used to prevent loses that can occur from return fraud.  The Shark Tag is a non EAS/RF retail anti theft device.  It is attached to merchandise and easily removed by cutting.  This allows the retailer to see if the merchandise has been worn.  While not designed to prevent shoplifting, the retailer can then deny the return of unsellable merchandise.  Spider Wrap is used for securing merchandise packaged within boxes.  The Spider Wrap retail anti-theft device is a great tool for “tagging” these difficult to control items. 

All of the above mentioned retail anti-theft devices could be partnered with the Nano Gate.  The Nano Gate is a device that is placed on the exit/entrance of an area that needs to be secure and not have your product in the area.  I’ve worked in the loss prevention industry for a number of years and it’s my belief that it is important to invest in retail anti theft devices for the health of any business.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

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