An Alpha Bug Tag Deters Display Theft

June 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Prevent Shoplifting-3                                                                                                 WC Blog 492
Alpha Bug Tag-5
Retail Anti-Theft Devices-4


An Alpha Bug Tag Deters Display Theft

     How do you prevent shoplifting of your computer tablet, computer or laptop displays? I work in a store that sells all of the above and other merchandise as well. Our displays are secured with retail anti-theft devices but despite the security we are using we have had at least one theft of a high priced computer tablet that I am aware of. The display was attached to an alarmed wire that is connected to the tablets and computers but in the situation I am addressing the thief was not concerned with the system we are using. I wondered what other steps the company could take to prevent another such incident. The first thing that came to me was that the company could invest in an Alpha Bug Tag for each unit. 

     The Alpha Bug Tag is a retail anti-theft device that uses electronic article surveillance to deter and prevent shoplifting (and the theft of mobile devices used in retail and the medical field too). The tag attaches directly to the unit to be protected and should someone walk towards a doorway that has EAS towers while holding a protected item alarms sound and warning lights flash. The tag also has a tamper alarm that sounds when a criminal tries to pry a device off of a display or mobile device. The 3 Alarm version of the tag also has a self-alarm that is activated if a shoplifter exits the store with a device and chooses to ignore the EAS tower alarm. The third alarm capability means that the shoplifter can no longer melt into a crowd of people and become anonymous; everyone around them will know they have stolen items. While you shouldn’t chase a thief you can act on information provided by bystanders who will give you get away vehicle and license plate information.

     At our store the bad guy who stole our tablet display came into the building, looked around and knelt down by the tablet displays. When no one was in the area he grabbed the display, jerked it from the alarm wire and mounts and ran out the door. The only alarm that was heard was at the display and our suspect was gone. Had a 3 Alarm Alpha Bug Tag been used to supplement the anti-theft unit the tablet was mounted on the tag would have set off the EAS towers AND the Tag would have sounded an alarm while the suspect was running in the parking lot. The combination might have been enough to prevent shoplifting since the suspect may have dropped the merchandise when he realized the alarm was going with him. While a police report was filed and the District Loss Prevention Manager was notified of the incident to the best of my knowledge the suspect has never been captured.

      Looking for an alternative to using dual retail anti-theft devices to protect your displays? There is now an Alpha Bug Tag 2 Snare that can be used in with the Bug Tag 2 units. The snare allows the tag to be secured to a shelf and provides the same capability of traditional retail anti-theft fixtures permitting patrons to pick up and handle display products. The Tag retains the anti-tampering features and if one of the cables is cut an alarm is activated and employees are alerted to a theft taking place at the display.

     Displays in your store require as much attention of not more attention than the brand new merchandise. Shoplifters get an active display unit in their grasp and may be more inclined to try to get away with it because they are holding it. It’s sort of like a new car. It’s one thing to look at it shiny and new on the salesfloor but once you get in it and hold the wheel in your hand it becomes more difficult to resist. Give criminals a reason to resist the temptation to steal your displays. Use an Alpha Bug Tag on all of the items you display whether it is on a traditional display or using the tag and Snare combination.
Need information on Alpha Bug Tag? Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 now.
     

How do you prevent shoplifting of your computer tablet, computer or laptop displays? I work in a store that sells all of the above and other merchandise as well. Our displays are secured with retail anti-theft devices but despite the security we are using we have had at least one theft of a high priced computer tablet that I am aware of. The display was attached to an alarmed wire that is connected to the tablets and computers but in the situation I am addressing the thief was not concerned with the system we are using. I wondered what other steps the company could take to prevent another such incident. The first thing that came to me was that the company could invest in an Alpha Bug Tag for each unit. 
     

The Alpha Bug Tag is a retail anti-theft device that uses electronic article surveillance to deter and prevent shoplifting (and the theft of mobile devices used in retail and the medical field too). The tag attaches directly to the unit to be protected and should someone walk towards a doorway that has EAS towers while holding a protected item alarms sound and warning lights flash. The tag also has a tamper alarm that sounds when a criminal tries to pry a device off of a display or mobile device. The 3 Alarm version of the tag also has a self-alarm that is activated if a shoplifter exits the store with a device and chooses to ignore the EAS tower alarm. The third alarm capability means that the shoplifter can no longer melt into a crowd of people and become anonymous; everyone around them will know they have stolen items. While you shouldn’t chase a thief you can act on information provided by bystanders who will give you get away vehicle and license plate information.
     

At our store the bad guy who stole our tablet display came into the building, looked around and knelt down by the tablet displays. When no one was in the area he grabbed the display, jerked it from the alarm wire and mounts and ran out the door. The only alarm that was heard was at the display and our suspect was gone. Had a 3 Alarm Alpha Bug Tag been used to supplement the anti-theft unit the tablet was mounted on the tag would have set off the EAS towers AND the Tag would have sounded an alarm while the suspect was running in the parking lot. The combination might have been enough to prevent shoplifting since the suspect may have dropped the merchandise when he realized the alarm was going with him. While a police report was filed and the District Loss Prevention Manager was notified of the incident to the best of my knowledge the suspect has never been captured.
     

Looking for an alternative to using dual retail anti-theft devices to protect your displays? There is now an Alpha Bug Tag 2 Snare that can be used in with the Bug Tag 2 units. The snare allows the tag to be secured to a shelf and provides the same capability of traditional retail anti-theft fixtures permitting patrons to pick up and handle display products. The Tag retains the anti-tampering features and if one of the cables is cut an alarm is activated and employees are alerted to a theft taking place at the display.
     

Displays in your store require as much attention of not more attention than the brand new merchandise. Shoplifters get an active display unit in their grasp and may be more inclined to try to get away with it because they are holding it. It’s sort of like a new car. It’s one thing to look at it shiny and new on the salesfloor but once you get in it and hold the wheel in your hand it becomes more difficult to resist. Give criminals a reason to resist the temptation to steal your displays. Use an Alpha Bug Tag on all of the items you display whether it is on a traditional display or using the tag and Snare combination.

 

Need information on Alpha Bug Tag? Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 now.     

 

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Alpha Security Devices Prevent Most Shoplifting But Be Careful Of Thieves Who Are Not Deterred By Them

April 27, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

Alpha Spider Wrap-4                                                                                                                      WC blog 285
Alpha Security-4
Prevent Shoplifting-4
Retail Anti-Theft Devices-5
Alpha Security Devices Prevent Most Shoplifting But Be Careful Of Thieves Who Are Not Deterred By Them
     My daughter recently told me about trying to prevent shoplifting during an incident at the store she works at. She was at the customer service counter located near the front door. She noticed a man wearing a ball cap with the tag hanging down and several items in his hand. She told me she sees customers wearing their hats a lot but usually they take them off when they get to the register and pay for it along with the other merchandise they may have. This customer was making no attempt to walk towards the register and as he got closer to the front door my daughter said she saw he was carrying a piece of merchandise with an Alpha Spider Wrap on it. The suspect got closer to the door, the retail anti-theft devices activated the electronic article surveillance (EAS) alarm and my daughter went to the door to conduct a receipt check and called to the suspect but he ignored her and ran to his car. My daughter called the Manager On Duty to report the theft but told me she was mad the shoplifter had stolen from them and wanted to chase after him (though she did not and followed company policy). 
     If you are a retail business owner and do not use retail anti-theft devices from Alpha Security products like the Alpha Spider Wrap, you are probably experiencing more theft than you know. Alpha Spider Wrap is a protective device that has a radio frequency (rf) tag built into it that causes an EAS antenna radio frequency receiver to sound an alarm when it is carried too close to the antenna. Alpha 3 Alarm retail anti-theft devices also have a built in alarm that sounds IF someone gets out the door with protected merchandise. Spider wraps have four strand of wire connected to a main housing unit. The wires are wrapped around a boxed piece of merchandise and then tightened with a ratchet like handle. When properly applied, the wraps cannot be removed without an Alpha Security detachment key, normally kept secured at the cash register. By the way, Spider Wrap is also tamper proof and will self- alarm if a shoplifter attempts to cut one of the wires. 
      You are probably thinking that in my daughter’s situation protective devices didn’t prevent shoplifting so why use them? First, it has been proven that retail anti-theft devices DO deter thieves and prevent shoplifting. If you look at the 2014-2015 Global Retail Theft Barometer report, you can see in the Regional Report for North America (pgs. 50-60) that for most retailers that reduced their spending on Loss Prevention their merchandise shrinkage increased from the prior year. Second, by using the Alpha Security devices an alarm did activate and my daughter was able to attempt to approach the customer and she did see what he looked like, and customers who were nearby reported what type of vehicle the suspect got away in. This is someone who will be recognized if he returns. If your store isn’t protecting merchandise you have no way to know when something is stolen let alone who may be taking it. You also have no deterrence to keep shoplifters from trying to steal from you. As someone who has been involved in Retail Loss Prevention for nearly 20 years, I have first-hand experience in watching would-be criminals try to remove Alpha Security devices and then stop out of frustration. I have also seen them drop merchandise when EAS antenna alarms sounded and I have recovered merchandise during a receipt check due to alarm activations. 
     I also want to touch on the topic of employee safety and dealing with shoplifters. I mentioned that my daughter said she was mad that someone would steal and she wished she could have chased after the suspect. Drawing from my years of Loss Prevention experience, I reminded her that she did the right thing by staying in the store and I am sharing this advice with you. Too often shoplifters who disregard alarms and run out the door are armed, on some type of illegal drugs or have criminal records that would put them in jail if they are caught. I have seen shoplifters speed out of a parking lot nearly hitting other cars and pedestrians in an effort to escape. I have been injured and had LP co-workers injured trying to apprehend shoplifters. Responding to an alarm caused by a retail anti-theft device is appropriate but chasing someone who has shoplifted is dangerous. Report suspected thefts to your local police department. Merchandise can be replaced, people can’t be. In the meantime do what you can to prevent shoplifting by using Alpha Spider Wrap and watch your shortage results shrink.
Need information on Alpha Security? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.

My daughter recently told me about trying to prevent shoplifting during an incident at the store she works at. She was at the customer service counter located near the front door. She noticed a man wearing a ball cap with the tag hanging down and several items in his hand. She told me she sees customers wearing their hats a lot but usually they take them off when they get to the register and pay for it along with the other merchandise they may have. This customer was making no attempt to walk towards the register and as he got closer to the front door my daughter said she saw he was carrying a piece of merchandise with an Alpha Spider Wrap on it. The suspect got closer to the door, the retail anti-theft devices activated the electronic article surveillance (EAS) alarm and my daughter went to the door to conduct a receipt check and called to the suspect but he ignored her and ran to his car. My daughter called the Manager On Duty to report the theft but told me she was mad the shoplifter had stolen from them and wanted to chase after him (though she did not and followed company policy). 

If you are a retail business owner and do not use retail anti-theft devices from Alpha Security products like the Alpha Spider Wrap, you are probably experiencing more theft than you know. Alpha Spider Wrap is a protective device that causes an EAS antenna to sound an alarm when it is carried too close. Alpha 3 Alarm retail anti-theft devices also have a built in alarm that sounds IF someone gets out the door with protected merchandise. Spider wraps have four strand of wire connected to a main housing unit. The wires are wrapped around a boxed piece of merchandise and then tightened with a ratchet like handle. When properly applied, the wraps cannot be removed without an Alpha Security detachment key, normally kept secured at the cash register. By the way, Spider Wrap is also tamper proof and will self- alarm if a shoplifter attempts to cut one of the wires. 

You are probably thinking that in my daughter’s situation protective devices didn’t prevent shoplifting so why use them? First, it has been proven that retail anti-theft devices DO deter thieves and prevent shoplifting. If you look at the 2014-2015 Global Retail Theft Barometer report, you can see in the Regional Report for North America (pgs. 50-60) that for most retailers that reduced their spending on Loss Prevention their merchandise shrinkage increased from the prior year. Second, by using the Alpha Security devices an alarm did activate and my daughter was able to attempt to approach the customer and she did see what he looked like, and customers who were nearby reported what type of vehicle the suspect got away in. This is someone who will be recognized if he returns. If your store isn’t protecting merchandise you have no way to know when something is stolen let alone who may be taking it. You also have no deterrence to keep shoplifters from trying to steal from you. As someone who has been involved in Retail Loss Prevention for nearly 20 years, I have first-hand experience in watching would-be criminals try to remove Alpha Security devices and then stop out of frustration. I have also seen them drop merchandise when EAS antenna alarms sounded and I have recovered merchandise during a receipt check due to alarm activations. 

I also want to touch on the topic of employee safety and dealing with shoplifters. I mentioned that my daughter said she was mad that someone would steal and she wished she could have chased after the suspect. Drawing from my years of Loss Prevention experience, I reminded her that she did the right thing by staying in the store and I am sharing this advice with you. Too often shoplifters who disregard alarms and run out the door are armed, on some type of illegal drugs or have criminal records that would put them in jail if they are caught. I have seen shoplifters speed out of a parking lot nearly hitting other cars and pedestrians in an effort to escape. I have been injured and had LP co-workers injured trying to apprehend shoplifters. Responding to an alarm caused by a retail anti-theft device is appropriate. Chasing someone who has shoplifted is dangerous. Report suspected thefts to your local police department. Merchandise can be replaced, people can’t be. In the meantime do what you can to prevent shoplifting by using Alpha Spider Wrap and watch your shortage results shrink.

 

Need information on Alpha Security? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.

 

 

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Security Is A Fundamental Part Of Any Company; The Alpha 3 Alarm Can Provide The Protection You Need

February 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment

I have worked in law enforcement for over 15 years and have responded to shoplifting calls on a regular basis. Unfortunately some are more difficult to resolve due to the lack of evidence, mostly due to the lack of security and witnesses. I have noticed throughout my career that store policies fluctuate substantially when it comes to how employees are allowed to respond to shoplifting events. Some stores don’t allow employees to make accusations, even if they see the violation, or to pursue someone who has stolen items from the store. Some of these stores don’t have security or loss prevention personnel and rely on management level employees to handle these types of situations. This can pose a problem when the managers are not working or are not available. This becomes very frustrating for hard working employees who feel as though their hard work and dedication is irrelevant. I had an incident I responded to in which the employee was very frustrated with the lack of security and protocol at her store. I got called to a shoplifter at the mall. When I arrived I was contacted by a shopper who stated she had watched two females exit the store with several items of clothing. She said the two females were running with non-bagged items, which seemed suspicious, yet no one was chasing them. She got the vehicle description and license plate number and provided that to me. After my investigation I learned that the two ladies had been shopping in one of the stores and were trying on multiple items.  A store associate was assisting with size changes when the ladies bolted from the store taking several items with them. The employee indicated that it was against their policy to pursue shoplifters, even if they witnessed the act. The only reason the shoplifters were brought to justice was because of a concerned citizen who acted on instinct. This store had no security in place, no loss prevention and a policy that prevented employee response to these types of incidents, which left them completely vulnerable to theft.  These women had shoplifted from this store on multiple occasions because they knew they could get away with it. Security may not seem important or cost-efficient but I can tell you it is worth the investment. The best way to protect your property and prevent shoplifting is by using Alpha 3 Alarm technology.

 

Various types of security products can be equipped with an Alpha 3 Alarm to support all of your merchandising needs. This technology alerts store personnel in the event of a theft by emitting an audible alarm upon exit. The Alpha 3 Alarm will also sound if someone attempts to remove the device from the merchandise in the store or damages it in some way.  There are various types and sizes of hard tags available to secure your property and prevent shoplifting. They are re-useable and won’t damage the item or garment. They work great as a visual deterrent for those who have the intent to steal from your store. This can provide an alert to the managers or loss prevention personnel, on sight, so they can take action to stop the shoplifter. 

I know many people think that having a loss prevention program is burdensome and expensive. Therefore, having a no pursuit, no contact, no action policy seems easier, but you are not only hurting your bottom line and encouraging shoplifting in your store, but you are also hurting your employees and your customers. Higher shoplifting rates result in higher consumer costs and lower wages, causing dissatisfaction; resulting in employee and consumer loss. The Alpha 3 Alarm is a cost-efficient way to prevent shoplifting, improve profit and customer satisfaction, while maintaining a pleasant shopping experience. 

 

Alpha 3 Alarms are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.

 

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Improved Inventory Results With Alpha Spider Wrap

June 29, 2016 by Leave a Comment

 

Alpha Spider Wrap-5                                                                                                                              WC blog 131
Retail Anti-Theft Devices-4
Prevent Shoplifting-3
Improved Inventory Results With Alpha Spider Wrap 
     As a former store Loss Prevention Manager I found inventory time could be a little nerve wracking because I never knew what surprises the inventory results would hold.  I usually felt fairly confident we would have good shrink results but my concern was seeing what our top shortage departments would be. Were the major items that we were losing due to theft or operational issues? What would those items be?  Sometimes there would be items that were almost guaranteed to be on the Top 10 shortage department lists, such as cosmetics and DVDs.  Occasionally something would show up that made me scratch my head trying to figure out what in the world I was going to do to prevent shoplifting of the item and prevent a recurrence the next year.  One such item that made the list one year was vacuum cleaners.  The fix for us came when we started using Alpha Spider Wrap to protect our high end vacuums.
     Alpha Spider Wrap uses aircraft grade steel cable housed in a cinching device to protect merchandise.  The wires can be loosened to fit around a boxed item and then tightened to create a snug fit and keep it from being slipped off.   These retail anti-theft devices come in different sizes so even though we used the larger wraps for our vacuums, we had smaller wraps available for other merchandise in the store.  Alpha Spider Wraps are available in several models with different features.  They are all radio frequency sensitive to work with store electronic article surveillance systems.  Some are tamper proof so they will sound an alarm if someone attempts to cut a wire to remove the device.  There are also wraps available in a 3 alarm design that will self-alarm if someone were to get a protected item out the doors, past electronic article surveillance antennas.
     In the case of our vacuum cleaner issue, we knew there had been some attempts to roll out vacuums past the cash registers, but we did not know how many thefts had taken place over the year.  To prevent shoplifting we had placed our closed circuit television cameras on the aisle where the vacuums were merchandised.  We had also attempted to use retail anti-theft devices such as EAS tags and tamper-proof security tape on the boxes. Finally, I tried to staff my front end security team members at times we suspected shoplifters were trying to conduct roll-outs.  Obviously the results spoke for themselves and it was apparent we had not done enough to curb the thieves.  They were cleaning house (pun intended) and I needed a new tactic, especially when I learned from Loss Prevention Managers in other stores that they were experiencing the same problem.  
     Our company had recently started purchasing Alpha Spider Wrap and sending them to stores.  I had our merchandise protection specialist and our security team members start securing the vacuums with these new retail anti-theft devices.  At this point we were also tracking sales and on-hand counts of our high end vacuums and as we wrapped merchandise we started to notice that the in-stocks were improving.  Major improvements were seen in the decrease of empty shelf spaces and much to the chagrin of my Loss Prevention peers; I was hearing they were still experiencing significant losses.  It seemed the steps we were taking were shifting shoplifter activity to other stores and away from us.  By the next inventory we saw a drastic decline in the shortage dollars for this department, due in large part to the use of these wraps.
     Retail anti-theft devices such as Alpha Spider Wrap can prevent shoplifting in your store, lik it did on ours.  Why wait for inventory results before protecting your products?  Be proactive now and watch your profits grow.
Need information on Alpha Spider Wrap? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
     

As a former store Loss Prevention Manager I found inventory time could be a little nerve wracking because I never knew what surprises the inventory results would hold. I usually felt fairly confident we would have good shrink results but my concern was seeing what our top shortage departments would be. Were the major items that we were losing due to theft or operational issues? What would those items be? Sometimes there would be items that were almost guaranteed to be on the Top 10 shortage department lists, such as cosmetics and DVDs. Occasionally something would show up that made me scratch my head trying to figure out what in the world I was going to do to prevent shoplifting of the item and prevent a recurrence the next year. One such item that made the list one year was vacuum cleaners. The fix for us came when we started using Alpha Spider Wrap to protect our high end vacuums.

Alpha Spider Wrap uses aircraft grade steel cable housed in a cinching device to protect merchandise. The wires can be loosened to fit around a boxed item and then tightened to create a snug fit and keep it from being slipped off. These retail anti-theft devices come in different sizes so even though we used the larger wraps for our vacuums, we had smaller wraps available for other merchandise in the store. Alpha Spider Wraps are available in several models with different features. They are all radio frequency sensitive to work with store electronic article surveillance systems.  Some are tamper proof so they will sound an alarm if someone attempts to cut a wire to remove the device. There are also wraps available in a 3 alarm design that will self-alarm if someone were to get a protected item out the doors, past electronic article surveillance antennas.

In the case of our vacuum cleaner issue, we knew there had been some attempts to roll out vacuums past the cash registers, but we did not know how many thefts had taken place over the year. To prevent shoplifting we had placed our closed circuit television cameras on the aisle where the vacuums were merchandised. We had also attempted to use retail anti-theft devices such as EAS tags and tamper-proof security tape on the boxes. Finally, I tried to staff my front end security team members at times we suspected shoplifters were trying to conduct roll-outs. Obviously the results spoke for themselves and it was apparent we had not done enough to curb the thieves. They were cleaning house (pun intended) and I needed a new tactic, especially when I learned from Loss Prevention Managers in other stores that they were experiencing the same problem.  

Our company had recently started purchasing Alpha Spider Wrap and sending them to stores. I had our merchandise protection specialist and our security team members start securing the vacuums with these new retail anti-theft devices. At this point we were also tracking sales and on-hand counts of our high end vacuums and as we wrapped merchandise we started to notice that the in-stocks were improving. Major improvements were seen in the decrease of empty shelf spaces and much to the chagrin of my Loss Prevention peers; I was hearing they were still experiencing significant losses. It seemed the steps we were taking were shifting shoplifter activity to other stores and away from us. By the next inventory we saw a drastic decline in the shortage dollars for this department, due in large part to the use of these wraps.

Retail anti-theft devices such as Alpha Spider Wrap can prevent shoplifting in your store, lik it did on ours. Why wait for inventory results before protecting your products?  Be proactive now and watch your profits grow.

 

Need information on Alpha Spider Wrap? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.

     

 

 

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Get the Biggest Bang For Your Buck, Invest In Alpha Security Products

April 28, 2016 by Leave a Comment

 

Alpha Security – 5                                                                                                                            WC blog 69
Prevent Shoplifting-5
Retail Anti-Theft Devices-4
Get the Biggest Bang For Your Buck, Invest In Alpha Security Products
     Retail shortage is a huge problem and seems to get worse every year.  According the 2015 Global Retail Theft Barometer total retail shrinkage in North America during 2014-2015 was $36.79 billion dollars.  Shrinkage increase reported by respondents, who participated in both the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 surveys, went from 1.28% in 2013-2014 to 1.87% in 2014-2015.  So what can a store owner do to drive down shortage?  Let me preface this by letting you know I have roughly 20 years of loss prevention experience and over 25 total years of retail experience.   Regardless of the size of your store, there are steps that any retailer can take to improve shortage results and, in the process improve profits.  It may surprise some readers that I am not going to say customer service is at the top of my list.  While customer service is important and it is a deterrent to prevent shoplifting and it does a great deal to improve sales, it does not have the same impact that a security system has when it includes retail anti-theft devices such as Alpha Security products.
     Here is what I mean.  Customer service deters shoplifting.  That’s wonderful and I am the first to insist that a business MUST establish a culture of customer service excellence.  The payoff is going to be a returning customer base, word of mouth promotion, increased sales and this also leads to a happier staff.  I could go on about the benefits of customer service but that will be another time.  The problem I see is that it only truly impacts one facet of shrinkage.  A security system built around retail anti-theft devices and closed circuit television will not only prevent shoplifting, but it deters employee theft and vendor theft as well.  The only area of retail shrinkage it does not impact is administrative loss, such as vendor billing errors, keying errors on receipts, mis-scanning product, etc.  A well designed system makes all thieves aware that theft is not going to be tolerated from the moment they walk in the door of a retailer.  Alpha security products include hard tags to protect clothing and accessories, hardware and electronics.  Alpha Spider Wrap allows the display of electronics products and accessibility to the customer.  Alpha Keepers prevent the theft of a multitude of products from health and beauty items to DVDs and videogames.  These retail anti-theft devices have visual deterrence value because thieves, whether shoplifters or employees recognize the challenge they will have if they choose to try to steal merchandise that is protected.  This may be trying to remove a clothing security hard tag and damaging merchandise in the process or it could be trying to cut an Alpha Spider Wrap and activating a tamper alarm.  The harder it is for a criminal to get what they want, the more likely they are to leave something alone.  
     The other protection offered by Alpha Security devices is that they do work with an electronic article surveillance system and when passed through an EAS antenna, these products activate the alarm.  A well trained staff knows how to properly respond to an alarm activation and can recover merchandise that was secured by a device.  Yes, I have had vendors and employees exit a store with merchandise that was not paid for and an alarm was activated.  EAS systems are not installed simply to prevent shoplifting but employee and vendor theft as well.   Many of the Alpha Security products can be purchased in either a 2 alarm or 3 alarm version, the 3 alarm adding an additional layer of protection in that the third alarm is an audible alarm built in the device itself.  In case someone exits with a 3 alarm device they set off the EAS antenna alarm and if they get to a certain point the internal alarm actually built in the unit activates (the third alarm is the tamper alarm). 
     Customer Service is a great way to prevent shoplifting and all associates should be trained on it and expected to deliver.  It will prevent a significant amount of shoplifting theft, but not all of it. It also has negligible effect on internal theft and vendor theft.   Retail anti-theft devices can deter and prevent shoplifting, vendor theft and employee theft.  Invest in Alpha Security products and know that you will start to see immediate return on investment with the impact on all areas of retail theft.
For more information on Alpha Security, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 

Retail shortage is a huge problem and seems to get worse every year. According the 2015 Global Retail Theft Barometer total retail shrinkage in North America during 2014-2015 was $36.79 billion dollars. Shrinkage increase reported by respondents, who participated in both the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 surveys, went from 1.28% in 2013-2014 to 1.87% in 2014-2015. So what can a store owner do to drive down shortage? Let me preface this by letting you know I have roughly 20 years of loss prevention experience and over 25 total years of retail experience. Regardless of the size of your store, there are steps that any retailer can take to improve shortage results and, in the process improve profits. It may surprise some readers that I am not going to say customer service is at the top of my list. While customer service is important and it is a deterrent to prevent shoplifting and it does a great deal to improve sales, it does not have the same impact that a security system has when it includes retail anti-theft devices such as Alpha Security products.

Here is what I mean. Customer service deters shoplifting. That’s wonderful and I am the first to insist that a business MUST establish a culture of customer service excellence. The payoff is going to be a returning customer base, word of mouth promotion, increased sales and this also leads to a happier staff. I could go on about the benefits of customer service but that will be another time. The problem I see is that it only truly impacts one facet of shrinkage. A security system built around retail anti-theft devices and closed circuit television will not only prevent shoplifting, but it deters employee theft and vendor theft as well. The only area of retail shrinkage it does not impact is administrative loss, such as vendor billing errors, keying errors on receipts, mis-scanning product, etc. A well designed system makes all thieves aware that theft is not going to be tolerated from the moment they walk in the door of a retailer. Alpha security products include hard tags to protect clothing and accessories, hardware and electronics. Alpha Spider Wrap allows the display of electronics products and accessibility to the customer. Alpha Keepers prevent the theft of a multitude of products from health and beauty items to DVDs and videogames. These retail anti-theft devices have visual deterrence value because thieves, whether shoplifters or employees recognize the challenge they will have if they choose to try to steal merchandise that is protected. This may be trying to remove a clothing security hard tag and damaging merchandise in the process or it could be trying to cut an Alpha Spider Wrap and activating a tamper alarm.  The harder it is for a criminal to get what they want, the more likely they are to leave something alone.       

 

The other protection offered by Alpha Security devices is that they do work with an electronic article surveillance system and when passed through an EAS antenna, these products activate the alarm. A well trained staff knows how to properly respond to an alarm activation and can recover merchandise that was secured by a device. Yes, I have had vendors and employees exit a store with merchandise that was not paid for and an alarm was activated. EAS systems are not installed simply to prevent shoplifting but employee and vendor theft as well.  Many of the Alpha Security products can be purchased in either a 2 alarm or 3 alarm version, the 3 alarm adding an additional layer of protection in that the third alarm is an audible alarm built in the device itself. In case someone exits with a 3 alarm device they set off the EAS antenna alarm and if they get to a certain point the internal alarm actually built in the unit activates (the third alarm is the tamper alarm). 

 

Customer Service is a great way to prevent shoplifting and all associates should be trained on it and expected to deliver.  It will prevent a significant amount of shoplifting theft, but not all of it. It also has negligible effect on internal theft and vendor theft.  Retail anti-theft devices can deter and prevent shoplifting, vendor theft and employee theft. Invest in Alpha Security products and know that you will start to see immediate return on investment with the impact on all areas of retail theft.

 

For more information on Alpha Security, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

 

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Let The Tides Roll In- Alpha Security

August 25, 2014 by Leave a Comment
High Efficiency laundry detergent is a high theft item in almost any store, in any market that carries it. The soap is expensive compared to its non-efficiency counterparts, but more importantly, it is used in making drugs. Because of its necessity in this illegal activity, dealers generally are more likely to steal it than to pay for it. So how do you prevent shoplifting such an irregular product?
Laundry bottles are hard plastic, curved and relatively heavy. EAS labels can be peeled off the outside, and would damage the contents if affixed to the inside. Straight pin EAS tags have nowhere to go, and puncturing the bottle would cause it to leak- spoiling the soap inside.
There are Alpha Security retail anti theft devices that are designed more for clothing security than detergent, but work surprisingly well. The Alpha 2 Alarm and Alpha 3 Alarm Cable Loks have a secured loop that wraps around the bottle’s handle. The Alpha 2 Alarm functionality will sound when the Cable Lok is tampered with, and the Alpha 3 Alarm version sounds directly from the Cable Lok, and not just the EAS door towers.
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 

High Efficiency laundry detergent is a high theft item in almost any store, in any market that carries it. The soap is expensive compared to its non-efficiency counterparts, but more importantly, it is used in making drugs. Because of its necessity in this illegal activity, dealers generally are more likely to steal it than to pay for it. So how do you prevent shoplifting such an irregular product?

Laundry bottles are hard plastic, curved and relatively heavy. EAS labels can be peeled off the outside, and would damage the contents if affixed to the inside. Straight pin EAS tags have nowhere to go, and puncturing the bottle would cause it to leak- spoiling the soap inside.

There are Alpha Security retail anti theft devices that are designed more for clothing security than detergent, but work surprisingly well. The Alpha 2 Alarm and Alpha 3 Alarm Cable Loks have a secured loop that wraps around the bottle’s handle. The Alpha 2 Alarm functionality will sound when the Cable Lok is tampered with, and the Alpha 3 Alarm version sounds directly from the Cable Lok, and not just the EAS door towers.

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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You Can’t Take It With You- Alpha 3 Alarm

August 19, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Shoplifters are continually trying to beat the system. Retailers are continually trying to beat the shoplifters, and so the cycle goes. Each time a shoplifter develops a new plan, there are new retail anti theft devices to thwart them.  Unfortunately, every time there are new tools to prevent shoplifting, shoplifters begin to find ways to defeat them.
As a result of this cycle, Alpha Security has come up with a different approach to prevent shoplifting. They developed the Alpha 3 Alarm retail anti theft devices. This is an EAS tag with an extra deterrent for shoplifting.
A 1 alarm EAS tag will create an audible alarm from the door pedestals, if a tag passes through the doors without being deactivated first. Shoplifters can tamper with the tags to defeat them, or they might risk setting off the alarm and leaving with the merchandise anyway.
An Alpha 2 Alarm takes care of half the problem. The second part of the alarm is an audible directly from the EAS tag if the tag is tampered with.
The Alpha 3 Alarm takes the first two parts and adds an audible alarm directly from the EAS tag if the tag passes through the doors without being deactivated.
No longer can shoplifters take their stolen product with them without being heard everywhere they go.
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.

Shoplifters are continually trying to beat the system. Retailers are continually trying to beat the shoplifters, and so the cycle goes. Each time a shoplifter develops a new plan, there are new retail anti theft devices to thwart them.  Unfortunately, every time there are new tools to prevent shoplifting, shoplifters begin to find ways to defeat them.

As a result of this cycle, Alpha Security has come up with a different approach to prevent shoplifting. They developed the Alpha 3 Alarm retail anti theft devices. This is an EAS tag with an extra deterrent for shoplifting.

A 1 alarm EAS tag will create an audible alarm from the door pedestals, if a tag passes through the doors without being deactivated first. Shoplifters can tamper with the tags to defeat them, or they might risk setting off the alarm and leaving with the merchandise anyway.

An Alpha 2 Alarm takes care of half the problem. The second part of the alarm is an audible directly from the EAS tag if the tag is tampered with.

The Alpha 3 Alarm takes the first two parts and adds an audible alarm directly from the EAS tag if the tag passes through the doors without being deactivated.

No longer can shoplifters take their stolen product with them without being heard everywhere they go.

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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Discard the Merchandise – Alpha 3 Alarm

August 16, 2014 by Leave a Comment
When a shoplifter feels like they have been caught, they can do a number of things, from running away, fighting, or even discarding the merchandise. When we look for solutions to prevent shoplifting, we look for ways to let the shoplifter feel like they have been caught.
Ultimately, we are trying to get the shoplifter to discard our merchandise without further incident. Trying to make a detention can be problematic, and can end up costing more money and resources if the case is pushed through the court system for prosecution.
When we employ Alpha 3 Alarm retail anti theft devices as part of our strategy, we are creating a situation where the shoplifters benefit by discarding the product on their own. 
When the shoplifter leaves the store with an Alpha Security Alpha 3 Alarm protected product, the exit doors alarm, so do the actual retail anti theft devices attached to the merchandise. Even if the shoplifter continues to leave with the merchandise, there is an audible alarm on the product- making it impossible for the shoplifter not to be noticed.
They will discard the product, which allows the retailer to follow the sound until they find and retrieve the merchandise. All without further incident or risk of conflict.
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 

When a shoplifter feels like they have been caught, they can do a number of things, from running away, fighting, or even discarding the merchandise. When we look for solutions to prevent shoplifting, we look for ways to let the shoplifter feel like they have been caught.

Ultimately, we are trying to get the shoplifter to discard our merchandise without further incident. Trying to make a detention can be problematic, and can end up costing more money and resources if the case is pushed through the court system for prosecution.

When we employ Alpha 3 Alarm retail anti theft devices as part of our strategy, we are creating a situation where the shoplifters benefit by discarding the product on their own.

When the shoplifter leaves the store with an Alpha Security Alpha 3 Alarm protected product, the exit doors alarm, so do the actual retail anti theft devices attached to the merchandise. Even if the shoplifter continues to leave with the merchandise, there is an audible alarm on the product- making it impossible for the shoplifter not to be noticed.

They will discard the product, which allows the retailer to follow the sound until they find and retrieve the merchandise. All without further incident or risk of conflict.

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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Enhance Your Products- Alpha Nano Gate

August 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment
The Alpha Security Alpha Nano Gate extends the value you get when using the Alpha 3 Alarm products. Instead of spending exorbitant amounts of money for a large, unattractive, and bulky tower system to prevent shoplifting, you can invest a comparatively minimal amount for a sleek, attractive system.
The key features you get with the Alpha Nano Gate are as follows:
It is easy to install. All of the directions and equipment needed arrive in one package to simplify the process. You don’t need to have an expensive technician complete the installation process, if you would rather do it yourself.
It mounts directly to doorframes and walls. That makes it extremely versatile for a variety of in store applications including restrooms, fitting rooms, exit and emergency doors, stock rooms or break rooms, elevators, and store within a store spaces.
 
Aesthetic design complements every store environment. This makes it great for independent boutiques, liquor stores, or any other small business application that uses the Alpha 3 Alarm retail anti theft devices.
Plug-n-Play makes it easy for everyone to use: Plugs into electrical outlet. An audible alarm sounds for 2 minutes if main power is interrupted from either intentional tampering or other power outages.
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 

The Alpha Security Alpha Nano Gate extends the value you get when using the Alpha 3 Alarm products. Instead of spending exorbitant amounts of money for a large, unattractive, and bulky tower system to prevent shoplifting, you can invest a comparatively minimal amount for a sleek, attractive system.

The key features you get with the Alpha Nano Gate are as follows:

It is easy to install. All of the directions and equipment needed arrive in one package to simplify the process. You don’t need to have an expensive technician complete the installation process, if you would rather do it yourself.

It mounts directly to doorframes and walls. That makes it extremely versatile for a variety of in store applications including restrooms, fitting rooms, exit and emergency doors, stock rooms or break rooms, elevators, and store within a store spaces.

Aesthetic design complements every store environment. This makes it great for independent boutiques, liquor stores, or any other small business application that uses the Alpha 3 Alarm retail anti theft devices.

Plug-n-Play makes it easy for everyone to use: Plugs into electrical outlet. An audible alarm sounds for 2 minutes if main power is interrupted from either intentional tampering or other power outages.

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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No Need To Be Overly Complicated- Alpha Spider Wrap

August 1, 2014 by Leave a Comment
It is amazing how many different retail anti theft devices are out in the market right now. It is a blessing for retailers to be able to finally have not only EAS tag options, but also to have product specific solutions to prevent shoplifting.
That being said, just because you can get extremely high tech or extravagant with features and functions does not mean you actually need to. There is no need to be overly complicated with your retail anti theft devices if you don’t actually need to.
Alpha Security Alpha Spider Wrap has three different levels of security needs. There is the basic line, which has a typical one-alarm functionality. The Alpha Spider Wrap is also available with the Alpha 2 Alarm and the Alpha 3 Alarm.
Depending upon your store’s specific needs, you might not need to have the Alpha 2 Alarm or the Alpha 3 Alarm. If you have a small square footage store, or the product is up at a POS where there is an employee nearby, having the early alarm system built in might be overkill.
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 

It is amazing how many different retail anti theft devices are out in the market right now. It is a blessing for retailers to be able to finally have not only EAS tag options, but also to have product specific solutions to prevent shoplifting.

That being said, just because you can get extremely high tech or extravagant with features and functions does not mean you actually need to. There is no need to be overly complicated with your retail anti theft devices if you don’t actually need to.

 Alpha Security Alpha Spider Wrap has three different levels of security needs. There is the basic line, which has a typical one-alarm functionality. The Alpha Spider Wrap is also available with the Alpha 2 Alarm and the Alpha 3 Alarm.

 Depending upon your store’s specific needs, you might not need to have the Alpha 2 Alarm or the Alpha 3 Alarm. If you have a small square footage store, or the product is up at a POS where there is an employee nearby, having the early alarm system built in might be overkill.

 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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