Throughout my time working in Loss Prevention, I have observed a constant struggle between stopping theft and giving customers the best shopping experience. As a person representing the anti-shoplifting side of retail, if it were up to me, everything in a store would be nailed down, in a case, or behind bars. This is why I don’t own a store and haven’t crossed over to a Customer Service department. Shoppers don’t want to be treated like criminals and they want to have an open merchandise experience where they can try on shoes, pick up purses, and test cosmetics. So how can retailers obtain a healthy balance between these two conflicting missions?

Enter Checkpoint Security Systems, a leader in anti-shoplifting solutions. All of the companies that I have worked for except one have used Checkpoint security tags to combat theft of live merchandise. While interviewing shoplifters at the retailer that didn’t utilize solutions from Checkpoint systems, all of them admitted that they chose our store over other retailers because we didn’t have any merchandise protection they would have to worry about defeating. While many professional shoplifters have tools to remove security tags, they still seek out stores that will make their job easier.

Checkpoint security tags also allow stores to offer their customers a live merchandise experience without the suspicion and worry that I constantly live with. With both hard and soft tags offered, shoppers can freely test and try on merchandise without bulky sensors getting in the way or tangled cables preventing them from removing the item from a rack. Retailers and shoppers each have more positive interactions with each other, and guests leave the store happier. The battle between Loss Prevention and customer service is over, with both sides coming out a winner.

 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 loss that a retail store can incur from shoplifting can be detrimental to even the largest retail chains. That is why a successful anti shoplifting program is essential to a thriving store. Through the proper use of retail theft prevention items, such as checkpoint security systems and checkpoint security tags, a retail store can dramatically reduce their loss.

In 2009, a company that I worked for suffered a loss of approximately $3,000 in just video game loss. In that same year I was able to detain my highest net detention from a video game theft. A couple came into our store and multiple other stores throughout the day and had removed video games from their anti shoplifting devices. I was luckily able to catch them during the process of concealing video games they had removed from the shelf while on their last stop for the day. In the end, the couple had almost successfully stolen over $2,000 in video games from multiple stores in a single day. The following year, although we already had checkpoint security systems in place, the company I worked for began using retail theft prevention shelf locks for added security on all our video games. On top of the shelf locks, all video games were alpha cased with checkpoint security tags inside. By the end of the year my total amount of video game detentions had decreased dramatically and our total loss for that department was equal to hundreds, not thousands of dollars. In one year we were able to decrease our loss radically by simply diversifying the anti shoplifting devices that were previously in use.

This is just one example of many checkpoint system devices that I have seen reduce loss for stores that I have worked for. However, truly successful retail theft prevention programs make use of a combination of checkpoint systems in order to increase their anti shoplifting efforts.

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 you look at common tactics for retail theft prevention, you might only think of a few ways. Customer service has and always will be the number one theft deterrent in retail stores. When it comes to anti shoplifting tools and resources, the list is actually as varied, as there are methods to steal.

 Checkpoint security systems can start with their integrated use of towers, antennas, and checkpoint security tags. Tags and labels are placed on merchandise, some are visible, and some are concealed. When they come within the RF field generated by the towers, an audible alarm sounds. This notifies associates to respond with customer service to deactivate purchased merchandise.

 Checkpoint security systems go beyond just the use of Checkpoint security tags and labels. They have electronic and digital recording devices for camera systems. Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) systems can also provide a deterrent, as anyone who enters a store knows their actions are being filmed and recorded. Note that some states do require signage on the front of your store stating that recording device is in use.

In conjunction with your CCTV, Checkpoint systems also have public view monitors. Public view monitors (PVM) are screens that can be placed in high theft areas that show what the camera in that area is recording. It reinforces the message that a retailer is aware of theft in that area and is doing something about it.

Checkpoint does a nice job of staying on top of current theft trends. They are constantly coming out with new anti shoplifting devices.

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

 

It’s easy to say that you are anti shoplifting. Not many people out there are FOR shoplifting. Putting that mantra to use in your retail establishment may be a very different story. Without a concrete plan for retail theft prevention, losses of merchandise can (and usually will) occur at a staggering rate.

The first step is to choose a reliable company to assist you with your new retail theft prevention plan. Beginning with something like the Checkpoint security system will help on many facets. They will help guide you through any questions you have. They also carry a wide variety of interchangeable tools and resources designed specifically for anti shoplifting purposes.

Once you have your Checkpoint security system in place, you will need to decide which hard tags to use. Checkpoint security tags come in multiple sizes and shapes for multiple applications. Some questions you might want to ask to determine which Checkpoint security tag is right include:

What type of packaging does it have (box, bag, hanger, hang tag,)

What type of product is this (shirt, pants, shoes, bag)?

What type of fabric is it made out of (stretchy, delicate, leather, denim)?

Is there a way to attach a pin or a lanyard (shoe eye, purse strap, button hole)?

Once you answer these questions you can start to narrow the selection of Checkpoint security tags. If you have any questions about the appropriateness of a tag for a specific application, there is always help available.

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

A few years ago when I was a new loss prevention investigator, still during my training period, I came into my office at the beginning of my shift and my boss was already watching two male individuals in the electronics department. He said that they had been walking around the area for quite some time and acting rather suspicious. Almost instantaneously after he pointed out the two males to me they each selected a Nintendo DS and quickly left electronics while looking around.

Although I was not aware of it at the time, I now realize the manner in which they left electronics typically presupposes theft. We had the DS’s in anti shoplifting devices so I was very curious as to how they intended to remove alpha cases. This however, was not their intention. They entered our furniture department and simply placed the DS’s, anti shoplifting cases included, into the front of their pants. Immediately, the two began to head towards the front of the store. Because of the speed in which they concealed the items and made it the checkpoint systems at the front of the store, we were not able to get outside quick enough to detain them. Luckily, as the two exited the store our checkpoint security system alarm went off. One of the males continued out the door, but the second got scared and turned around to run back into the store. We were able to detain the second male and retrieve our merchandise still inside the alpha cases.

Incorporating checkpoint security systems with the proper anti shoplifting devices into our store’s retail theft prevention program gave us the upper hand in this situation.  Without a checkpoint system in place and the merchandise inside checkpoint security tags the alarm would have never gone off. Because of this, any store wanting to strengthen their retail theft prevention efforts would be remiss not to include a checkpoint system with the relevant checkpoint security tags for your merchandise. Who knows, maybe you can just scare future shoplifters into not leaving your store.

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

One of the best ways for any retail store to enhance their retail theft prevention program is to establish a known theft tracking system. A good known theft tracking system is essential to anti shoplifting efforts. The greatest thing about known theft tracking is it shows you the areas that need to be watched. It will also let you know high priced, high theft items that should have checkpoint security tags that may not previously be integrated into your checkpoint security system.

The known theft tracking method I developed for my store’s retail theft prevention program is percentage based. I broke up the store into numerous blocked sections based on the type of product in that given area. Any time employees find known theft packaging they log it for area it originated, area found, and day of the week. On a weekly basis I go through the log and find percentages for each section previously stated. Knowing where your product is being taken from and concealed gives your retail theft prevention team an insurmountable advantage in their anti shoplifting efforts.

Adding to the advantage of knowing where your theft is coming from, tracking known theft allows you to see the individual merchandise being stolen in a straight forward, organized manner. This allows you to take defensive steps in protecting your merchandise by protecting high theft items with checkpoint security tags. Using your known theft to enhance your checkpoint security system will in turn decrease your known theft and increase profits. Checkpoint systems can only truly be successful if the correct merchandise is protected. The only way to protect the right merchandise is to know what the correct merchandise is.

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

For years I worked in a high theft market. Co-workers would joke that catching a shoplifter was like shooting fish in a barrel. Some days it seemed like there were more thieves running around the store than there were shoppers. It took a long time, but my anti shoplifting directives finally started to pay off.

After conducting many post shoplifting interviews, I picked up on a common thread. The shoplifters all said it was easy to steal from our store. The word had spread that retail theft prevention was a joke here. Even though we had a Checkpoint security system in place, no one ever responded to the alarms.

I finally had it one day. I took this news to my next managers meeting at told them that we were a laughing stock in the community. We were the town’s big joke. My managers, being very prideful people, finally got the message. They vowed to start focusing on retail theft prevention.

The first step was proper execution of the Checkpoint security system. Not only were alarms responded to in a timely, professional manner, but also receipts were validated, as per company policy.

My employees started to notice customers with high theft items and call us. They made sure we knew every movement the merchandise made. It wasn’t long before I noticed the amount of times that shoplifters would dump the product instead of stealing it.

The store’s moral was elevated knowing they were taking control and would never be laughed at again.

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

 

Having product out live is a risky gamble to increase sales. If product is not placed live on the sales floor and is merely represented by a piece of paper or an empty box as a means of retail theft prevention then sales could be lost. If product is not represented on the sales floor then how can it sell? The short answer is that is can not and will not sell. Many retailers use this anti shoplifting method to protect their inventory. By doing so you place a huge reliance on the store staff to ensure all product in the stockroom is represented by an empty box or piece of paper and obviously mistakes happen.

In working as a multi unit lp manager of a small box retailer I encountered this type of anti shoplifting movement. The entire process of gutting product then devising a filing system and then dealing with customers who question how you can sell opened product as new will cause one huge headache. At the end of the year ultimately many locations end up with lower than expected sales due to the fact their inventory was not represented correctly on the sales floor thus never giving customers the chance to purchase the product. All of which would have been avoided if they would have purchased some checkpoint systems.

I have found that one of the best retail theft prevention methods is the checkpoint security system. Instead of gutting product, you attach checkpoint security tags and place the product right on the sales floor, thus ending any concern as to whether your entire product line is represented. The Checkpoint Security system is an all inclusive product that requires quite a bit of interaction from the store staff which goes deeper than merely placing Checkpoint Security tags on product. The staff must ensure the tags are placed correctly and consistently as well as audit the tagging procedures. The Checkpoint systems are only as good as the staff supporting them. If employees do not place the checkpoint security tags correctly or react to the checkpoint security system alarm then the system offers no anti shoplifting benefits.

Retail theft prevention is a tough game to play with many pitfalls for the unwary or uninformed. Starting with research on checkpoint systems is a great first step to put together a successful anti shoplifting strategy. Implementing the system correctly will work out much better than trying to gut all of your product and then hope and pray that your product is successfully represented through out the year as well as hope and pray that your customers like that form of marketing and waiting for the product to be retrieved from the stockroom.

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

After spending as much time as I have working in Loss Prevention, it is habit for me to take note of retail theft prevention at other retailers. I suppose it’s just an occupational fascination to see anti shoplifting tactics used. It’s really a great way for me to get ideas on what might be implemented in my own stores.

Recently, I purchased a new comforter set. Attached to the eyes of the zippers was what looked like a Checkpoint security tag. It was small in design with a loop connecting the two zippers pulls together.  I know Checkpoint systems carry an Alpha Fashion2 accessory tag, very similar to this.

This seemed to be a pretty great anti shoplifting device. The loop was big enough that I could unzip enough to feel the quality of the materials the comforter was made out of. The loop kept the zipper closed enough to avoid any other items from being stuffed into the bag and concealed from purchase.

When I worked for a middle market retailer years ago, I remember it being a big deal. Expensive items would be hidden deep inside of sheet sets or comforter bags. The other loss we incurred was from parts being switched out or taken, like the sheets or a decorative pillow from the set.  That rendered a huge margin loss because we had to sell off the rest of the set at a huge markdown.

Retail theft prevention sure has changed over the years. I would have loved to have access to a Checkpoint security tag like this. It would have saved a lot of investigative time as well as profit loss for the store.

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