Be A Good Neighbor Secure Sensormatic Security System Detachment Devices.

July 12, 2019 by Leave a Comment

 

Anti-shoplifting – 3                                                                                                                    WC Blog 836
Sensormatic security system-3
Be A Good Neighbor Secure Sensormatic Security System Detachment Devices.
        
     I work as a Sales Specialist and on more than one occasion I have come across anti-shoplifting devices that have been removed from merchandise.  I have located wraps that were unlocked and hidden behind other merchandise. I have found security boxes that were unlocked and the merchandise was missing.  In one particular incident a very expensive set of printer cartridges had been taken and a check of inventory counts verified this. Since I have an extensive Loss Prevention background I was certain one of two things took place. A shoplifter had access to a security detachment key or an employee had stolen the goods because they would have access to the keys. It is a sad fact that many stores do not properly secure Sensormatic security system keys or detachment tools. They are often left in an easy to access location next to a cash register or portable keys are left lying on counter tops by careless employees.
       It would be easy to say the ink cartridge theft was just an inside job or the work of a dishonest employee but I know of other stores that have had similar problems. My daughter works for a clothing retailer that uses Sensormatic security system products and she has found multiple wraps and tags that have been removed from merchandise. She is meticulous in keeping her departments straight and one evening she had straightened an area and returned an hour or so later and found a duffle bag that had a lot of tags in it. Each one had been opened or unlocked not forcibly removed from products. Based on how busy she said her store was that night there would not have been sufficient time for an employee to steal that much merchandise, it had to be a shoplifter.
     
     Retail anti-shoplifting devices do provide protection from shoplifting and even employee theft.  I have used these security products myself to minimize the possibility of thieves pilfering our merchandise.  I can say from my many years of Loss Prevention experience that stores that properly use merchandise protection devices see a significant reduction in merchandise shrinkage. By proper use I mean attaching devices the right way and securing the detachment tools/keys properly. One example I can think of is the Sensormatic security systems Ultra-Gator Manual Handheld Detacher. The detacher itself is portable if need be and can be used by an employee on the salesfloor while stocking apparel and they put a tag on incorrectly. It saves time over going to the register or point of sale to detach a tag. The problem is some employees get careless and leave the detachers lying around. They may place it on their work cart and leave it unattended as they go on a break. That leaves the detacher vulnerable to a crook who then picks it up and uses it in any store that uses Sensormatic tags.
     For a merchandise protection program to be truly effective not only must the merchandise in a store be properly tagged to secure them but the removal devices themselves must be secured. At the point of sale these units can usually be screwed to the counter to prevent someone from picking them up and walking off with them. Several of the Sensormatic devices have a lock to prevent unauthorized use when a register is unattended. In the case of handheld devices there are a couple of ideas I have. If employees have a work cart as a mobile workstation, attach a lock box where devices can be stored while the employee goes on a break. The alternative is to require devices to be checked in and out at a central location every time the detacher is needed. If there is no electronic article surveillance protection on the detachment tool, attach lanyard and a Sensormatic hard tag to the unit.
     Anti-shoplifting programs that incorporate Sensormatic products are a sure way to improve profits through reduced theft. It is important that proper tagging procedures and methods are in place. It is just as important that a store is protecting the devices that make the system so effective. Protect your detachment tools to help yourself and other stores that use Sensormatic products as well. 
Anti-shoplifting is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.

I work as a Sales Specialist and on more than one occasion I have come across anti-shoplifting devices that have been removed from merchandise.  I have located wraps that were unlocked and hidden behind other merchandise. I have found security boxes that were unlocked and the merchandise was missing.  In one particular incident a very expensive set of printer cartridges had been taken and a check of inventory counts verified this. Since I have an extensive Loss Prevention background I was certain one of two things took place. A shoplifter had access to a security detachment key or an employee had stolen the goods because they would have access to the keys. It is a sad fact that many stores do not properly secure Sensormatic security system keys or detachment tools. They are often left in an easy to access location next to a cash register or portable keys are left lying on counter tops by careless employees.

It would be easy to say the ink cartridge theft was just an inside job or the work of a dishonest employee but I know of other stores that have had similar problems. My daughter works for a clothing retailer that uses Sensormatic security system products and she has found multiple wraps and tags that have been removed from merchandise. She is meticulous in keeping her departments straight and one evening she had straightened an area and returned an hour or so later and found a duffle bag that had a lot of tags in it. Each one had been opened or unlocked not forcibly removed from products. Based on how busy she said her store was that night there would not have been sufficient time for an employee to steal that much merchandise, it had to be a shoplifter.

 

Retail anti-shoplifting devices do provide protection from shoplifting and even employee theft.  I have used these security products myself to minimize the possibility of thieves pilfering our merchandise.  I can say from my many years of Loss Prevention experience that stores that properly use merchandise protection devices see a significant reduction in merchandise shrinkage. By proper use I mean attaching devices the right way and securing the detachment tools/keys properly. One example I can think of is the Sensormatic security systems Ultra-Gator Manual Handheld Detacher. The detacher itself is portable if need be and can be used by an employee on the salesfloor while stocking apparel and they put a tag on incorrectly. It saves time over going to the register or point of sale to detach a tag. The problem is some employees get careless and leave the detachers lying around. They may place it on their work cart and leave it unattended as they go on a break. That leaves the detacher vulnerable to a crook who then picks it up and uses it in any store that uses Sensormatic tags.

For a merchandise protection program to be truly effective not only must the merchandise in a store be properly tagged to secure them but the removal devices themselves must be secured. At the point of sale these units can usually be screwed to the counter to prevent someone from picking them up and walking off with them. Several of the Sensormatic devices have a lock to prevent unauthorized use when a register is unattended. In the case of handheld devices there are a couple of ideas I have. If employees have a work cart as a mobile workstation, attach a lock box where devices can be stored while the employee goes on a break. The alternative is to require devices to be checked in and out at a central location every time the detacher is needed. If there is no electronic article surveillance protection on the detachment tool, attach lanyard and a Sensormatic hard tag to the unit.

Anti-shoplifting programs that incorporate Sensormatic products are a sure way to improve profits through reduced theft. It is important that proper tagging procedures and methods are in place. It is just as important that a store is protecting the devices that make the system so effective. Protect your detachment tools to help yourself and other stores that use Sensormatic products as well. 

 

Anti-shoplifting is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.

 

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With:

Are Your Anti-Shoplifting Efforts Impacted By New Processes?

June 3, 2019 by Leave a Comment

 

Anti-Shoplifting – 4                                                                                                          WC Blog 820
Sensormatic Security System -3
Are Your Anti-Shoplifting Efforts Impacted By New Processes?
     I was in line at a big box retail store and was struck by several things that left me pondering their front end operation strategy and the anti-shoplifting program. This store has undergone a remodel of the front end replacing some of the cash registers with additional self-checkout counters. As my wife and I stood in line waiting to go through the self-checkout lanes I could not help but to be amused that I was standing in line in a system that was supposed to speed up the checkout process. Now, I get amused (and annoyed) relatively easily especially when I see how dumb something is. So I note while standing in this line that a lane becomes open. The cashier(s) who are supposed to be directing traffic are having a conversation. Please note that I said cashiers in the plural.  That’s right, this model of efficiency, had TWO cashiers working in the self-checkout line. These two were not paying attention to the customers, what they were doing or when they were finishing their transactions. What should have been a faster process was painfully slow. I turned to my wife and suggested how much faster it could have been had the second cashier been on a register checking out patrons rather than wagging the tongue. I think she shushed me at this point as my voice tends to carry especially when it is speaking sarcasms. I also saw some things that made me wonder about how the store’s merchandise protection.
     I will tell you that I know this store has electronic article surveillance in use but I do not know if it is a Sensormatic security system or a competitor brand. Regardless I saw a lot of merchandise going through the self-check lanes and I was not seeing any security tags. Now I will acknowledge that this company is one that does use vendor source tagging on some merchandise. It is possible many items had tags I could not see but I also know I was not observing any visible protective devices, wraps, boxes, Sensormatic Safers or the like. I had a large case of water in my shopping cart and as I was trying to figure out how I was going to scan it over the scan bed my wife pointed out that there was a hand held scanner available. I didn’t have to remove the water from the cart. It dawned on me, what kind of anti-shoplifting program allows a customer to hand scan an item and leave it in the shopping cart? I can only guess a program built on trust…hmmm, that is an odd system in my way of Loss Prevention Manager thinking. As busy as the cashiers were talking to each other I wonder how many other things I could have “forgotten” to scan and left in the buggy if I were a shoplifter.
     Someone reading this is thinking that the store has a door greeter who would have caught the items and asked for a receipt if the items were visible. It is even possible the Sensormatic security system or anti-theft system in place would alarm and prompt a receipt check. I will agree to an extent. This store was very busy. The greeter was busy straightening shopping carts as my wife and I approached and we were able to walk out with the water without being asked for a receipt. Add to this that not everything is protected with an anti-shoplifting device or tag. I am sure that softlines merchandise in this store does not have clothing security tags on them. That means there is a strong possibility no electronic article surveillance alarm would ever sound to prompt a receipt check by the greeter. 
     Putting on my Manager hat what I would like to see from stores that are going to more of these self-checkout stations is this; have no more than four self-checkout stations to one cashier. The cashier has to be able to react to errors at a register and monitor for theft and fraud concerns. More than four and it becomes very difficult for one person to manage. Operationally a store still saves on three cashiers not being needed. Have a greeter at the door focused on meeting customers, offering directions and being alert to exposed merchandise and ready to respond to electronic article surveillance alarms. Finally to have an effective anti-shoplifting strategy a store has to protect merchandise with electronic article surveillance towers and tags. My preferred system is by Sensormatic because of their reliability and diversity of products but ultimately protect your merchandise. Making changes to become more efficient is fine but don’t be complacent. Managers will always have to manage and people no matter how good a new process seems to be.
Get more information on a Sensormatic security system, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
 

I was in line at a big box retail store and was struck by several things that left me pondering their front end operation strategy and the anti-shoplifting program. This store has undergone a remodel of the front end replacing some of the cash registers with additional self-checkout counters. As my wife and I stood in line waiting to go through the self-checkout lanes I could not help but to be amused that I was standing in line in a system that was supposed to speed up the checkout process. Now, I get amused (and annoyed) relatively easily especially when I see how dumb something is. So I note while standing in this line that a lane becomes open. The cashier(s) who are supposed to be directing traffic are having a conversation. Please note that I said cashiers in the plural.  That’s right, this model of efficiency, had TWO cashiers working in the self-checkout line. These two were not paying attention to the customers, what they were doing or when they were finishing their transactions. What should have been a faster process was painfully slow. I turned to my wife and suggested how much faster it could have been had the second cashier been on a register checking out patrons rather than wagging the tongue. I think she shushed me at this point as my voice tends to carry especially when it is speaking sarcasms. I also saw some things that made me wonder about how the store’s merchandise protection.

I will tell you that I know this store has electronic article surveillance in use but I do not know if it is a Sensormatic security system or a competitor brand. Regardless I saw a lot of merchandise going through the self-check lanes and I was not seeing any security tags. Now I will acknowledge that this company is one that does use vendor source tagging on some merchandise. It is possible many items had tags I could not see but I also know I was not observing any visible protective devices, wraps, boxes, Sensormatic Safers or the like. I had a large case of water in my shopping cart and as I was trying to figure out how I was going to scan it over the scan bed my wife pointed out that there was a hand held scanner available. I didn’t have to remove the water from the cart. It dawned on me, what kind of anti-shoplifting program allows a customer to hand scan an item and leave it in the shopping cart? I can only guess a program built on trust…hmmm, that is an odd system in my way of Loss Prevention Manager thinking. As busy as the cashiers were talking to each other I wonder how many other things I could have “forgotten” to scan and left in the buggy if I were a shoplifter.

Someone reading this is thinking that the store has a door greeter who would have caught the items and asked for a receipt if the items were visible. It is even possible the Sensormatic security system or anti-theft system in place would alarm and prompt a receipt check. I will agree to an extent. This store was very busy. The greeter was busy straightening shopping carts as my wife and I approached and we were able to walk out with the water without being asked for a receipt. Add to this that not everything is protected with an anti-shoplifting device or tag. I am sure that softlines merchandise in this store does not have clothing security tags on them. That means there is a strong possibility no electronic article surveillance alarm would ever sound to prompt a receipt check by the greeter. 

 

Putting on my Manager hat what I would like to see from stores that are going to more of these self-checkout stations is this; have no more than four self-checkout stations to one cashier. The cashier has to be able to react to errors at a register and monitor for theft and fraud concerns. More than four and it becomes very difficult for one person to manage. Operationally a store still saves on three cashiers not being needed. Have a greeter at the door focused on meeting customers, offering directions and being alert to exposed merchandise and ready to respond to electronic article surveillance alarms. Finally to have an effective anti-shoplifting strategy a store has to protect merchandise with electronic article surveillance towers and tags. My preferred system is by Sensormatic because of their reliability and diversity of products but ultimately protect your merchandise. Making changes to become more efficient is fine but don’t be complacent.Managers will always have to manage and people no matter how good a new process seems to be.

 

Get more information on a Sensormatic security system, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today. 

 

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With:

Add Value In More Ways Than One With A Sensormatic Security System

February 10, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Stop shoplifting – 4                                                                                                                        WC Blog 732
Sensormatic Security System – 3


Add Value In More Ways Than One With A Sensormatic Security System

     Not long ago I attempted to stop shoplifting of a laptop charging cord that our store sells but I was not able to intervene in time. The suspect was able to remove the cord from the box it was in, close the box back up and put it back on the peghook. The suspect had done all of this before I could get to him to deter the action and he was already on his way out the door. I had reported the incident to the manager on duty and followed company procedures. Unfortunately there was nothing else that could be done at the time. This was the second time I had witnessed a theft or attempted theft of this particular item. When I saw the store manager next I talked to him about the incident. Though the company has specific guidelines on merchandise protection standards I suggested we use an anti-shoplifting device on this product since the store is already equipped with a Sensormatic security system. He agreed and immediately took action to protect the remaining charger. But the discussion we had led to an interesting observation by the store manager. He wondered if Protective devices add a perception of higher value or quality to a product. I had never considered that before.

     I have always looked at a Sensormatic security system as a way to stop shoplifting and to improve shortage results. Just like Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. founder Bill Bregar, I also believe the systems enhance sales by giving customers access to high shortage merchandise that would otherwise be locked up in a display case or stockroom. I also know that Sensormatic labels and tags are a visual deterrent to criminal activity. It had never crossed my mind that a security device or tag could send another message to shoppers. That message being this is a high quality item that is so valuable it has to be secured with anti-theft devices. What an incredible insight! Are you potentially selling more merchandise by using visible protection while at the same time you stop shoplifting? It may not be a totally crazy thought.

     In a document from labelvalue.com titled, “Influence of Packaging on Consumer Behavior “ they reference a study published by the University of Miami and the California Institute of Technology. Quoting the labelvalue.com website, “…packaging has a proven and important impact and influence on the consumer purchasing decision…Researchers proved that aesthetic aspects like color, brightness and typography influences where the shopper’s eyes land on the shelves.” (pg.6). In an article from snowberrymedia.com titled, “How Consumer Perception Influences Buying Decisions”, November 28, 2017, the writer discusses how product packaging can influence shopper perceptions about an item. “Packaging for expensive tech products will usually be sturdy and secure, to reflect the quality of the product.” They also point out that “luxury” items could “…be packaged in black and gold while budget options stick to basic colors like black, white and red.” Using this same line of reasoning it would make sense that a retail anti-theft device on one laptop powercord and the lack of one on a different model next to it could influence a shopper. A customer might easily assume that if one is protected it MUST be better than the other even if that is not necessarily the case.

     Does a Sensormatic tag on merchandise stop shoplifting? The answer is a resounding yes. I have witnessed the deterrent effect of tags and labels on products and I have recovered merchandise when tags set off a Sensormatic security system. Devices influence thieves. Do they also influence customers to purchase items with retail anti-theft devices on them? That I cannot definitely answer. We have seen that packaging can make things appear more valuable. But I think after reflecting on it my Store Manager may have hit on something. Sensormatic tags may be giving your store an unintended perception of value in the eyes of your customers. So what are you waiting for? Get tagging today!

  Get more information on Sensormatic security systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547     

Not long ago I attempted to stop shoplifting of a laptop charging cord that our store sells but I was not able to intervene in time. The suspect was able to remove the cord from the box it was in, close the box back up and put it back on the peghook. The suspect had done all of this before I could get to him to deter the action and he was already on his way out the door. I had reported the incident to the manager on duty and followed company procedures. Unfortunately there was nothing else that could be done at the time. This was the second time I had witnessed a theft or attempted theft of this particular item. When I saw the store manager next I talked to him about the incident. Though the company has specific guidelines on merchandise protection standards I suggested we use an anti-shoplifting device on this product since the store is already equipped with a Sensormatic security system. He agreed and immediately took action to protect the remaining charger. But the discussion we had led to an interesting observation by the store manager. He wondered if Protective devices add a perception of higher value or quality to a product. I had never considered that before.
     

I have always looked at a Sensormatic security system as a way to stop shoplifting and to improve shortage results. Just like Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. founder Bill Bregar, I also believe the systems enhance sales by giving customers access to high shortage merchandise that would otherwise be locked up in a display case or stockroom. I also know that Sensormatic labels and tags are a visual deterrent to criminal activity. It had never crossed my mind that a security device or tag could send another message to shoppers. That message being this is a high quality item that is so valuable it has to be secured with anti-theft devices. What an incredible insight! Are you potentially selling more merchandise by using visible protection while at the same time you stop shoplifting? It may not be a totally crazy thought.
     

In a document from labelvalue.com titled, “Influence of Packaging on Consumer Behavior “ they reference a study published by the University of Miami and the California Institute of Technology. Quoting the labelvalue.com website, “…packaging has a proven and important impact and influence on the consumer purchasing decision…Researchers proved that aesthetic aspects like color, brightness and typography influences where the shopper’s eyes land on the shelves.” (pg.6). In an article from snowberrymedia.com titled, “How Consumer Perception Influences Buying Decisions”, November 28, 2017, the writer discusses how product packaging can influence shopper perceptions about an item. “Packaging for expensive tech products will usually be sturdy and secure, to reflect the quality of the product.” They also point out that “luxury” items could “…be packaged in black and gold while budget options stick to basic colors like black, white and red.” Using this same line of reasoning it would make sense that a retail anti-theft device on one laptop powercord and the lack of one on a different model next to it could influence a shopper. A customer might easily assume that if one is protected it MUST be better than the other even if that is not necessarily the case.
     

Does a Sensormatic tag on merchandise stop shoplifting? The answer is a resounding yes. I have witnessed the deterrent effect of tags and labels on products and I have recovered merchandise when tags set off a Sensormatic security system. Devices influence thieves. Do they also influence customers to purchase items with retail anti-theft devices on them? That I cannot definitely answer. We have seen that packaging can make things appear more valuable. But I think after reflecting on it my Store Manager may have hit on something. Sensormatic tags may be giving your store an unintended perception of value in the eyes of your customers. So what are you waiting for? Get tagging today!
 

Get more information on Sensormatic security systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547     

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: ,

Sidewalk Sales Short-Circuit Sensormatic Security Systems

October 10, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Maybe I’m too old school but I really wonder what store managers are thinking when they have a perfectly good Sensormatic security system and they put merchandise outside the store to display. I see this done in malls and strip malls and it annoys me greatly. I know it is because of my years as a Loss Prevention Manager but I do recognize that theft can result from these displays. In many cases the merchandise is marked down and the business is trying to unload their old merchandise before bringing in the new product lines. I saw something the other day and it was an ice machine used to store bagged ice for sale. The gas station probably does not have adequate space inside for this container but I observed what I thought was a theft of a bag of ice and it bothered me. A car pulled up to the building and the passenger got out. I did turn briefly but the next thing I knew she was putting a big bag of ice in the car while looking in my direction. I didn’t report it because I could not be sure she hadn’t quickly slipped into the store to pay but her actions said she hadn’t. It reminded me of all of those stores that put on sidewalk sales. If no one is outside monitoring the tables and racks or if the merchandise is spread out over a distance how do stores stop shoplifting from taking place?

The purpose of the Sensormatic security system is to deter theft and prevent criminals from spiriting products out of a store. When stores have tagged merchandise with anti-shoplifting devices such as hard tags and electronic article surveillance labels those items are going to trip the alarm pedestals as the thief nears the doors. Because the Sensormatic line of devices are sturdy and reliable they are nearly impossible to defeat. Shoplifters are not in the habit of spending a lot of time trying to remove security tags. They are concerned with concealing merchandise and getting out with as little interaction with employees as possible. Pedestal alarms draw unwanted attention that bad guys want to avoid. When store managers make the decision to take merchandise outside the protection of towers at the doors they are inviting theft. There is nothing left to impede shoplifters from simply picking up and walking off with anything displayed outside.

This is the simple kind of training a good Sensormatic Dealer should provide. Loss Prevention Systems does train your staff after we install a system.

I am not saying that the bags of ice should have been tagged even if they were in the building. Some items may not be worth the effort to tag when we think about how bags are tossed into an ice cooler. It did serve to demonstrate that people will steal just about anything if an opportunity presents itself. In fact one of the factors we talk about in Loss Prevention in terms of how to stop shoplifting and employee theft is to eliminate opportunity. If stores are putting merchandise on the salesfloor without protection or if they are placing merchandise outside of the protective barrier of an electronic article surveillance tower they are providing opportunities for criminals. Bill Bregar, founder of Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. knows that opportunity is a requirement for shoplifters to get away with their crime. That is why his company recommends a Sensormatic security system to clients in order to remove opportunity and substantially impede a crook’s ability to steal.

If store owners find a need to move seasonal merchandise or older merchandise to make room for new product lines do it within the confines of the building and security protection. Merchandise should already be protected with security tags so the challenge is to get it in view of customers. I have seen larger businesses that seem reluctant to put clearance merchandise front and center in a store. They relegate them to rear endcaps or the back of a store. I believe if you really want to move merchandise, mark it down at least 25%, place it in a prominent location when customers walk in and have ample signage. Don’t play games, if you really want to make space then do it with enthusiasm. Don’t provide the opportunity crooks look for by having a “sidewalk sale”.

Let your electronic article system stop shoplifting as it is intended to do and tag as much merchandise as possible. Sell your clearance merchandise with vigor just do it so it makes sense. Don’t short circuit your Sensormatic security system by circumventing it, trust Sensormatic to help drive sales while removing theft opportunity.

 

Get more information on Sensormatic security systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.

 

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: ,

Improve Retail Theft Prevention Through Recognition

August 9, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

Retail Theft Prevention- 5                                                                                                           WC Blog 500
Stop Shoplifting-3
Improve Retail Theft Prevention Through Recognition
     I LOVE celebrations for victories in stores, be it for a successful retail theft prevention program, a great customer service initiative or some other achievement I truly believe in celebrating accomplishments. I am sold on the power of recognizing individual achievements and group achievements and celebrating them with the entire store. In this article I want to talk about how you can make your store successful and a big part of that is recognition of your store team individually and as a group. As a former Loss Prevention Manager with nearly 27 years of retail experience and as a shift supervisor in a college library I can share with you observations I have gleaned over the years through my experiences.
     I will talk at length about celebrations but I do want to stop for a moment and touch on retail theft prevention and what it entails. Retail theft prevention is the ability of a retailer to recognize that theft is going to occur in their store, understand there are steps they can take to stop it and in doing so it will make the business more prosperous. It is the use of anti-shoplifting devices such as Checkpoint security pedestals at the doors and tags on all merchandise. It is also the training of employees on their responsibilities in regard to proper tagging methods, alarm responses, providing exceptional customer service and teamwork that will stop shoplifting and drive sales. The implementation of all of these factors is what is required for a retail owner or manager to stop shoplifting and keep merchandise in the store for customers and that is what helps drive up sales.
     It may seem a bit unusual to be talking about celebrations and retail theft prevention but they do tie together and help to build a strong shortage culture in the store. Additionally recognition is a powerful tool to developing teamwork amongst employees. An example of this can be seen in the store I work in now. For quite some time there has been a program for giving out recognition cards that are used in a monthly drawing. For the most part they were given out by managers to employees for different reasons. Over a period of time there was a slow progression of cards being given out by employees to each other. Recently, employees had the cards removed from a box they were kept in and placed on a door for everyone to see. The participation is pretty amazing to see. Most cards are given out for one employee assisting another on a task or in a work center. If you don’t quite see the power in this consider that for each card someone gives out to a fellow worker it reduces the giver’s chance for winning the monthly drawing. That’s quite a statement about the power of recognition. How does this relate to retail theft prevention? If employee recognition includes recognizing people for going above and beyond expectations in assisting customers it will influence more associates to offer help on the sales floor. That level of service will deter thieves from trying to steal in your store.
     When I was a Loss Prevention Manager I made sure I recognized employees who caught hidden merchandise at the checkout stands or those who reported suspicious patrons to me. I also made sure that employees who reported a tip to me about another employee they suspected was stealing had their information submitted to our store hotline number. In this way a couple of employees were rewarded by the company for cases they initiated and were closed by me based on their information. I couldn’t celebrate the individuals due to confidentiality but I could share the win with the store team in general terms. I found that employees were more willing to report suspicious behaviors to me. This included internal and external theft identification.
     Recognition is more impactful that you may have realized. Congratulating an employee for closing a large sale, signing someone up for a store reward program, making a recovery from an electronic article surveillance alarm receipt check are all a way to recognize performance. When an associate can stop shoplifting through customer service and notification of management of suspicious people the entire store benefits. Heartfelt, genuine recognition will lead to continued performance that helps to drive up sales and reduce shortage. If you don’t do it already look for ways to recognize and praise your team. You will see a payoff in shortage reduction, profit growth and increased morale.
Need information on retail theft prevention? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
     

I LOVE celebrations for victories in stores, be it for a successful retail theft prevention program, a great customer service initiative or some other achievement I truly believe in celebrating accomplishments. I am sold on the power of recognizing individual achievements and group achievements and celebrating them with the entire store. In this article I want to talk about how you can make your store successful and a big part of that is recognition of your store team individually and as a group. As a former Loss Prevention Manager with nearly 27 years of retail experience and as a shift supervisor in a college library I can share with you observations I have gleaned over the years through my experiences.

I will talk at length about celebrations but I do want to stop for a moment and touch on retail theft prevention and what it entails. Retail theft prevention is the ability of a retailer to recognize that theft is going to occur in their store, understand there are steps they can take to stop it and in doing so it will make the business more prosperous. It is the use of anti-shoplifting devices such as electronic article surveillance (EAS) security pedestals at the doors and tags on all merchandise. It is also the training of employees on their responsibilities in regard to proper tagging methods, alarm responses, providing exceptional customer service and teamwork that will stop shoplifting and drive sales. The implementation of all of these factors is what is required for a retail owner or manager to stop shoplifting and keep merchandise in the store for customers and that is what helps drive up sales.

It may seem a bit unusual to be talking about celebrations and retail theft prevention but they do tie together and help to build a strong shortage culture in the store. Additionally recognition is a powerful tool to developing teamwork amongst employees. An example of this can be seen in the store I work in now. For quite some time there has been a program for giving out recognition cards that are used in a monthly drawing. For the most part they were given out by managers to employees for different reasons. Over a period of time there was a slow progression of cards being given out by employees to each other. Recently, employees had the cards removed from a box they were kept in and placed on a door for everyone to see. The participation is pretty amazing to see. Most cards are given out for one employee assisting another on a task or in a work center. If you don’t quite see the power in this consider that for each card someone gives out to a fellow worker it reduces the giver’s chance for winning the monthly drawing. That’s quite a statement about the power of recognition. How does this relate to retail theft prevention? If employee recognition includes recognizing people for going above and beyond expectations in assisting customers it will influence more associates to offer help on the sales floor. That level of service will deter thieves from trying to steal in your store.

When I was a Loss Prevention Manager I made sure I recognized employees who caught hidden merchandise at the checkout stands or those who reported suspicious patrons to me. I also made sure that employees who reported a tip to me about another employee they suspected was stealing had their information submitted to our store hotline number. In this way a couple of employees were rewarded by the company for cases they initiated and were closed by me based on their information. I couldn’t celebrate the individuals due to confidentiality but I could share the win with the store team in general terms. I found that employees were more willing to report suspicious behaviors to me. This included internal and external theft identification.

Recognition is more impactful that you may have realized. Congratulating an employee for closing a large sale, signing someone up for a store reward program, making a recovery from an electronic article surveillance alarm receipt check are all a way to recognize performance. When an associate can stop shoplifting through customer service and notification of management of suspicious people the entire store benefits. Heartfelt, genuine recognition will lead to continued performance that helps to drive up sales and reduce shortage. If you don’t do it already look for ways to recognize and praise your team. You will see a payoff in shortage reduction, profit growth and increased morale.

 

Need information on retail theft prevention? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.

     

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , ,

CHECKPOINT HARD TAGS ARE THE BEST REPLACEMENT FOR YOUR OUTDATED MERCHANDISE PROTECTION!

May 9, 2018 by Leave a Comment

More than ever, shoplifting is massive threat to all retailers. When times are tough, shoplifting increases tremendously. Sorry times in the economy can easily attract first-time pilferers. As a Loss Prevention Expert, I deter hundreds of dollars each day from walking out of the door.  A majority of retailers do not realize how massive the problem is, until the amount of loss has spiraled out of control! Loss prevention tactics are consistently updated to cover the growing shrink issues in the retail environment. Shrinkage must be reduced by utilizing anti-shoplifting security tags, as associate awareness is just not enough anymore. What are you doing to ensure your merchandise is not stolen daily?! Does it really deter theft?! Checkpoint Hard Tags are my go-to method, to stop shoplifting.         

 

 When you are able to maximize your merchandise protection needs with Checkpoint Hard Tags, theft will be greatly reduced. I have witnessed several situations proving this method. When I am hired as a Loss Prevention Manager for a new location, I always observe incidents on CCTV that no one realized was happening! When I started racking up high dollar cases each week, my store management team was shocked by the amount of theft that was occurring without them knowing. A lot of retailers base their “known theft” reports off of tags being found. Then when inventory results are calculated at the end of the year, they see several departments they were not aware of had shrink issues. This method is not realistic, and there is so much more to configure to be accurate.  Professional thieves will leave the price tags on the item, knowing that they do not alarm. Sometimes it just takes a specialist in Loss Prevention, to be able to shed light to these type of shrink issues. For retailers, Checkpoint Hard Tags will stop shoplifting by ensuring the highest level of inventory control and protection. I was previously employed at a local retailer, which did not believe in placing Checkpoint Hard Tags on any of their high dollar merchandise. A majority of their products, was at a price point over $59.00, per item. To me, that is too high of a price point to trust without any type of protection. “Hoping” it will not be shoplifted is not enough. This particular store had an increase in shrink, based on their 3 year trend. They were not changing any of their processes and kept doing the same exact routine for merchandise protection. The store never considered updating any of their security devices, until seeing all the investigations that I completed. I pulled the store’s shrink numbers by department and found that their top 5 shrink consisted of a majority of clothing items that had no protection whatsoever. After the team learned that Checkpoint Hard tags are inexpensive, they knew they would have to give it a try. At this point, what did they have to lose?! They already lost 120k with their current program! After placing all the devices on and completing counts daily, I was able to track the theft trends for the store to see if a difference was made. We noticed a huge decline for those areas week by week, and were able to completely turn the store shrink around the following year. Even though I am not employed anymore at that location, I still go there to shop. It is amazing to see they still are utilizing this as a best practice program, and have not missed a beat! 

 

 When retail stores start increasing in shrink, you lose profit and pushing the company to make harsh decisions. This can includ cutting positions and changing budgets. It feels good to know that I changed a retailer around, by such a simple task! Do not lose more money, as a result of ineffective or outdated loss prevention security tags. Do not continue the same path, by not updating your protection. We have to make a change in order to decrease shrinkage in our stores and stop shoplifting. 

 

Need information on Checkpoint Hard Tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.                                                       

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: ,

Shoplifters Can Be A Danger To Your Customers And Employees; Deter Thieves From Coming To Your Store With Checkpoint Tags

November 10, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

Retail Theft Prevention-4                                                                                              WC Blog 357
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Shoplifters Can Be A Danger To Your Customers And Employees; Deter Thieves From Coming To Your Store With Checkpoint Tags
     When you think about merchandise protection and the importance of retail theft prevention have you ever considered the other benefits your business gets from using Checkpoint tags? While it isn’t necessarily an intended consequence, stores that employ measures to deter shoplifters also help protect their employees and customers. I have been involved in Retail Loss Prevention and retail in general for over 27 years. I have personally had to apprehend shoplifters who have had marijuana on their person, and were high when busted. I have fought with shoplifters who were high on cocaine, crack and at least one who was high on methamphetamine. I have apprehended shoplifters with brass knuckles and knives concealed in pockets, waistbands and shoes. I had one instance where a shoplifter lifted his shirt when I went to stop him, showing me the handle of a gun in the front of his pants. The implied threat was obvious, stop him and it could be deadly. There are two reasons for using Checkpoint tags, first to deter theft and second to detect it.
     Anti-shoplifting tags have electronic article surveillance (EAS) capability built into them and use radio frequency waves to ensure protected merchandise will be detected by EAS towers. When a thief attempts to walk out with merchandise they are trying to steal, the towers pick up the signal sent out by the tags and an alarm in the tower sounds out a sharp, loud alert. Employees of the store who have been trained on proper alarm response go to the doors and retrieve the product. Often the thief will drop the item or make an excuse that they forgot they had it with them. The first thing the towers and tags do is deter the thieves who are well aware of what towers can do and prefer to avoid stores that use retail theft prevention measures.
     Consider that, shoplifters prefer to avoid stores that are using Checkpoint tags. If there are other locations that are nearby where they can go to get merchandise to steal and reduce the chance they will be detected they will do so. Likewise, they also prefer to go to stores where there is little or no customer service. If no one is going to bother them it is easier to get away with theft. How does this keep your customers and employees safer? Not all but many shoplifters are into theft to support their habits. As I mentioned I have had quite a few that I have apprehended that had drugs on their person or where definitely under the influence of drugs. If they don’t want caught they are going other places so your customers are safer.
     Another danger posed by shoplifters to your employees, customers and even the shoplifter or someone with them is when they attempt to flee the store. I recall one incident in which I was attempting to apprehend a shoplifter (who I later learned had illegal drugs on her) and she had her young daughter with her. This woman not only fought with me and my partner, she also grabbed her little girl by the arm and tried to run into the parking lot with her, cars driving by, the little girl screaming and us attempting to talk her out of running. I’ve had shoplifters run and jump into their car and speed out of the parking lot nearly hitting other cars and pedestrians. More than one shoplifter has sped out of the parking lot backwards to avoid security cameras or me from seeing their license plate number. In each of these situations people are endangered by the careless acts of a criminal trying to avoid prosecution. The stores I worked in used some retail theft prevention devices and Checkpoint tags but there are many more options on the market today. Protecting more merchandise means reduced options for theft and that means shoplifters go elsewhere.
     Shoplifters are a drain on profits and a potential danger to those around them. Keeping thieves out of your stores means your customers feel safer and are more willing to browse and spend time shopping. That all adds up to more money for you. Use retail theft prevention devices on all of your goods and send shoplifters packing.
Need information on Checkpoint tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.

When you think about merchandise protection and the importance of retail theft prevention have you ever considered the other benefits your business gets from using Checkpoint tags? While it isn’t necessarily an intended consequence, stores that employ measures to deter shoplifters also help protect their employees and customers. I have been involved in Retail Loss Prevention and retail in general for over 27 years. I have personally had to apprehend shoplifters who have had marijuana on their person, and were high when busted. I have fought with shoplifters who were high on cocaine, crack and at least one who was high on methamphetamine. I have apprehended shoplifters with brass knuckles and knives concealed in pockets, waistbands and shoes. I had one instance where a shoplifter lifted his shirt when I went to stop him, showing me the handle of a gun in the front of his pants. The implied threat was obvious, stop him and it could be deadly. There are two reasons for using Checkpoint tags, first to deter theft and second to detect it.

Anti-shoplifting tags have electronic article surveillance (EAS) capability built into them and use radio frequency waves to ensure protected merchandise will be detected by EAS towers. When a thief attempts to walk out with merchandise they are trying to steal, the towers pick up the signal sent out by the tags and an alarm in the tower sounds out a sharp, loud alert. Employees of the store who have been trained on proper alarm response go to the doors and retrieve the product. Often the thief will drop the item or make an excuse that they forgot they had it with them. The first thing the towers and tags do is deter the thieves who are well aware of what towers can do and prefer to avoid stores that use retail theft prevention measures.

Consider that, shoplifters prefer to avoid stores that are using Checkpoint tags. If there are other locations that are nearby where they can go to get merchandise to steal and reduce the chance they will be detected they will do so. Likewise, they also prefer to go to stores where there is little or no customer service. If no one is going to bother them it is easier to get away with theft. How does this keep your customers and employees safer? Not all but many shoplifters are into theft to support their habits. As I mentioned I have had quite a few that I have apprehended that had drugs on their person or where definitely under the influence of drugs. If they don’t want caught they are going other places so your customers are safer.

Another danger posed by shoplifters to your employees, customers and even the shoplifter or someone with them is when they attempt to flee the store. I recall one incident in which I was attempting to apprehend a shoplifter (who I later learned had illegal drugs on her) and she had her young daughter with her. This woman not only fought with me and my partner, she also grabbed her little girl by the arm and tried to run into the parking lot with her, cars driving by, the little girl screaming and us attempting to talk her out of running. I’ve had shoplifters run and jump into their car and speed out of the parking lot nearly hitting other cars and pedestrians. More than one shoplifter has sped out of the parking lot backwards to avoid security cameras or me from seeing their license plate number. In each of these situations people are endangered by the careless acts of a criminal trying to avoid prosecution. The stores I worked in used some retail theft prevention devices and Checkpoint tags but there are many more options on the market today. Protecting more merchandise means reduced options for theft and that means shoplifters go elsewhere.

Shoplifters are a drain on profits and a potential danger to those around them. Keeping thieves out of your stores means your customers feel safer and are more willing to browse and spend time shopping. That all adds up to more money for you. Use retail theft prevention devices on all of your goods and send shoplifters packing.

 

Need information on Checkpoint tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.

 

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , ,

Unexpected Advantages Of A Checkpoint Security System – Detect Missed Bottom Of Basket Merchandise Before It Leaves The Store

December 7, 2016 by Leave a Comment

 

Checkpoint systems-3                                                                                                             WC blog 236
Checkpoint security system-4
Checkpoint tags-3
Checkpoint labels-3
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Unexpected Advantages Of A Checkpoint Security System – Detect Missed Bottom Of Basket Merchandise Before It Leaves The Store
       When you think of Checkpoint systems, what comes to mind first?  Anti-shoplifting equipment? Retail theft prevention?  You would be correct in your choices, but there are other benefits of having a Checkpoint security system that might not come immediately to mind.  A large portion of merchandise shortage does result from criminal activity and it is important to stop shoplifting and employee theft.  However, it is important to know that shortage can be caused by operational issues. Think of a time when you had a shopping cart full of merchandise, you checked out and pushed your cart to the parking lot.  After you put your bags in the trunk you realize there was an item on the bottom of the buggy, perhaps a bag of dog food, or even a small item such as a pen or cosmetic item that was not scanned.  Most of us would be honest and take the merchandise back to the store and pay for it, or leave it with the customer service counter and decide it isn’t worth the time to go back through the checkout.  This isn’t always the case.  There are people that overlook items and once outside decide to take it and blame the cashier for not catching it.  Other people see it left in a shopping cart in the parking lot and just walk off with the merchandise.  Regardless of how the merchandise was missed it was still not paid for and amounts to shrinkage.  A Checkpoint security system can prevent operational losses and stop shoplifting at the same time.
     Checkpoint systems use radio frequency waves transmitted from Checkpoint tags and received by Checkpoint electronic article surveillance antennas to create a protective screen for stores.  As merchandise is paid for at a point of sale, hard tags are removed from merchandise using a Checkpoint detachment tool and the tags are ready for reuse.  Deactivation units at the point of sale deactivate Checkpoint labels so they are unable to cause antenna alarms.  Protected merchandise that does not pass through a point of sale causes an antenna alarm to activate.  Staff members respond to those alarms and conduct receipt checks to locate the merchandise that has not been paid for and can offer to ring it up or return it to the store if the customer chooses not to purchase it.  Either way, merchandise is recovered or sold thereby accounting for it and preventing a loss.
      Just how big a deal are non-crime associated losses to stores?  According to the 2014-2015 Global Retail Theft Barometer Report, administrative and non-crime related losses accounted for 13% of shrinkage in North America, translating to approximately 4.78 BILLION dollars (pg. 53)!  The report does not break down these losses any further, and we know that some of this loss is paperwork and accounting related.  On the other hand we also know that some of this loss is due to unpaid merchandise unintentionally being removed from the store.  If all merchandise in a store was protected with Checkpoint tags or Checkpoint labels, that merchandise would be detected by a Checkpoint security system antenna before it could get out of the door.
     The primary reason to invest in Checkpoint systems should be to stop shoplifting.  Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint labels deter thieves when they see merchandise is protected.  They cause EAS antenna alarms when people attempt to steal merchandise and result in recovered merchandise from items abandoned by thieves or through receipt checks. Whether it is intentional or not, it is important to remember that any merchandise recovered adds to the profit line.  THAT is the benefit of investing in a Checkpoint security system!
Get more information on a Checkpoint security system.  Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.  
 

When you think of Checkpoint systems, what comes to mind first? Anti-shoplifting equipment? Retail theft prevention? You would be correct in your choices, but there are other benefits of having a Checkpoint security system that might not come immediately to mind. A large portion of merchandise shortage does result from criminal activity and it is important to stop shoplifting and employee theft. However, it is important to know that shortage can be caused by operational issues. Think of a time when you had a shopping cart full of merchandise, you checked out and pushed your cart to the parking lot. After you put your bags in the trunk you realize there was an item on the bottom of the buggy, perhaps a bag of dog food, or even a small item such as a pen or cosmetic item that was not scanned. Most of us would be honest and take the merchandise back to the store and pay for it, or leave it with the customer service counter and decide it isn’t worth the time to go back through the checkout. This isn’t always the case. There are people that overlook items and once outside decide to take it and blame the cashier for not catching it. Other people see it left in a shopping cart in the parking lot and just walk off with the merchandise. Regardless of how the merchandise was missed it was still not paid for and amounts to shrinkage. A Checkpoint security system can prevent operational losses and stop shoplifting at the same time.

Checkpoint systems use radio frequency waves transmitted from Checkpoint tags and received by Checkpoint electronic article surveillance antennas to create a protective screen for stores. As merchandise is paid for at a point of sale, hard tags are removed from merchandise using a Checkpoint detachment tool and the tags are ready for reuse. Deactivation units at the point of sale deactivate Checkpoint labels so they are unable to cause antenna alarms. Protected merchandise that does not pass through a point of sale causes an antenna alarm to activate. Staff members respond to those alarms and conduct receipt checks to locate the merchandise that has not been paid for and can offer to ring it up or return it to the store if the customer chooses not to purchase it. Either way, merchandise is recovered or sold thereby accounting for it and preventing a loss.

Just how big a deal are non-crime associated losses to stores? According to the 2014-2015 Global Retail Theft Barometer Report, administrative and non-crime related losses accounted for 13% of shrinkage in North America, translating to approximately 4.78 BILLION dollars (pg. 53)! The report does not break down these losses any further, and we know that some of this loss is paperwork and accounting related. On the other hand we also know that some of this loss is due to unpaid merchandise unintentionally being removed from the store. If all merchandise in a store was protected with Checkpoint tags or Checkpoint labels, that merchandise would be detected by a Checkpoint security system antenna before it could get out of the door.

The primary reason to invest in Checkpoint systems should be to stop shoplifting. Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint labels deter thieves when they see merchandise is protected. They cause EAS antenna alarms when people attempt to steal merchandise and result in recovered merchandise from items abandoned by thieves or through receipt checks. Whether it is intentional or not, it is important to remember that any merchandise recovered adds to the profit line. THAT is the benefit of investing in a Checkpoint security system!

 

Get more information on a Checkpoint security system.  Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.  

 

 

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Red Tape In Retail Theft Prevention

March 11, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Checkpoint Systems-3
Red Tape In Retail Theft Prevention
From small business to big box, all retailers have to have policies and guidelines to keep their operations going in the right direction.  Cash control, hiring and training, and loss prevention measures, among other key business factors, should be consistent and fully understood by all members of your staff.  I am a firm believer that employees should never quote policy in a customer service situation, but the company’s policies should be known and applied.  These rules can sometimes be very stringent and restricting when it comes to how the staff can stop shoplifting issues.  I work for a retail pharmacy, and our staff must meet several components before making a stop.
1. Only a member of management can make the stop.
2. The manager must see the person conceal merchandise.
3. They must be able to articulate exactly what the person has.  (for example: I need to speak to you about the bottle of ibuprofen in your pocket.)  
4. They must not lose sight of the suspect.  If sight is lost at any point, the person cannot be stopped.
5. The person must be past the point of purchase. (for example: Between the registers and the Checkpoint Systems pedestals.)
6. Employees may not exit the building to follow or question a suspected shoplifter.  No physical contact with the suspect is allowed.
I could say I have followed these rules every time I have made a stop. But that would put me in jeopardy of being struck by lightning, so I won’t.  
Rules are made for good reasons.  They are made to keep us, our customers, and our company safe.  The thing is that sometimes you just can’t stick with them.  Let’s say you are sitting in the office and you notice a suspicious character.  They are darting around, filling a bag with expensive merchandise, like high end blue jeans.  Or they have just emptied a couple of pegs of phone chargers or other electronics.  Do you really want to wait on them to make a run for it?  The Checkpoint Systems will alarm and go berserk, but it will be too late.  No, I am not saying to go accuse them of plotting to steal.  Don’t ever do that.  But there is nothing stopping you from approaching them and offering some excellent customer service.  Let them know you know what’s going on.  Tell them their basket or bag looks awful heavy and tell them you will put it behind the checkout counter for them to pay for when they are ready.  Same thing goes if they just have a handful of those electronics. 
Take a look at the new trend of thieves coming in pairs.  One gathers the merchandise while the other remains in the background.  The staff is not even aware of the second person being part of this.   The first one doesn’t pay any mind to cameras, or even attempt to hide what they are doing.  They sometimes take the stuff to a restroom, where the accomplice is waiting.  They don’t even bother trying to remove any Checkpoint Labels or other anti-shoplifting hardware.  The gatherer comes out of the restroom with the bag, while it’s actually the accomplice that has the concealed items with them.  Staff stops the first guy while the second guy gets away.  They may even choose to make this exchange right near the front door, anticipating the alarm sounding, so during the distraction the store staff again naturally detains the wrong person.  My solution to this may sound bad, but it makes more sense to stop this in its tracks.  Otherwise, productivity halts, reports have to be written, and court dates will loom if you are able to make a successful recovery during one of these scams.  The most likely scenario is second guy gets away, and you were too covered up dealing with the first guy to get any description or details about the one that got out anyway.   
Of course, you have to make sure it all jives with your immediate supervisor, but I say stop the first guy while it is in progress.  Before they even try to get past your Checkpoint Systems, take it all away from the one gathering, and put it behind the counter.  Show them who’s in charge.
For more information on Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

From small business to big box, all retailers have to have policies and guidelines to keep their operations going in the right direction. Cash control, hiring and training, and loss prevention measures, among other key business factors, should be consistent and fully understood by all members of your staff. I am a firm believer that employees should never quote policy in a customer service situation, but the company’s policies should be known and applied. These rules can sometimes be very stringent and restricting when it comes to how the staff can stop shoplifting issues. I work for a retail pharmacy, and our staff must meet several components before making a stop.

1. Only a member of management can make the stop.

2. The manager must see the person conceal merchandise.

3. They must be able to articulate exactly what the person has.  (for example: I need to speak to you about the bottle of ibuprofen in your pocket.)  

4. They must not lose sight of the suspect.  If sight is lost at any point, the person cannot be stopped.

5. The person must be past the point of purchase. (for example: Between the registers and the Checkpoint Systems pedestals.)

6. Employees may not exit the building to follow or question a suspected shoplifter. No physical contact with the suspect is allowed.

 

I could say I have followed these rules every time I have made a stop. But that would put me in jeopardy of being struck by lightning, so I won’t.  


Rules are made for good reasons. They are made to keep us, our customers, and our company safe. The thing is that sometimes you just can’t stick with them. Let’s say you are sitting in the office and you notice a suspicious character. They are darting around, filling a bag with expensive merchandise, like high end blue jeans. Or they have just emptied a couple of pegs of phone chargers or other electronics.  Do you really want to wait on them to make a run for it? The Checkpoint Systems will alarm and go berserk, but it will be too late. No, I am not saying to go accuse them of plotting to steal. Don’t ever do that. But there is nothing stopping you from approaching them and offering some excellent customer service. Let them know you know what’s going on. Tell them their basket or bag looks awful heavy and tell them you will put it behind the checkout counter for them to pay for when they are ready. Same thing goes if they just have a handful of those electronics. 

Take a look at the new trend of thieves coming in pairs. One gathers the merchandise while the other remains in the background. The staff is not even aware of the second person being part of this. The first one doesn’t pay any mind to cameras, or even attempt to hide what they are doing. They sometimes take the stuff to a restroom, where the accomplice is waiting. They don’t even bother trying to remove any Checkpoint Labels or other anti-shoplifting hardware. The gatherer comes out of the restroom with the bag, while it’s actually the accomplice that has the concealed items with them. Staff stops the first guy while the second guy gets away. They may even choose to make this exchange right near the front door, anticipating the alarm sounding, so during the distraction the store staff again naturally detains the wrong person. My solution to this may sound bad, but it makes more sense to stop this in its tracks. Otherwise, productivity halts, reports have to be written, and court dates will loom if you are able to make a successful recovery during one of these scams. The most likely scenario is second guy gets away, and you were too covered up dealing with the first guy to get any description or details about the one that got out anyway.   


Of course, you have to make sure it all jives with your immediate supervisor, but I say stop the first guy while it is in progress. Before they even try to get past your Checkpoint Systems, take it all away from the one gathering, and put it behind the counter. Show them who’s in charge.


For more information on Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , , ,

Checkpoint Systems Will Stop You from Appearing on the Shoplifter’s “Favorites”

January 13, 2016 by Leave a Comment

 

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Checkpoint Systems Will Stop You from Appearing on the Shoplifter’s “Favorites”
“No one’s looking; go ahead and do it.”  Little did they know that one of the 400 + cameras in the store was watching them intently as they struggled to remove the Alpha spider-wrap by Checkpoint systems that was protecting the game system from leaving the store without going through checkout.  They moved from one system to another, hoping the result would be different and they would defeat the Checkpoint tag present in that spider-wrap that would ultimately give them away when they tried to leave.  They at least knew they had to get the wrap off the merchandise if they were going to steal the merchandise, finally resorting to tearing into the box to remove the merchandise.
Of course the state where the store was located had anti-shoplifting laws that made it a crime to try to remove retail theft prevention devices.  We stopped the individuals while they were still in the store and took them to detention.  When asked why they spent so much time working on the spider-wraps their only answer was, “We knew we had to get the *@#! thing off before we could get away or it would activate the alarm at the door.”  They were absolutely correct as the systems deployed in the store included electronic article surveillance (EAS) antennae at each exit from the store.  Chalk another one up to Alpha anti-shoplifting spider-wraps and the Checkpoint systems for an assist in taking these two shoplifters into custody and preventing an expensive loss to the company in the three game systems they were trying to steal.
The store had a policy of placing Alpha spider-wraps and other anti-shoplifting devices on any merchandise valued at $50 or more and smaller than a large laptop computer.  This policy was strictly enforced and audited and has prevented an uncountable number of shoplifters from taking some very high-dollar merchandise.  It also allowed the high-dollar merchandise to be displayed on the retail floor where customers can interact with the merchandise with minimal risk of theft.
Besides Alpha spider-wraps, other retail theft prevention solutions are deployed throughout the store, including cableloks to secure display merchandise along with other display solutions for cell phones and tablets, allowing them to still be displayed and interacted with by the customer.  Alpha keepers are also deployed on games and CDs to make them visible while ensuring the game is alarmed if someone tries to remove it from the store. In addition, it is a Checkpoint labels were put on the game itself prior to placing it in the Alpha keeper.  This gives you layered protection.  The key to success is a strong policy that is audited.  Have your sales staff or managers check samples of merchandise to ensure that their anti-shoplifting devices are placed on the merchandise appropriately and verify that you cashiers are removing those devices or deactivating the Checkpoint systems EAS tags so you do not unduly alarm your customers.
Once your policies and audits are in place, you just have to enforce them and make sure that your staff knows that it is an important part of your job and that retail theft prevention is on everyone’s position description.  Combine the solution provided by Checkpoint systems with your usual good customer service.  This will make the potential shoplifter look at much softer targets in town and bypass doing business with you—a kind of business you can do without!
Yes, the store I was describing is a “big-box” store with a large CCTV system and security staff; however, it doesn’t matter.  Checkpoint systems anti-shoplifting solutions can work just as well in the small sole proprietorship as they can in the large franchised store.  They are an affordable solution that when deployed properly with policy and auditing to back it up will help reduce your shrink and take you off the shoplifter’s –even the organized retail criminal’s—“favorites’ list.
For more information on Checkpoint Systems contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

No one’s looking; go ahead and do it.” Little did they know that one of the 400 + cameras in the store was watching them intently as they struggled to remove the Alpha spider-wrap by Checkpoint systems that was protecting the game system from leaving the store without going through checkout. They moved from one system to another, hoping the result would be different and they would defeat the Checkpoint tag present in that spider-wrap that would ultimately give them away when they tried to leave. They at least knew they had to get the wrap off the merchandise if they were going to steal the merchandise, finally resorting to tearing into the box to remove the merchandise.

Of course the state where the store was located had anti-shoplifting laws that made it a crime to try to remove retail theft prevention devices. We stopped the individuals while they were still in the store and took them to detention. When asked why they spent so much time working on the spider-wraps their only answer was, “We knew we had to get the *@#! thing off before we could get away or it would activate the alarm at the door.” They were absolutely correct as the systems deployed in the store included electronic article surveillance (EAS) antennae at each exit from the store. Chalk another one up to Alpha anti-shoplifting spider-wraps and the Checkpoint systems for an assist in taking these two shoplifters into custody and preventing an expensive loss to the company in the three game systems they were trying to steal.

The store had a policy of placing Alpha spider-wraps and other anti-shoplifting devices on any merchandise valued at $50 or more and smaller than a large laptop computer. This policy was strictly enforced and audited and has prevented an uncountable number of shoplifters from taking some very high-dollar merchandise. It also allowed the high-dollar merchandise to be displayed on the retail floor where customers can interact with the merchandise with minimal risk of theft.

Besides Alpha spider-wraps, other retail theft prevention solutions are deployed throughout the store, including cableloks to secure display merchandise along with other display solutions for cell phones and tablets, allowing them to still be displayed and interacted with by the customer. Alpha keepers are also deployed on games and CDs to make them visible while ensuring the game is alarmed if someone tries to remove it from the store. In addition, it is a Checkpoint labels were put on the game itself prior to placing it in the Alpha keeper. This gives you layered protection. The key to success is a strong policy that is audited. Have your sales staff or managers check samples of merchandise to ensure that their anti-shoplifting devices are placed on the merchandise appropriately and verify that you cashiers are removing those devices or deactivating the Checkpoint systems EAS tags so you do not unduly alarm your customers.

Once your policies and audits are in place, you just have to enforce them and make sure that your staff knows that it is an important part of your job and that retail theft prevention is on everyone’s position description. Combine the solution provided by Checkpoint systems with your usual good customer service. This will make the potential shoplifter look at much softer targets in town and bypass doing business with you—a kind of business you can do without!

Yes, the store I was describing is a “big-box” store with a large CCTV system and security staff; however, it doesn’t matter. Checkpoint systems anti-shoplifting solutions can work just as well in the small sole proprietorship as they can in the large franchised store. They are an affordable solution that when deployed properly with policy and auditing to back it up will help reduce your shrink and take you off the shoplifter’s –even the organized retail criminal’s—“favorites’ list.

For more information on Checkpoint Systems contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

 

 

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