Food Safety And Food Security; Addressing Two Concerns By Using Checkpoint Labels

January 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment

A friend of mine in my office was talking about wanting to try eating Fugu Sushi…I am not a fan of eating raw fish anyways but I had to ask what Fugu Sushi is. My friend explained it is sushi made from…wait for it…Puffer fish! Yup, he wants to try eating poisonous fish. First of all, on my bucket list of things to do before I die, eating something that may expedite my need to complete my bucket list early is not one of them. Second it seems to me this is a food safety issue (or lack of one). Geez, why not just undercook your pork and try eating that to see if you can kill yourself? I have an idea, cut up raw chicken on your countertop and then prepare other foods.  Why travel all the way to Japan to commit hari kari? My friend is a little odd. When it comes to food safety I have another take on it and one more palatable to grocery retailers. How about the safety in not worrying about meat being stolen from the cooler shelves? Thieves coming in to steal meat cost a store extraordinary amounts of money and pose a safety risk to other customers and employees. Checkpoint Systems has Checkpoint labels that are safe for food AND can stop shoplifting.

     Checkpoint Systems has a wide range of tools to assist stores in reducing shortage caused by theft, fraud and even operational errors. Checkpoint labels are one of the tools offered to protect merchandise. The labels are designed to interact with electronic article surveillance towers touching off a tower alarm when merchandise tagged with a label is carried too close to the detection field of the tower. I have used Checkpoint Systems products as a Loss Prevention Manager and have seen how effective they are in their ability to stop shoplifting. The labels are extremely difficult to pull off of merchandise once put in place. They are also easy to conceal in merchandise when you don’t want the bad guys to know where a tag is placed. As a side note it can be funny watching shoplifters trying to locate hidden tags then finding them and trying to peel them off. Often they get frustrated and just leave the merchandise which is the whole point of merchandise protection.
     Okay, now you’re thinking what does food safety have to do with security and Checkpoint labels? Good question. One of the most expensive items a grocery store sells is meat. I was just looking at roasts in my favorite grocery store and a roast beef was $18, a package of steaks $25 and a very large pork roast was half price at $32! I have watched shoplifters stuff steaks down their pants and hide roasts under their coats. The losses can crush a small grocery retailer especially when it is estimated the profit margins for a grocery store range from 1%-3%. That does not leave much room for loss due to theft.  That is a financial security issue and one which I have discussed in other articles. There is a safety concern as well because frequently shoplifters will conceal merchandise and run out of a store or if approached by a manager or employee about a suspected theft they will push past anyone in their way. I have seen young children almost pushed to the floor as a shoplifter was desperate to run from a store. 
     To solve this food safety and security issue Checkpoint Systems has created two labels that can be used to stop shoplifting. One label can be placed on packaging or under meat soaker pads to hide them. Another label is safe for food packaging.  Both are food safe and microwave safe. Since they are from Checkpoint both have electronic article surveillance protection designed in them so they will set off towers even if a protected steak is concealed in a shoplifter’s pants. 
     Yes, this is a bit of a different way of looking at food safety but using Checkpoint labels will stop shoplifting and the safety concerns associated with shoplifter actions. They also keep profits in the store where they need to be. 
Checkpoint labels are important and we can help you with them. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
     

A friend of mine in my office was talking about wanting to try eating Fugu Sushi…I am not a fan of eating raw fish anyways but I had to ask what Fugu Sushi is. My friend explained it is sushi made from…wait for it…Puffer fish! Yup, he wants to try eating poisonous fish. First of all, on my bucket list of things to do before I die, eating something that may expedite my need to complete my bucket list early is not one of them. Second it seems to me this is a food safety issue (or lack of one). Geez, why not just undercook your pork and try eating that to see if you can kill yourself? I have an idea, cut up raw chicken on your countertop and then prepare other foods.  Why travel all the way to Japan to commit hari kari? My friend is a little odd. When it comes to food safety I have another take on it and one more palatable to grocery retailers. How about the safety in not worrying about meat being stolen from the cooler shelves? Thieves coming in to steal meat cost a store extraordinary amounts of money and pose a safety risk to other customers and employees. Checkpoint Systems has Checkpoint labels that are safe for food AND can stop shoplifting.

Checkpoint Systems has a wide range of tools to assist stores in reducing shortage caused by theft, fraud and even operational errors. Checkpoint labels are one of the tools offered to protect merchandise. The labels are designed to interact with electronic article surveillance towers touching off a tower alarm when merchandise tagged with a label is carried too close to the detection field of the tower. I have used Checkpoint Systems products as a Loss Prevention Manager and have seen how effective they are in their ability to stop shoplifting. The labels are extremely difficult to pull off of merchandise once put in place. They are also easy to conceal in merchandise when you don’t want the bad guys to know where a tag is placed. As a side note it can be funny watching shoplifters trying to locate hidden tags then finding them and trying to peel them off. Often they get frustrated and just leave the merchandise which is the whole point of merchandise protection.

Okay, now you’re thinking what does food safety have to do with security and Checkpoint labels? Good question. One of the most expensive items a grocery store sells is meat. I was just looking at roasts in my favorite grocery store and a roast beef was $18, a package of steaks $25 and a very large pork roast was half price at $32! I have watched shoplifters stuff steaks down their pants and hide roasts under their coats. The losses can crush a small grocery retailer especially when it is estimated the profit margins for a grocery store range from 1%-3%. That does not leave much room for loss due to theft.  That is a financial security issue and one which I have discussed in other articles. There is a safety concern as well because frequently shoplifters will conceal merchandise and run out of a store or if approached by a manager or employee about a suspected theft they will push past anyone in their way. I have seen young children almost pushed to the floor as a shoplifter was desperate to run from a store. 

To solve this food safety and security issue Checkpoint Systems has created two labels that can be used to stop shoplifting. One label can be placed on packaging or under meat soaker pads to hide them. Another label is safe for food packaging.  Both are food safe and microwave safe. Since they are from Checkpoint both have electronic article surveillance protection designed in them so they will set off towers even if a protected steak is concealed in a shoplifter’s pants. 

Yes, this is a bit of a different way of looking at food safety but using Checkpoint labels will stop shoplifting and the safety concerns associated with shoplifter actions. They also keep profits in the store where they need to be. 

 

Checkpoint labels are important and we can help you with them. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.

     

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , ,

Checkpoint Security Systems Latest Label Leaves A Lasting Impression For ORC Groups

July 11, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

Checkpoint Labels-3                                                                                                            WC Blog 314
Checkpoint Security Systems-3
Stop Shoplifting-3
Checkpoint Security Systems Latest Label Leaves A Lasting Impression For ORC Groups
     I enjoy watching movies like “Mission Impossible” or “The Bourne” series or occasionally a James Bond film will strike my fancy. There are always the latest gadgets or spy toys used to catch the criminals. Maybe it’s a vehicle tracker or a pair of “electronic charged gloves” that allows the hero to climb up the side of a building. Sometimes the gear seems a little far- fetched and at other times you know it is real, you just wonder how often such things are used. I like to imagine using some high tech tracking device to follow bad guys and break up an international crime syndicate.  On the other hand, I can tell you about a new device on the market available to retailers to help them curb theft. This one does have potential for helping investigators catch Organized Theft Rings and stop shoplifting. It kind of reminds me of those techy movies, but this involves Checkpoint security systems and new Checkpoint labels.
     I know, you’re sitting there thinking this guy has gone a little off the deep end or he is just really exaggerating the value of this new device. Well, I may be a little off the deep end, but in this case I am not overstating the value of this newest weapon in the arsenal of Checkpoint labels. The item I am talking about is the 2928 S micro “SWAT” Tag, a small 1 inch diameter label that works with Checkpoint Systems electronic article surveillance (EAS) towers. With a clear viewing label, it is easy to apply to all types of merchandise but especially small health and beauty products that are a favorite with Organized Retail Crime (ORC) rings. In the past these items could be hard to protect with tags because the tags were too large or covered vital ingredient information or warning labels. The clear viewing label allows that information to be read by the customer and still provide the necessary protection to stop shoplifting of the merchandise. The thing that stands out most about this Checkpoint label is that it has “leave behind protection” and it is this feature that makes it so dangerous to ORC gangs. 
     Boosters come to the store to steal multiple items at a time and may be willing to risk a theft and setting off an alarm pedestal of a Checkpoint security system if they think something may have a tag. They are only concerned about whether they can remove the tag after they make their escape. While difficult to remove from a package, some thieves are willing to expend theenergy to take off traditional EAS tags in order to resell the goods. Removing labels and markings makes it difficult for store managers to say what merchandise came from their store when a warehouse or illegitimate sales operation is raided for suspected ORC activity. In this way, a business dealing in stolen goods may be selling the merchandise knowing it was stolen and there is nothing to prove where it came from. Even if a Checkpoint 2928 S micro SWAT Tag is removed from a product it leaves behind an indelible marking that can prove where the merchandise came from. Talk about spy gadgetry!
     What kind of marking can identify where a product came from? The SWAT tag has a symbol in the middle of the tag that comes in a standard block lock figure, a custom QR code or a custom design you select, such as your store logo, store number or company name. When the bad guys take the tag off to clean the product what they won’t realize is that they are leaving behind the indelible marking. The symbol remains behind and is evidence that the merchandise came from somewhere else. Using your store logo as the symbol or a QR code can specify to investigators that the items were from your location. These Checkpoint labels are definitely an effective way to stop shoplifting and identify ORC activity, and potentially get your merchandise back from these criminal groups.
     Let Checkpoint security systems help you improve your in-stocks, reduce shortage and ultimately improve profits. Deter organized criminal activity in your store and your neighborhood with the Checkpoint 2928 S micro SWAT tag.
Checkpoint labels are important and we can help you with them. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.

I enjoy watching movies like “Mission Impossible” or “The Bourne” series or occasionally a James Bond film will strike my fancy. There are always the latest gadgets or spy toys used to catch the criminals. Maybe it’s a vehicle tracker or a pair of “electronic charged gloves” that allows the hero to climb up the side of a building. Sometimes the gear seems a little far- fetched and at other times you know it is real, you just wonder how often such things are used. I like to imagine using some high tech tracking device to follow bad guys and break up an international crime syndicate. On the other hand, I can tell you about a new device on the market available to retailers to help them curb theft. This one does have potential for helping investigators catch Organized Theft Rings and stop shoplifting. It kind of reminds me of those techy movies, but this involves Checkpoint security systems and new Checkpoint labels.

I know, you’re sitting there thinking this guy has gone a little off the deep end or he is just really exaggerating the value of this new device. Well, I may be a little off the deep end, but in this case I am not overstating the value of this newest weapon in the arsenal of Checkpoint labels. The item I am talking about is the 2928 S micro “SWAT” Tag, a small 1 inch diameter label that works with Checkpoint Systems electronic article surveillance (EAS) towers. With a clear viewing label, it is easy to apply to all types of merchandise but especially small health and beauty products that are a favorite with Organized Retail Crime (ORC) rings. In the past these items could be hard to protect with tags because the tags were too large or covered vital ingredient information or warning labels. The clear viewing label allows that information to be read by the customer and still provide the necessary protection to stop shoplifting of the merchandise. The thing that stands out most about this Checkpoint label is that it has “leave behind protection” and it is this feature that makes it so dangerous to ORC gangs. 

Boosters come to the store to steal multiple items at a time and may be willing to risk a theft and setting off an alarm pedestal of a Checkpoint security system if they think something may have a tag. They are only concerned about whether they can remove the tag after they make their escape. While difficult to remove from a package, some thieves are willing to expend the energy to take off traditional EAS tags in order to resell the goods. Removing labels and markings makes it difficult for store managers to say what merchandise came from their store when a warehouse or illegitimate sales operation is raided for suspected ORC activity. In this way, a business dealing in stolen goods may be selling the merchandise knowing it was stolen and there is nothing to prove where it came from. Even if a Checkpoint 2928 S micro SWAT Tag is removed from a product it leaves behind an indelible marking that can prove where the merchandise came from. Talk about spy gadgetry!

What kind of marking can identify where a product came from? The SWAT tag has a symbol in the middle of the tag that comes in a standard block lock figure, a custom QR code or a custom design you select, such as your store logo, store number or company name. When the bad guys take the tag off to clean the product what they won’t realize is that they are leaving behind the indelible marking. The symbol remains behind and is evidence that the merchandise came from somewhere else. Using your store logo as the symbol or a QR code can specify to investigators that the items were from your location. These Checkpoint labels are definitely an effective way to stop shoplifting and identify ORC activity, and potentially get your merchandise back from these criminal groups.

Let Checkpoint security systems help you improve your in-stocks, reduce shortage and ultimately improve profits. Deter organized criminal activity in your store and your neighborhood with the Checkpoint 2928 S micro SWAT tag.

 

Checkpoint labels are important and we can help you with them. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.

 

 

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
Stop shoplifting-3
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: , , , , , ,

FLY AWAY WITH A CHECKPOINT SECURITY SYSTEM

November 10, 2016 by Leave a Comment

To stay relevant in retail, you’ve got to change constantly to meet your customer needs. Electronics are no different. You have to keep up with changes customer preferences and tastes in order to maximize your sales. This is why retailers of all sizes seem to be stocking those hover-boards that are so wildly popular. No, not the Marty McFly kind… yet, but they’re still a ton of fun to play on. I want to show you how, with the help of Checkpoint Labels, I was able to save my company nearly $5,000 last week.

 

It was about 7pm and I heard Judge Judy calling my name. Not the T.V, but my ringtone for my work line. Like her, I take a no-nonsense approach to shrink. On the other end is a distraught store manager. She tells me that someone had just walked out of the store with 10 hoverboards that she had prominently displayed at the front of the store. She tried to stop the thief, but he told her that he had a gun. Moron went from a theft to an armed robbery in just 3 words. Obviously, my first concern is her well-being. Once I’m satisfied that she is going to be fine, just a bit shaken, I ask if she had secured the product with our Checkpoint Labels. I get another yes. Even though they were able to exit, I still may be able to track my product down. My work begins.

 

I come in the next morning and review the security footage. I immediately recognize the suspect from a law enforcement BOLO that had recently come down. I watched as he casually entered the store with a shopping cart, loaded up 10 boards and strolled out the door. He even stopped when the Checkpoint Security System alerted, but after his comment to the manager, his pace increased and he threw the loot into a waiting vehicle.

 

I start running every possible lead down that I can and as luck would have it, I come across a Craigslist ad posted the day after the theft. The hoverboards listed are the same style and color. I’m beaming. I know this is my guy. I call him and set up a meeting to purchase two. Deal is on; $280 cash. Little does he know at this point that I’ll be coming with police protection and that a little Checkpoint Label might just ruin his afternoon.

 

I immediately contact some of the city’s finest who are more than happy to lend a hand. I meet with three officers, give a rundown of what’s going on and they agree to set up a sting with me. They tell me that I first have to be 100% sure that the item belonged to my store. Lucky for me, our Checkpoint Security System will come to the rescue. Our labels had our store name and number printed on them. Once I confirm the sticker is still on the box, this guy is toast.

 

Right on time, McFly arrives with my two hoverboards just as promised. I inspect them, see my labels and buy the product. As soon as he pulls out of the parking lot, I give the signal to the waiting officers who conduct a traffic stop. Minutes later, he’s in cuffs, my money is back in my possession and within a few hours, I was able to recover all 10 hover boards. This would not have been possible without our Checkpoint Security System, and more importantly some well placed Checkpoint Labels.

 

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

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: ,

How Checkpoint Systems Stopped A Booster

August 8, 2016 by Leave a Comment

 

Stop Shoplifting-3 , CP Systems-3 , CP Labels-4
How Checkpoint Systems Stopped  A Booster
The true purpose of loss prevention is deterring theft.  Stores can deter theft through several different means.  Shoplifters prefer to get in a store unnoticed, so one tried and true method to stop shoplifting is speaking to and making eye contact with every person that walks through your front door.  Offer them help and ask if they need help finding anything.  Many times this can be a dead giveaway because they are not prepared for the interaction, so they say something ridiculous, like they were looking for motor oil and you only sell clothing.  It’s like when someone comes up to my pharmacy counter and asks for syringes for their grandma’s diabetic dog.  
Another great way to stop shoplifting is by using anti-theft tools like Checkpoint Systems.  I was sitting in my office last week, looking out over the sales floor, and saw a guy come in the front door.  The first thing I noticed was that he was wearing a tee-shirt with a button up shirt over it, but it was open.  Boosters used to grab a shopping basket or a large gift bag from the greeting card section, but another trend is to just wear extra layers to conceal the merchandise.  It was almost a hundred degrees that day, so that’s why his attire really caught my eye.  He got a shopping cart and went to the small grocery section where he picked up a big bag of chips.  Then he went down the pain relief and cold remedies aisle.  He was bent down looking at some different items; picking up random things and putting them back down.  Interestingly enough, the items he was picking up are those Breathe Right strips that are very commonly stolen and resold at the area flea market.  They all happen to have Checkpoint Labels on them, so it’s either not what he was looking for or they didn’t seem to be appealing to him.  Then he went over to the pain and sleep medications.  Again, these are stolen very frequently, and again, they all have Checkpoint Labels adhered to the fronts of the packages and he kept putting the boxes back on the shelf.   Next he went around and down the stomach remedies section.  This section holds a lot of high retail items so I came down the stairs and got a little closer.  I wasn’t too worried, because I know most of the targeted items in this aisle are encased in Alpha Keepers, as well as tagged with Checkpoint Labels.  It’s a little overkill, but it works, and that’s all that matters.  The guy didn’t pick up anything over there.   He could tell he wasn’t going to be successful at my location, so he left the cart and the chips in the aisle and walked out the door.
That’s the beauty of Checkpoint Systems.  With the increased danger of apprehensions these days, I use every tool at my disposal to deter theft instead of having to go toe to toe with a criminal.  The entire inventory I lose comes straight off my profit line, so I have to work hard to stop shoplifting.  But I’m not going to put myself or my staff in peril.  My Checkpoint Systems gates sit there like a silent sentry, doing its job without a lot of fanfare.  It’s the first thing a thief notices when they come in the door.  And they know they can’t beat it, so they start looking around to see what actually has Checkpoint Labels attached.  Without the labels, the system can’t detect theft, so that part is paramount.  
Get more information on how Checkpoint Systems can help you.  Contact us or call today. 1.770.426.0547

The true purpose of loss prevention is deterring theft. Stores can deter theft through several different means. Shoplifters prefer to get in a store unnoticed, so one tried and true method to stop shoplifting is speaking to and making eye contact with every person that walks through your front door. Offer them help and ask if they need help finding anything. Many times this can be a dead giveaway because they are not prepared for the interaction, so they say something ridiculous, like they were looking for motor oil and you only sell clothing. It’s like when someone comes up to my pharmacy counter and asks for syringes for their grandma’s diabetic dog.  

 

Another great way to stop shoplifting is by using anti-theft tools like Checkpoint Systems. I was sitting in my office last week, looking out over the sales floor, and saw a guy come in the front door. The first thing I noticed was that he was wearing a tee-shirt with a button up shirt over it, but it was open. Boosters used to grab a shopping basket or a large gift bag from the greeting card section, but another trend is to just wear extra layers to conceal the merchandise. It was almost a hundred degrees that day, so that’s why his attire really caught my eye. He got a shopping cart and went to the small grocery section where he picked up a big bag of chips. Then he went down the pain relief and cold remedies aisle.  He was bent down looking at some different items; picking up random things and putting them back down. Interestingly enough, the items he was picking up are those Breathe Right strips that are very commonly stolen and resold at the area flea market. They all happen to have Checkpoint Labels on them, so it’s either not what he was looking for or they didn’t seem to be appealing to him. Then he went over to the pain and sleep medications. Again, these are stolen very frequently, and again, they all have Checkpoint Labels adhered to the fronts of the packages and he kept putting the boxes back on the shelf. Next he went around and down the stomach remedies section. This section holds a lot of high retail items so I came down the stairs and got a little closer. I wasn’t too worried, because I know most of the targeted items in this aisle are encased in Alpha Keepers, as well as tagged with Checkpoint Labels. It’s a little overkill, but it works, and that’s all that matters. The guy didn’t pick up anything over there. He could tell he wasn’t going to be successful at my location, so he left the cart and the chips in the aisle and walked out the door.

 

That’s the beauty of Checkpoint Systems.  With the increased danger of apprehensions these days, I use every tool at my disposal to deter theft instead of having to go toe to toe with a criminal. The entire inventory I lose comes straight off my profit line, so I have to work hard to stop shoplifting.  But I’m not going to put myself or my staff in peril. My Checkpoint Systems gates sit there like a silent sentry, doing its job without a lot of fanfare. It’s the first thing a thief notices when they come in the door. And they know they can’t beat it, so they start looking around to see what actually has Checkpoint Labels attached. Without the labels, the system can’t detect theft, so that part is paramount.  

 

Get more information on how Checkpoint Systems can help you. Contact us or call today. 1.770.426.0547

 

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , ,

Does Your Business REALLY Need A Checkpoint System?

July 6, 2016 by Leave a Comment

 

CP Systems-3 , Stop Shoplifting-3 , CP Labels-3 , CP Tags-3
Does Your Business REALLY Need A Checkpoint System?
It’s the American Dream: Own your own business and sustain yourself and your family with your own success.  Don’t rely on “the man” for your prosperity.  That totally makes sense and people start their own small businesses every day.  The stakes are high though, and while there are many that thrive, a large percentage of start ups don’t make it.  It’s not always because of low profits that a business folds though.  Sometimes it is because of repeat merchandise thefts that causes an owner to throw up their hands and give up when they don’t think they can stop shoplifting.   An investment into Checkpoint Systems is one way to combat that problem though and give a business more control and visibility of their inventory.   
What types of businesses can use Checkpoint Systems?  
1. Clothing Stores
Whether a store sells new merchandise or even second hand items, Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint Labels can be used to protect almost any type of garment or accessory.  They can be attached in obvious ways so the shopper is completely aware of their presence, or they can be hidden in pockets and seams for an inconspicuous approach.  Many small businesses operate with a small staff anyway, and most times there is only one person on duty at any given time.  This saves money on payroll expenses, but allows criminals the perfect opportunity to get out the door with concealed merchandise.  In order to stop shoplifting, employing Checkpoint Systems at a clothing store can be a real advantage. 
2.  Hardware Stores 
Expensive tools, replacement parts, and even nuts, bolts and fuses are the top categories of loss in the major home improvement chains.  That means it’s probably the same for the small seller as well.  You could be mixing paint or making a key for one chatty customer, while the guy he came in with is sneaking out the door with a high dollar chainsaw or just a few boxes of deck screws.  If there were Checkpoint Labels inside the boxes, you would be alerted to their scam when it happened and not later that day when you walk past an empty shelf.  
3. Cell Phone Sales or Computer Repair Businesses
Let’s say a couple women come in to your electronics shop.  So, one woman is asking you questions, maybe even flirting a little, and you are completely distracted.  The other woman is just browsing, and appears to be just killing time while her friend figures out what she needs.  What she’s really doing is scoping out the place, looking to see if anything has Checkpoint tags on it.  She’s waiting on her chance to stuff her bag with some cell phone accessories that you’ve got displayed just a little too close to the front door.  Then she’s going to say “I’ll just go wait in the car” and that’s the cue to let her friend know it’s time to get out of here before you notice what has happened.  Checkpoint Systems would have detected the Checkpoint tags on the stuff she had dropped in her bag and alerted you.  
Those are just a few examples.  These aren’t just crazy schemes I’ve made up though; these situations happen and criminals take advantage of small businesses every day just like their big box counterparts.  Don’t be their next victim and have to tell your story for the local newspaper’s crime edition.  Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint labels are easy to apply to almost any type of merchandise you sell, and they help stop shoplifting in its tracks.  
Take a stand and see what Checkpoint Systems can do for you, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

It’s the American Dream: Own your own business and sustain yourself and your family with your own success. Don’t rely on “the man” for your prosperity. That totally makes sense and people start their own small businesses every day. The stakes are high though, and while there are many that thrive, a large percentage of start ups don’t make it. It’s not always because of low profits that a business folds though. Sometimes it is because of repeat merchandise thefts that causes an owner to throw up their hands and give up when they don’t think they can stop shoplifting. An investment into Checkpoint Systems is one way to combat that problem though and give a business more control and visibility of their inventory. 

 

What types of businesses can use Checkpoint Systems?  

1. Clothing Stores

Whether a store sells new merchandise or even second hand items, Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint Labels can be used to protect almost any type of garment or accessory. They can be attached in obvious ways so the shopper is completely aware of their presence, or they can be hidden in pockets and seams for an inconspicuous approach. Many small businesses operate with a small staff anyway, and most times there is only one person on duty at any given time. This saves money on payroll expenses, but allows criminals the perfect opportunity to get out the door with concealed merchandise. In order to stop shoplifting, employing Checkpoint Systems at a clothing store can be a real advantage. 

 

2.  Hardware Stores 

Expensive tools, replacement parts, and even nuts, bolts and fuses are the top categories of loss in the major home improvement chains. That means it’s probably the same for the small seller as well. You could be mixing paint or making a key for one chatty customer, while the guy he came in with is sneaking out the door with a high dollar chainsaw or just a few boxes of deck screws. If there were Checkpoint Labels inside the boxes, you would be alerted to their scam when it happened and not later that day when you walk past an empty shelf.  

 

3. Cell Phone Sales or Computer Repair Businesses

Let’s say a couple women come in to your electronics shop. So, one woman is asking you questions, maybe even flirting a little, and you are completely distracted. The other woman is just browsing, and appears to be just killing time while her friend figures out what she needs. What she’s really doing is scoping out the place, looking to see if anything has Checkpoint tags on it. She’s waiting on her chance to stuff her bag with some cell phone accessories that you’ve got displayed just a little too close to the front door. Then she’s going to say “I’ll just go wait in the car” and that’s the cue to let her friend know it’s time to get out of here before you notice what has happened. Checkpoint Systems would have detected the Checkpoint tags on the stuff she had dropped in her bag and alerted you. 

 

Those are just a few examples. These aren’t just crazy schemes I’ve made up though; these situations happen and criminals take advantage of small businesses every day just like their big box counterparts. Don’t be their next victim and have to tell your story for the local newspaper’s crime edition. Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint labels are easy to apply to almost any type of merchandise you sell, and they help stop shoplifting in its tracks.

 

Take a stand and see what Checkpoint Systems can do for you, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

 

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , ,

Theft From Where You Least Expect It

May 9, 2016 by Leave a Comment

 

CP Labels-3 , CP Systems-3 , EAS-1 , Stop Shoplifting-1
Theft From Where You Least Expect It
Think about your relationship with your vendors. Vendors can be classified as the entities you buy merchandise from for resell, as well as the repair services you use. When the representatives come in your store, do you give them free reign in your building or do you monitor them?  Store owners and managers certainly need to have a good working relationship with the vendors that provide goods and services, but sometimes that trust can be taken advantage of. Electronic article surveillance and invoice audits are just a couple of examples of how there have been many vendors caught red-handed stealing from retailers. If you and your staff already work hard to stop shoplifting, don’t fall victim to an inside job.
First of all, never sign an invoice or work order until you verify what you are agreeing to. We sell magazines, and the driver used to have us sign the invoice when he delivered each week. Then we started noticing the totes had shortages.  It would just be one or two titles, but when we called to report the problem, the operator would tell us there was nothing they could do to reconcile it because we had signed the invoice, which to them meant everything was accounted for.  We had no way of knowing if it was the driver ripping us off or if it was the people packing the totes. Either way, we were paying for everything listed on that invoice. Over time, even just a few magazines short every week can add up.  
As tame as that first example is, here’s one that is cringe-worthy:  I work for a small retail pharmacy, and we buy many drugs from an outside vendor. They are delivered by a carrier service five days a week. Sometimes, depending on the purchase, the Checkpoint Systems would activate when they rolled through the door. One guy would cause it to activate on his way out though, when the totes should have been empty.  He would always wave at us, claiming it was his cell phone causing it. We knew better. Our Checkpoint Systems was functioning properly, so we also knew he was up to something.  We started watching his routine, and soon figured out his action plan. He would leave the pharmacy counter and then take the long way out the door, always stopping at the small electronics section. He would linger there for a moment and then leave. We performed some cycle counts in the section and sure enough, there was missing inventory.  So, we went through the section and fixed his little red wagon, so to speak. We adhered Checkpoint labels to the items back there, but we concealed them on the packaging. The cool thing about our Checkpoint labels is they have our store name and number printed on them.  The next time he came, we were ready. He walked his usual route through the store, and when he got to the door, thanks to the hidden Checkpoint labels, the alarm sounded just as we expected. He tried “the wave”, but I stood between him and the door, and told him to open the totes. He started stammering about being in a hurry, but I didn’t budge. Finally, he opened them and there were headphones sitting there. He couldn’t even speak, just stood there with his mouth open.  I picked them up, and told him I would be calling his supervisor. After that conversation, as I’m sure you can guess, we never saw him again. Checkpoint Systems-1, Dumb Vendor-0.
For more information on how Checkpoint Systems, contact us: 1.770.426.0547

Think about your relationship with your vendors. Vendors can be classified as the entities you buy merchandise from for resell, as well as the repair services you use. When the representatives come in your store, do you give them free reign in your building or do you monitor them? Store owners and managers certainly need to have a good working relationship with the vendors that provide goods and services, but sometimes that trust can be taken advantage of. Electronic article surveillance and invoice audits are just a couple of examples of how there have been many vendors caught red-handed stealing from retailers. If you and your staff already work hard to stop shoplifting, don’t fall victim to an inside job.

 

First of all, never sign an invoice or work order until you verify what you are agreeing to. We sell magazines, and the driver used to have us sign the invoice when he delivered each week. Then we started noticing the totes had shortages.  It would just be one or two titles, but when we called to report the problem, the operator would tell us there was nothing they could do to reconcile it because we had signed the invoice, which to them meant everything was accounted for.  We had no way of knowing if it was the driver ripping us off or if it was the people packing the totes. Either way, we were paying for everything listed on that invoice. Over time, even just a few magazines short every week can add up.  

 

As tame as that first example is, here’s one that is cringe-worthy:  I work for a small retail pharmacy, and we buy many drugs from an outside vendor. They are delivered by a carrier service five days a week. Sometimes, depending on the purchase, the Checkpoint Systems would activate when they rolled through the door. One guy would cause it to activate on his way out though, when the totes should have been empty. He would always wave at us, claiming it was his cell phone causing it. We knew better. Our Checkpoint Systems was functioning properly, so we also knew he was up to something.  We started watching his routine, and soon figured out his action plan. He would leave the pharmacy counter and then take the long way out the door, always stopping at the small electronics section. He would linger there for a moment and then leave. We performed some cycle counts in the section and sure enough, there was missing inventory. So, we went through the section and fixed his little red wagon, so to speak. We adhered Checkpoint labels to the items back there, but we concealed them on the packaging. The cool thing about our Checkpoint labels is they have our store name and number printed on them. The next time he came, we were ready. He walked his usual route through the store, and when he got to the door, thanks to the hidden Checkpoint labels, the alarm sounded just as we expected. He tried “the wave”, but I stood between him and the door, and told him to open the totes. He started stammering about being in a hurry, but I didn’t budge. Finally, he opened them and there were headphones sitting there. He couldn’t even speak, just stood there with his mouth open.  I picked them up, and told him I would be calling his supervisor. After that conversation, as I’m sure you can guess, we never saw him again. Checkpoint Systems-1, Dumb Vendor-0.

For more information on how Checkpoint Systems, contact us 1.770.426.0547

 

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , ,

A Better Way To Stop Shoplifting

April 5, 2016 by Leave a Comment

I was out shopping recently and it didn’t take long for me to get irritated.  It wasn’t the crowds, the prices, or the customer service. It was the signs. Smile, you’re on camera!, We are watching you!, and other obnoxious little printed and handwritten messages were hung all over the place. Like the song says: Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs! Folks, here’s the deal: If you want to stop shoplifting, you have to get past these. If you’re paying someone to sit and watch cameras, you are wasting valuable payroll and labor. The solution to preventing external theft is so much simpler. Here’s a guide for some of the electronic article surveillance tools you could be utilizing to secure your store’s valuable inventory. 

 

Start with Checkpoint Systems. There are many options for which system best fits your needs.  Here are just a few of those offered:

  1. Classic Street System- Plastic and alloy pedestals, available in select different colors, advertising panels so you can customize with marketing materials if desired.
  2. Classic N10 System- Wall mounted, perfect for smaller spaces like convenience stores, offices, etc.
  3. F10 Floor System- Blends in to store design, invisible to customer, withstands heavy loads, flooring can be installed over.
  4. Evolve Series- Sleek, see-through design for upscale atmosphere, enhanced with technology like people counting, connects with high speed internet for remote service

 

Get the tools you need to work with Checkpoint Systems. Depending on what you’re selling, you can choose from a huge variety of gadgets that will activate the alarm if there is a theft attempt. Let’s start with the basics and build from there:

 

  1. Checkpoint Labels– These super versatile labels can be used on almost anything you sell. You can choose from many shapes, sizes and colors. They can be sewn into a garment or hidden pocket, or they can be adhered to the package. They are also available in a food-safe option for high priced meats and other commonly stolen grocery items. (Footnote: you will also need to purchase a deactivation pad if you choose to employ Checkpoint Labels.
  2. Checkpoint Hard Tags– These are the ones that give thieves nightmares. They pin right onto clothing, shoes, handbags, and almost any accessory you can think of. If you would rather not attach them with pins, many of these can be attached via lanyard instead. They can protect sports equipment, electronics, and much, much more. (Footnote: you will also need to purchase a detacher to remove these. They are one hundred percent reusable! Checkpoint Hard Tags can be attached and detached quickly and easily.)

 

 

 

Checkpoint Systems means you invest in these products and the tools do the work for you. They deter theft starting right at the front door because shoplifters know you mean business when they see the labels and hard tags being used. And when you have those that want to test it and try to steal, you will be immediately made aware of the situation.  You don’t have to find an empty shelf later. If you’re still not convinced, look at who else is utilizing Checkpoint Systems. Check around your community and see what your competitors are using. Check reviews on the products mentioned above and give us a call. The biggest challenge you may have is to put down your sharpie, put away your paper, and give those signs a rest. 

 

For more information on the many advantages of Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

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

 

RWHBLOG13
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

 

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , ,
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