Crowd control in the loss prevention game

I learned a series of valuable lessons on Saturday.  The most important of all of is that if you are approaching a suspect and they are with a group of other people you have to separate them from that group no matter what.  If not, your endeavors to ensure proper retail theft prevention may prove for naught.

A perfect example of this occurred this past weekend.  A suspect was spotted on the floor, followed throughout the store via cameras by myself and the LPM as she selected a fragrance and used her nails and teeth to remove the plastic anti shoplifting shell from the item.  Once that was accomplished she discarded everything but the perfume itself in various parts of the store until she left where she was stopped by another member of the team under orders of the LPM.

The problem took place when she was being escorted back inside.  Before she had been stopped she had rendezvoused with several friends who were not only following her back inside the store, but also creating a scene.  At one point I thought they would start a riot.

While this was occurring she was claiming she no longer had the item.  I directed my LPM via radio to the locations of the anti shoplifting shell and the other discarded pieces but she insisted that the perfume was still in the store.  A friend of hers directed the LPM to a display rack and produced the missing perfume.

We were shocked and under the immediate assumption it was a bad stop until I reviewed the video.  Not once had the suspect come within ten feet of the display.  That led us to the conclusion that while the group was creating a scene one of them planted the item there AFTER returning to the store.

The moral of this story of retail theft prevention: kick the crowds to the curb and just take the suspect.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase retail anti theft devices from Checkpoint Systems.

For more information on Anti Shoplifting , Checkpoint Security System or Checkpoint Security Tags contact us at Retail theft prevention or call 1.770.426.0547

Criminal of Opportunity

Using anti-shoplifting devices such as EAS hard tags and soft tags has really done a great deal to cut down on shoplifting from the opportunist or armature shoplifter in my building. The typical person that is shoplifting is someone that shops at the store regularly, loves the merchandise, but just can’t afford to buy it all the time. These people steal because it is easy and accessible. When you take those things away by implementing anti-theft devices, you eliminate the probability of armature theft taking place. When you remove the opportunity, you reduce the theft.

 Even when you do have an ambitious shoplifter, they tend to be easier to identify when you have anti-theft devices in place. Working in retail security for as long as I have, you’ve seen it all. Recently I had a shoplifter that selected a few shirts that were protected with some hard tags. I didn’t pick up on the person until they were in the corner of our shoe department using the edge of the shelf to try and pry the hard tag off of the items. They were able to wrestle a few of them off the merchandise, but it took them quite some time and a lot of determination. I had several sales floor employees contacting me and letting me know what was going on as it was so obvious. By the time they had removed the tags and concealed the merchandise I was able to contact the police and have them ready to apprehend before they even left the building.

 Visit RBC Security Solutions for Anti-Shoplifting or Anti- theft Devices that can help you with your Retail Security needs like Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags. Our EAS Labels and Tags are not cheap they are inexpensive and made in the U.S.

 For more information on how you can use Anti- theft Devices to help you prevent retail theft in your business with products like Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags contact us.

 Click here for your Free Sample of these new Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags for your Retail Security and Anti-Shoplifting needs!

 

The Five Steps

When a loss prevention associate or store manager makes an apprehension, most companies require the five steps to be in place. The reason behind the steps is to eliminate any doubt that may arise that a theft has taken place.

The first step is to see the subject enter the store, or department. This allows you time to see what the suspect does or does not have in their possession. The use of a Checkpoint security system like CCTV can help make this happen.

Next you want to see them select the merchandise. This shows that the product is actually yours, and not the suspects. You can further emphasize this step by observing that the merchandise is equipped with an anti shoplifting device like Checkpoint security tags.

The third thing is concealment. Where have they hidden the product on their person? Most thieves will attempt to detach the checkpoint security tags prior to concealing the item. Don’t forget, if they wear the item out, like a jacket, this is the applicable step to help prove their intentions.

Next you want to maintain constant observation. You can either watch them directly on the sales floor or by the checkpoint security system like CCTV. You are really trying to make sure that the suspect does not discard the product before they exit. It is also important to know if they are stealing more than one item.

Finally you need to have them exit the building. Some states and some companies do allow for apprehensions to be made just inside a doorway or vestibule. Make sure you are aware of your local codes and company policies to know your limitations.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase retail anti theft devices from Checkpoint Systems.

For more information on Anti Shoplifting , Checkpoint Security System or Checkpoint Security Tags contact us at Retail theft prevention or call 1.770.426.0547

 

Retail security simplified…

I am often amazed at how complex we as business leaders tend to make things.  In an effort to always do more and do it better we sometimes just overcomplicate proven processes.  Take retail security for example.  I am amazed at how many different providers there are of anti-shoplifting tools.  Last I checked all EAS tags were created equal. 

 Think about it.  It is the same technology.  Whether you get name brand EAS tags or you get cheap tags you still will be preventing loss by protecting your product.  Anti-theft devices are unnerving for most shoplifters.  Most major studies show that the overwhelming offender is an amateur.  This type of shoplifter only knows one thing; anti-theft devices help you get you caught.  If they don’t care whose name is on the tag then why do we?  Why pay for a name brand tag when cheap labels and tags still deter theft.  When you consider switching to less expensive equipment you will still deter theft and save on expenses.  I think that’s called a win-win situation.

 Visit RBC Security Solutions for Anti-Shoplifting or Anti- theft Devices that can help you with your Retail Security needs like Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags. Our EAS Labels and Tags are not cheap they are inexpensive and made in the U.S.

 For more information on how you can use Anti- theft Devices to help you prevent retail theft in your business with products like Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags contact us.

 Click here for your Free Sample of these new Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags for your Retail Security and Anti-Shoplifting needs!

A helpful tip…

We all know retail security is a tough game.  There are so many different facets to performing the job that it can seem daunting at times.  What makes it worse is that even after you have taken every possible anti-shoplifting precaution or have access to, and use, every anti-theft device on the planet, somehow there is someone out there who will still steal from you.  It doesn’t matter HOW they do it or even WHY they do it, they just do it and that’s all we need to concern ourselves with.  That is why when we get beat (and don’t say you haven’t because we know that’s a lie) we need to learn what our weakness was and adapt to compensate for it.

An example would be a recent endeavor to stop a series of snatch and grab thefts occurring in our high-end children’s clothing area, which is unfortunately positioned within twenty feet of a main exit.  It took two hits to that area before we realized what was happening and required installing and affixing more anti-theft devices.  When that didn’t work we installed a brand new camera to catch him in the act.  That failed too.  He was too quick and there wasn’t enough time to spot him and apprehend him.

The solution:

Move his target section to the far end of the second floor.

When it comes to retail security you just need to think outside the box to succeed.

 Visit RBC Security Solutions for Anti-Shoplifting or Anti- theft Devices that can help you with your Retail Security needs like Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags. Our Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS Labels and Tags are not cheap they are inexpensive and made in the U.S.

 For more information on how you can use Anti- theft Devices in conjunction with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to help you prevent retail theft in your business with products like Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags contact us.

 Click here for your Free Sample of these new Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags for your Retail Security and Anti-Shoplifting needs.

 

Shoplifters are also getting smarter…

When one thinks of working towards retail theft prevention they don’t exactly envision a high-tech industry combating groups or individuals who have the resources of an organized crime syndicate, but in reality it is those types of people who are the greatest threat to our profession.  As things become more desperate in this economy, the professional thieves have upped their respective games in more ways than one.  Some have become more violent, resorting to outright threats of harming those who get in their way, while others have learned of more methods to cover their tracks such as changing the license plates on their vehicles or wearing realistic masks or prosthetics.  Then there are those who are ‘tech-savvy’.

The technically minded shoplifters have begun devising ways to circumvent anti-shoplifting safeguards with computers cell phones.  Last week, one of my stores suffered a complete failure of their camera system because an ingenious team of thieves used a series of laser pointers of a certain type to create a feedback error to the system.  It disabled the cameras throughout several parts of the store and gave them time to grab what they wanted and make for the doors.  Unfortunately for them they miscalculated when they tried to beat the Checkpoint security system.  Nearly everything they had grabbed was large and had some sort of Checkpoint security tag on it.  Despite their best efforts, the Checkpoint security system went off as they passed the threshold and allowed us on the floor to figure out which way they had exited.  When we caught them, the police found a device that they claimed was supposed to jam the frequencies used by the Checkpoint security system for setting off the alarm.

It looked like they miscalculated.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase retail anti theft devices from Checkpoint Systems.

For more information on Anti Shoplifting , Checkpoint Security System or Checkpoint Security Tags contact us at Retail theft prevention or call 1.770.426.0547

 

Anti-Theft Devices Help Put the Shoe on the Other Foot

While working as a Loss Prevention agent for a clothing retailer, our shoes were literally walking out the door…on the feet of shoplifters. Our daily routine included visits to our office by associates from the shoe department who found a box containing dirty and worn footwear that someone decided to swap out with our merchandise. We tried to watch the cameras for the shoe aisles as often as we could to try to detect if any customers were displaying indicators that revealed their intention to make off with our shoes. Alas, it turned out that there were too many footwear thieves and too little LP employees for detainments to tighten up our retail security in the shoe department.

The loss to the department and store was so devastating that my employer realized the need to invest in anti-shoplifting tags to prevent this problem from getting the best of us. Immediately the efficacy of the anti-theft devices became apparent, when at first the amount of shoe swap outs halted completely. However, within a week certain shoplifters came prepared with cutting tools to defeat the tags. On the other hand, the time it took to try to remove the sensor prolonged the thief’s time in the store and it was a pretty noticeable activity. In addition, when we arrested these equipped individuals the police often charged them with burglary because of the instrument in their possession. Best of all, the utilization of these tags helped us keep retail security in my store under control and the number of shoe swap outs was decreased by more than seventy-five percent. The anti-theft devices helped us stop dishonest customers from effortlessly walking countless miles in our shoes for free.

 Visit RBC Security Solutions for Anti-Shoplifting or Anti-theft Devices that can help you with your Retail Security needs like Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags. Our EAS Labels and Tags are not cheap they are inexpensive and made in the U.S.

 For more information on how you can use Anti-theft Devices to help you prevent retail theft in your business with products like Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags contact us

Click here for your Free Sample of these new Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags for your Retail Security and Anti-Shoplifting needs!

Made in the USA

First of all I should say congratulations to anyone who has decided to use any sort of anti theft devices. Retail security theft is a significant issue to any retailer who is trying to save their profits on all fronts. Better yet, congratulations on deciding to use EAS tags and labels for your anti shoplifting needs.

Now that the decision has been made, it’s time to think about some of the associated costs. You need to have at a minimum, EAS tags or labels and a tower at the entrance to alarm the devices. Just because the cost of prevention is far less than  a loss of merchandise due to theft, doesn’t mean you have to spend your last penny on them.

By going with a reliable company, it is easy to get cheap labels and cheap tags for your needs. You should be aware that many companies do offer cheap tags and cheap labels that are not made in the USA.

While they may have a good price, they may end up costing in the long run. Some do not deactivate properly causing customer complaints. Some aren’t activated, which defeats the purpose of even having them.

Make sure your company uses tried and true made in the USA tags and labels to really get the most for your money.

Visit RBC Security Solutions for Anti-Shoplifting or Anti- theft Devices that can help you with your Retail Security needs like Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags. Our EAS Labels and Tags are not cheap they are inexpensive and made in the U.S.

For more information on how you can use Anti- theft Devices to help you prevent retail theft in your business with products like Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags contact us.

Click here for your Free Sample of these new Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags for your Retail Security and Anti-Shoplifting needs!

Relying on your Checkpoint Systems

In retail theft prevention the key to a safe apprehension is simple; be smart. We have all seen the horror stories of apprehensions gone wrong, and situations where something gets out of hand causing dangerous circumstances. I myself have experienced situations that have come close to getting out of control had I handled it incorrectly. Situations like these can cause lawsuits, job loss, and can even be life threatening. The biggest thing to remember is that a bad apprehension is never worth its weight in what we could have recovered. Relying on your checkpoint systems can help keep you safe from apprehensions gone wrong.

Your first line of defense is to check for defeated anti shoplifting devices when investigating a shoplifter. Finding defeated anti shoplifting devices is extra proof that the shoplifter had the intent to steal. If you don’t find removed tags or anti shoplifting devices, did the checkpoint systems alarm sound when they left the store? If it didn’t, are you positive you saw concealment and had constant surveillance? Video review to ensure accuracy is not only easy with the right equipment, but can save you from a bad mistake if you missed something during your surveillance.

Always be sure you are making a safe approach to an apprehension. Ideally have one person on cameras that can obtain a vehicle description, license plate, direction of travel, or relay any potential threatening situations to the police while someone else is making the apprehension.

Be a good judge of the situation; always be aware of what is going on around you and be prepared to get out of the way if danger ensues. Having used the hands off approach for years, I have come to realize there is always another way. If words don’t work, rely on the authorities to locate the suspect for you with the information you have already obtained.

If a shoplifter makes a threat or acts to harm you, simply getting out of the way and allowing them to leave will usually resolve the situation. A threat of harm is typically only levied as a way out for the shoplifter. Giving them that way out resolves the need for them to be physically violent. And in that worst case situation where the shoplifter gets away, remember that they will be back, and next time will be even easier to catch them as you already know what they are going to do.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase retail theft prevention devices from Checkpoint Systems.

For more information on Anti Shoplifting , Checkpoint Security System or Checkpoint Security Tags contact us at Retail Theft Prevention or call 1.770.426.0547

Affordable Retail Security

RBC Security Solutions is now offering an affordable approach to retail security.  Anti-theft devices have long been a thing for large corporations or the security minded small business.  RBC Security Solutions now provides Cheap Labels and Cheap tags aimed at retail security.  These anti shoplifting devices are being priced for the business operating on a smaller budget.  Anti shoplifting policy and products can help any business maintain or increase its profits.  Retail security has become even more important as the economic climate becomes more difficult.  While a businessperson cannot control their sales volume, they can control their operating loss.  That is where Cheap Labels, Cheap Tags and other anti-theft devices become important.

I have personally seen the impact of such retail security devices.  I’ve seen this in the larger corporate store environment as well as the mom and pop business.  I’ve actually even seen this at an illegal fence location.  All of these locations employed anti-shoplifting and Anti-Theft devices and I’m sure they worked for their intended purposes. All of this is designed to help save the end-user money, no matter who they are. Hence them being used by the Fence. It is a tried and true method of reducing shrink and helping to keep your margins safe.

Visit RBC Security Solutions for Anti-Shoplifting or Anti- theft Devices that can help you with your Retail Security needs like Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags. Our EAS Labels and Tags are not cheap they are inexpensive and made in the U.S.

For more information on how you can use Anti- theft Devices to help you prevent retail theft in your business with products like Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags contact us.

Click here for your Free Sample of these new Cheap Labels and Cheap Tags for your Retail Security and Anti-Shoplifting needs!