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

 

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

 

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

Anti shoplifting programs are put in place to ensure that company’s assets are well protected. During my career I have been asked to help a few retail stores improve their Retail theft prevention program. These retail store’s shrink numbers were very high, so they needed a way to fix their problem. Once I looked over the store problem I uncovered that the stores were more of a haven to shoplifters than to customers. The first thing I did was to have a meeting with everyone and discuss different Retail theft prevention methods. I also listen to their concerns and then explained to them that anti shoplifting programs are the only way to protect a store’s assets. I explained the importance of using Checkpoint security tags and how they would work. I showed them the benefits of having a complete checkpoint security system.

Checkpoint systems are a great and helpful tool in combating retail theft, as long as everyone works together. The Retail theft prevention program helped these stores slowly protect their assets. It took time for employee’s to embrace using the checkpoint security tags on their hi-value items. But they learn that using all these tools together not only protect the merchandise but can also protect their jobs.  A proper Anti shoplifting program is the difference between a retail store keeping their doors open or closing them forever.

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

Most of the Loss Prevention professionals I have had the pleasure of working with always point to the apprehension as their favorite aspect of working in the industry. Satisfying the adrenaline junkie within them, they live and work for the tension, uncertainty, and risk that characterize the moments leading up to a stop. Nevertheless, industry confederates understand that an effective anti-shoplifting department or program can’t operate on arrests alone. A successful shrinkage reduction program is achieved by utilizing multiple strategies customized to address the sources of loss for an individual store.

A crucial component of any Loss Prevention program is the use of retail theft prevention devices. For companies with multiple locations, Checkpoint security system technologies should be customized to an individual store’s sources of loss and culture instead of employing methods in a blanket approach. When seeking loss prevention solutions, most retailers turn to the leader in the business, Checkpoint systems and their Checkpoint security tags. For over forty years they have been the leader in providing companies with anti-shoplifting tools. It’s important to note that just choosing the Checkpoint security system that’s best for your store is only a small step to reducing shrink. Retailers must aggressively utilize Checkpoint security tags and other loss reduction efforts.

After identifying a store’s high-risk merchandise and determining Checkpoint systems guidelines for a location, a process should be set in place that confirms these standards are being applied in a uniform and diligent fashion. A store becomes more vulnerable to theft if it appears to have a disorganized asset protection approach or more than a couple of careless and apathetic employees. Regular auditing to verify associates are in compliance with these endeavors, as well as frequent awareness-raising activities and meetings, can make certain that everyone is on board with the retail theft prevention program.

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

The hardest part about implementing anti shoplifting products from checkpoint systems like spider wraps, checkpoint security tags, etc. is getting your team to apply the product to every item, every time. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve gone out to audit our retail theft prevention standards to find clothes not tagged or electronics not spider wrapped. I’ve tried posting signs on stockroom doors proclaiming “Stop” and demanding a quick check of the merchandise being replenished to ensure proper anti shoplifting devices are applied. I’ve tried talking about it until I was blue in the face. I’ve tried just about everything and without saying the right words, it was just about impossible to get people to listen.

My message now is simple. All or nothing, and it sure isn’t going to be nothing. When we apply checkpoint security systems devices to some but not all merchandise available, we are basically implanting the idea to steal into the brains of someone who otherwise may not have came in with the idea to do so; the criminal of opportunity if you will. Say the customer is looking at the digital cameras. Most of them are spider wrapped, but there is one sitting there without. Now the customer has the thought that, there is this one sitting here completely unprotected. I can take this one and no one will know. By leaving even just a few without checkpoint security tags you are opening yourself up to the possibility of loss.

This idea has been the most beneficial to getting my team to understand how important it is to apply checkpoint systems to every item, every time. The key to retail theft prevention is consistency, and checkpoint security systems make it easy to be consistent, with easy to use products.

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

 

You can lead a horse to water, you can coax it all you want, heck, you can even push it in the lake but you can NOT force it to drink. This is something I learned as a loss prevention professional over the years. When it came to spending money to save money via retail theft prevention devices there was a constant battle amongst the powers that be. As I gradually moved up the chain I was privy to more and more of the details of the ongoing argument regarding anti shoplifting strategies. What I came to realize was in order for any company executive to spend one penny of the budget they had to prove how an item would preferably generate sales or at the very least reduce shrink. There in lies the problem, one side of the argument felt that if the company solely focused on raising sales the company could ignore shrink, the other side focused its attention solely on retail theft prevention.

One of the best and most controversial anti shoplifting tools is the checkpoint security system. The checkpoint systems employ entrance/exit protection of product with RF pedestals that sound alarms whenever checkpoint security tags which are affixed to product are removed from the store. The Checkpoint security system was quite impressive, utilizing checkpoint security tags that are labels and hard tags. The third party arbitrator for peace was the checkpoint systems vendor. He was able to address both the sales and loss prevention concerns regarding sales and retail theft prevention. It was quite interesting to hear him talk about the fact that the checkpoint systems could actually increase sales by ensuring the product is protected and available on the sales floor for purchase. Many times high dollar items were placed one at a time on the sales floor and if stolen and not reported that product could go days or weeks without being represented on the floor thus reducing sales potential.

Utilizing the checkpoint security tags on all items allowed the sales team to place more items on the sales floor thus ensuring all products were represented at all times. The Checkpoint security tags also served its purpose as an anti shoplifting tool. Once in place the checkpoint system was an incredible asset to the company serving the duel purpose of increasing sales and deterring theft. The system demands interaction via consistent tagging, tag audits, proper deactivation/detachment at register and proper reaction to alarms. Our executives were able to come to a smart conclusion that allowed both departments to work together for proper system installation and implementation. We have never looked back and always look for ways to make the system even more beneficial.

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

Checkpoint security tags, Spider wraps and other checkpoint systems can be a pretty useful tool when it comes to retail theft prevention. Checkpoint systems will deter most people from shoplifting, but every once and a while you get a shoplifter determined to defeat any anti shoplifting methods you’ve used. Over the years I have acquired many stories about such endeavors. Today I’ll tell you a little story about the man in the pillows.

I was working late one night finishing up putting checkpoint security tags on a new shipment when I saw this guy walk in. The man was on a mission, and I was pretty sure that mission was to steal. I ran back to the office and started watching cameras on my checkpoint security system. The man was clearly looking for something specific. Once he found the electronics, I could tell that was it. Luckily I knew everything there had all their retail theft prevention measures in place, so I wasn’t too worried about a grab and run. The next thing I knew the man had a digital camera in hand despite the anti shoplifting methods we had in place. He headed for the bedding area. Once he got there the man took out a knife and started going at the wire of the spider wrap! I couldn’t believe it. I grabbed the phone and immediately called the police. While I was on the phone the knife snapped through the wire and set off the spider wrap. I knew the spider wrap went off because the man was obviously panicking. He grabbed the wrap by its speaker and squeezed. It muffled the sound I’m sure, but it wasn’t enough. The man then threw the wrap on the ground and began to stomp on it. This didn’t work either. He picked it up and buried it behind some pillows. Now this appeared to work, at least enough for him to get away. He grabbed all the pillows he could find and piled them on and around where he had stashed the wrap. Then he picked up the camera, stuffed it down his pants and made a beeline for the doors. By this time the police had arrived and were waiting for him to exit. Busted, my checkpoint security system and I had won.

 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

Almost everyone is familiar with practices such as ‘the perp walk’ or ‘a munitions test’.  They are shows of power.  They are opportunity for an authority to flex its muscle in the face of its adversaries.  In loss prevention we don’t have access to ballistic missiles or the ability to march an apprehended shoplifter through the store to identify and embarrass them (in most cases anyway).  For us, the only way to flex our muscles is generally passive in nature, to show we are watching.  Having retail theft prevention systems visibly in play are one way of doing this; cameras (be they dummy or actual) mounted to the walls or ceilings, Checkpoint security tags on the merchandise, even a uniformed agent standing guard at an access point.

I myself have thought of a more aggressive method of demonstrating that we are vigilantly watching in the hopes that those who bear witness may be dissuaded from potentially illicit acts.  I’d like to think of it as an anti shoplifting drill.  The way it works is you have an employee (preferably another loss prevention agent in plainclothes) do a rather conspicuous shoplifting exercise throughout the store, concealing product on their person or in a prop bag.  Then they will make their way to the most populated or traveled access point of the store, preferably passing through a Checkpoint security system, where other loss prevention agents will appear to make the ‘apprehension’ in a very public manner.  The more people that see, the better.  Obviously this is a practice only really works if you have the available manpower and the time to do it, but it would be a show of your team’s anti shoplifting prowess that can work to your advantage.

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

Checkpoint Security Tags are among the most common forms of anti shoplifting devices currently being utilized in today’s retail environment.  They are easy to install, easy to upkeep, and are simple enough that anyone can implement it into their store.  The way it functions is the Checkpoint security tags are applied to product; the tags themselves clip on through the use of a large pin that snaps into place on the flat side of the sensor.  When a sensor passes near a Checkpoint system gate it triggers an alarm, the source of which is a feedback signal created by the sensor’s proximity to the gate.  The noise it creates is both familiar and noticeable.  However it is not fool-proof by any means.

The most important thing to ensure the effectiveness of a Checkpoint security system is that it is executed properly.  It will do no good if your employees are not attaching tags to over 95% of the product you are trying to protect.  In order to ensure those standards are kept I can only suggest that incoming product that fits your company’s protection guidelines are tagged as soon as they get off the shipment truck before they even hit the sales floor.  After that, doing regular checks on tag attachment rates will help you keep tabs on who in your store is not towing the line as the saying goes.

Just remember, even if you have a 100% tag attachment rate it does not guarantee absolute retail theft prevention.  The Checkpoint security system is merely an anti shoplifting tool that best serves as a supplement that gives your loss prevention team valuable time and even a little peace of mind.

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