Being proactive, boosting profits and impacting shoplifting

November 11, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Shoplifting is a relatively old process. For years, retailers have been dealing with the act of shoplifting. This form of retail theft can seriously impact a business, and if left unchallenged, can ruin business.

There are many ways to counter shoplifting, but for this example I’ll use retail anti theft devices as my topic. Retail anti theft devices are a common way retailers protect their merchandise. These devices can be very useful, especially when developing shrink action plans.

A business I worked for wasn’t so completely sold on the benefits of using retail anti theft devices and saw no return on the investment. However, this store was not in-tune with the losses occurring. Shoplifting was an everyday occurrence. There was nothing available to deter theft. Management was more concerned with trying to stock the shelves than paying attention to his associates and customers. As a result, he was underwater.

Loss Prevention Consultants were hired to assess the business. Immediately, the loss prevention consultants recommended retail anti theft devices . The store had a Checkpoint Security system installed. Checkpoint Security systems have been around for many years, and provide a great deterrence to shoplifting. These Checkpoint Security systems work when a tag alarm, affixed to product, is passed through the system.

As an example, a store places Checkpoint tags on a particular line of product. A shoplifter conceals this product and exits the store passing through the Checkpoint Security system . “ALARM!”  An audible alarm is sounded.  This is beneficial in many ways, but most importantly it can dramatically reduce instances of shoplifting and is considered a leader in anti shoplifting .

Checkpoint tags are quickly and easily affixed to merchandise by store associates and if used right, can help protect whatever item it may be stuck to. Typically, Checkpoint tags are small squares tag placed in a conspicuous place on packaging. As an amateur shoplifter looks at the merchandise, he’ll either decide not to take it because of the inconvenience the Checkpoint Security system will offer, or he’ll attempt to remove the Checkpoint labels . Either way, this will interrupt the process of a quick or easy “in and out” shoplifters prefer.

For more information about retail anti theft devices , anti shoplifting , checkpoint labels or checkpoint tags visit us at checkpoint security systems shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547

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

Checkpoint Systems leader in retail theft prevention, not just for the big boys

November 4, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Not just for the big retailers,  checkpoint systems has scalable retail theft prevention solutions that will stop shoplifting from occurring through deterrence and boos the bottom line.

Although EAS (electronic article surveilence) systems manufacturer checkpoint systems does secure many larg retailer inventories such as GAP, OLD NAVY, KOHLS, WALGREENS, CVS and many other “big boys” (and girls!), they provide solutions that scale to the single site one single door shop you would see in a small town square or boutique area.

Dealing with inventory loss is quite often an tougher challenge for the smaller retailer who does not have a loss prevention team on staff.  Utilizing an EAS system is a big jump in the right direction to stop shoplifting and develop a retail theft prevention program even if for as few as one, two or three employees.  Quite often there are two people on the clock at any given time in a smaller retail operation like a clothing boutique which leaves one behind the register and only one to watch the floor and help customers.  Installing a checkpoint security system is like having eyes on every piece of merchandise you protect.

Using  checkpoint systems products will stop shoplifting suspects from entering the store, they see the system at the door and walk on by to another unprotected store.  Having tagged/ protected merchandise will stop those who may impulsive steal because they do not want to deal with trying to remove the tags on the merchandise potentially damaging the products.

Simple math: lose less inventory= more available for sale= more sales.  And lossing less to theft means losses are not eating up your profits.  Lose one $20 item with a 5% margin and you need to sell 20 more of those to generate profit needed to buy the one you lost.

To learn more visit: checkpoint systems 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , ,

Checkpoint security systems annual report on retail theft

October 29, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Released by checkpoint security systems and the Center for Retail Research on October 19th, 2010, the Global Retail Theft Barometer reports on several factors of retail theft around the globe. I was surprised by one statistic that was almost a complete flip of the US numbers.

In the US employee theft accounts for about 43% of the retail loss numbers and shoplifting about 36%.  Globally the numbers are 43% shoplifting and 35% employee theft according to the University of Florida’s National Retail Security Survey which is considered to be the most comprehensive and accurate in the industry. A variable that is unknown in the US is how employee involvement in aiding shoplifters affects the numbers.

One interesting finding that the global study highlighted was the apparent correlation between increased spending in security measures and a decrease in theft.  Solutions such as checkpoint security systems will deter theft both externally and internally.  Installing a checkpoint security system creates awareness among all employees due to the use of the anti theft devices such as clothing security tags or other security tags on merchandise that are either deactivated or removed for reuse at the cash register.  Using a system involves training on how to handle shoplifters as well which increases awareness on what to look for and how to “service” potential thieves out of the store.

For more info on how to solve retail theft issues including employee theft and shoplifting problems visit: checkpoint security systems

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , , ,

Shoplifting problems? Consider a Checkpoint Security System

October 27, 2010 by Leave a Comment

All retailers suffer from shoplifting and many turn to a checkpoint security system to get control of the issue.  This type of system is called an EAS system, or an Electronic Article Surveillance system.  A checkpoint security system consists of installing sensors in doorways which will detect hard security tags, many different types of security “keepers” (or cases) and security labels.  When merchandise that has not been through a proper checkout gets to the sensors at exit ways an alarm sounds and lights blink alerting store employees of the potential shoplifting incident.

Something to keep in mind if considering a checkpoint security system is that it is one piece of the loss prevention pie so to speak.  It is critical that there be a more deliberate approach to controlling shoplifting that simply installing a system and thinking it will do all the work.  Sure the presence of the system will deter shoplifting and keep shoplifters out of the store to a degree, but to get the most out of the investment employees need to be trained on how to take an active role in controlling shoplifting.

How to tag up the merchandise properly, what to tag up, how to handle an alarm situation, how to spot a shoplifter and approach them in a non confrontational way etc… are all critical aspects of an effective loss prevention program.

For more info visit: checkpoint security system 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: ,

My Checkpoint System Alarmed Now What?

October 25, 2010 by Leave a Comment

The checkpoint systems are installed, tested and working great. The all the correct merchandise has checkpoint tags or checkpoint labels on them. Now you have an alarm, what’s next?

We should actually step back a few steps first. What else should we do before the alarm? The goal is not to catch people shoplifting but to deter them in the first place. Has the system been connected to your camera system? A simple relay output on checkpoint security systems can be tied to your DVR. This makes sure that you have a record of the incident. You want this not only for shoplifting but also to evaluate your staff, their response and follow through. The recorded footage can be used to support your criminal case against a person shoplifting . It is pretty hard for the person shoplifting to claim something did or did not happen when there is video evidence.

Retailers should also consider the use of high-theft protection devices such as Spider Wraps, Keepers and Ink Tags. These items provide an extra measure of deterrence. Many of these items include additional internal alarms built into them. If a person who is shoplifting attempts to remove the tag while still in the store the tag or keeper itself has a built in sounder.  If they do run from the store with the item the sounder continues to blast for up to 30 minutes.

Have you trained your staff? Not just in a “classroom” environment but on the sales floor. Have you role played with them to help them become more confident handling a checkpoint security system alarm the way you want it done? If you do not take this very important step then you will never achieve the reduction in shrink and loss that you want or need to survive.

Another advantage is that the newer checkpoint security systems can also count customers among other enhancements.

You need to focus on sales and running your business. Let the checkpoint security system help you with the profit margin by reducing shoplifting . It’s like having several dedicated security employees that are on duty 24/7, never gets tired, sick or need a day off.

For more information about shoplifting , checkpoint tags or checkpoint labels contact us at checkpoint security system or call 1.770.426.0547

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

Retail Theft In Europe

October 19, 2010 by Leave a Comment

From the amount of retail theft controls I saw in a recent visit to France and Germany retail theft must be alive and well there.  I saw extensive use of Checkpoint security systems and some CCTV.  In major department stores there are Checkpoint security systems at every customer entrance and exit.

What I also found very interesting is that they had Checkpoint systems at the escalator on each floor. This seems to be an attempt to keep the shoplifting public from taking merchandise to areas that may provide more concealment.

Retail theft there has as much impact if not more in Europe than in the U.S. Prices there are very high and are set to go higher with the addition of more taxes assessed by the governments. Does this sound familiar of what?

Over all anti shoplifting awareness seems to be extensive in Europe. I saw a considerable amount of signage that talked about what legal actions would be take with a person caught shoplifting . The signs were all in one language. Because those countries have an official language they did not seem to feel compelled to print them in other languages even though there are a considerable amount of people from all over the world living and working there.

In one case several years ago on another visit to Germany I saw a person who had been caught shoplifting being handled very sternly by the German Police. I have a lot of respect for the German Police and have worked with them on a number of occasions. They are not to be toyed with. The average citizen there avoids contact with them as the laws are very strict and they treat criminals like a criminal. How refreshing and what better anti shoplifting program could you ask for?

For more information on shoplifting ,  checkpoint security systems or retail theft contact us at anti shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547

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

Checkpoint Systems Tricks And Tips

October 13, 2010 by Leave a Comment

There are some little known anti shoplifting features built into your Checkpoint Security system . One is that the antennas have a built in relay output. This output can be connected to any low voltage device that can take a momentary trip. So let’s say a customer that is shoplifting trips the checkpoint security system . The relay could be used to send a signal to your camera system to begin recording. Most new Digital Video Recorders (DVR) have a buffer built into them and when it is tripped it will grab that 5 to 10 seconds of video in the buffer before the relay trips it and record that plus real time going forward.

This relay can also trip a remote sounder or chime in the back room or office. In the past some customers have asked us to connect the checkpoint security system relay to a mag lock on the door so when the system alarms the front door automatically locks. Although this sound likes a great idea there are several problems with this. One is that it is against fire code. As a loss prevention professional with 30 years of experience I can also tell you that it is probably not a good idea to lock a potentially angry or hostile criminal in with you.

The relay could also be attached to a programmable sounder that plays a pre-recorded wav file message.

The newer Checkpoint systems can also be configured to count customers both coming in and going out the same door. Another feature is Metal Point. This detects “booster bags” that are used in shoplifting to steal merchandise. A booster bag is a foil-lined bag.

Another trick to deter damage and wear to your Checkpoint security system antennas is to install bumper guards. The new bumper guards are real slick looking and keep shopping carts from hitting the antennas. In most cases they prevent people from accidentally kicking or running into the base of the antenna.

Are you having problems with people walking around the outside of the Checkpoint systems antennas? Another anti shoplifting technique is to purchase a couple of dollars of PLASTIC chain at a hardware store and attach it from the antenna to the door-frame, display or wall.

For more information about shoplifting , anti shoplifting devices or checkpoint security systems contact us at Checkpoint Systems or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , , ,

Checkpoint Systems Deactivation

October 11, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Deactivation of checkpoint labels is an important part of any successful EAS program – achieves its full potential with radio frequency (RF) technology. No other EAS deactivation technology comes close in a feature-for-feature comparison. For retailers focused on customer service, Checkpoint Systems patented RF-EAS deactivation technology streamlines throughput so that checkout proceeds rapidly and deactivation takes place discreetly.

With deactivation heights unmatched in the industry, RF deactivation ensures that RF labels – no matter what the orientation are deactivated. For retailers, this means the virtual elimination of the number one cause of false alarms: failure to deactivated, common with other EAS technologies. For a retailer’s customers, this means no embarrassing moments as they leave the store with legitimately purchased merchandise.

Checkpoint Systems continues to enhance and refine RF deactivation technology. The only EAS technology to truly integrate scan/deactivation, RF deactivation blends into existing operations without the need to invest in costly check stand renovations or the burden of on-going training. Scanners are available today directly form the manufacture, with built-in checkpoint systems RF deactivation capability.

Checkpoint security systems has expanded the role of RF-EAS deactivation to address other areas of shrinkage. Interlock, which allows deactivation after a valid scan, addresses cashier sliding; POS-scanner verification, which locates non-deactivated labels after the scanning verification process, can alert the cashier that checkpoint labels are not deactivated. Post-scanner verification can also be used to alert the store manager that an internal theft attempt might be occurring, or activate a CCTV system to record the event.

Integrated scan and deactivation from Checkpoint Security Systems revolutionized the security aspects of retail point-of-sale transactions. As one of the many revolutionary and evolutionary developments of RF-EAS technology developed by checkpoint systems , RF deactivation streamlines the retailer’s POS operation. Deactivation heights up to 15 inches above the checkpoint security system deactivation pad are common and increase store staff’s confidence in the systems performance.

Checkpoint Security Systems RF deactivation electronics are integrated into the most popular bar code scanners, from manufactures such as NCR, ICL/Fujitsu, PSC/Spectra-Physics, Symbol Technologies, Scantech and Metrologic. Today, many popular scanners can be purchased with built-in Checkpoint Systems RF deactivation capabilities.

The Counterpoint pad deactivates RF labels at a range of up to 15 inches above the pad. In addition, deactivation at speeds of more than 100 products per minute is possible with integrated scan/deactivation. And, Checkpoint Security System RF deactivation solutions work with Checkpoint Security Systems complete range of EAS sensors. Retailers using RF deactivation are using the power of RF technology to streamline POS operations, speed customer throughput and enhance customer service.

For more information on deactivation or checkpoint labels contact us at Checkpoint Security System or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , ,

Why use Checkpoint tags over the copies (and more)

October 11, 2010 by Leave a Comment

If you are using a checkpoint security system in your retail operation to reduce inventory shrinkage you may have wondered about the cheap aftermarket checkpoint tags available out there on the Internet.  Or maybe you are not using a system yet and you are considering the checkpoint security systems product line.

At the risk of sounding cliche, you do get what you pay for…but hold on I have more than that.  Let’s take the checkpoint mini hard tag for example, probably the most popular of the Checkpoint tags. If you look closely at the edge of a genuine Checkpoint tag you will see no open gaps and it appears one piece with looking very closely.  This makes it impossible to crack open.  The cheap tags popularly made in China (and be careful they are advertised as Checkpoint mini hard tags…you have to look closely to see that Checkpoint is not the manufacturer) have a wide very noticeable seal along the edges where the front and back pieced are put together.  You can pop these tags open in seconds and remove the internal parts that set of the alarm.  The  checkpoint tags are impossible to pop open.

Another reason to use genuine checkpoint security systems security tags is that they work consistently to set off the alarm.  Cheap imported copies are known for having a low pic rate (pick up in the system) and may only set off the alarm 75% of the time.  So you may save $.05 on a cheap tag but lose a $250 jacket because the tag is ineffective or easily defeated.

For more info visit: checkpoint tags 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , ,

Checkpoint Security Systems – Alarm Handling

October 5, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Checkpoint security systems are one of the most effective anti shoplifting tools in the market. Some retail employees are unsure how to handle tag alarms. We have put this guide together to assist you in training your employees how to handle a tag alarm.

Both an incoming and outgoing tag alarm are handled by asking a series of questions.

INCOMING ALARMS:

1.  “Do you have a security access card?”

Some security access cards can on occasion can cause a tag alarm. (although this is rare).

2.  “Have you purchased something in another store with a system like this?”

Other retailers use Checkpoint security systems and may not properly deactivate the purchase.

3. “Are you returning an item for exchange or refund?”

Recent purchase may not have been deactivated.

4.  “Is there any reason you can think of for our inventory system to alarm?”

This lets the customer offer input as to why your Checkpoint security systems are alarming.

OUTGOING ALARMS:

1.  “Excuse me sir/ma’am, our Inventory Control System has been activated, we may not have checked out your purchase properly.”

This approach is Customer Service orientated and most customers are glad to help fix the situation.

2.  “Do you have a security access card?”

Same as incoming alarms.

3.  “Have you purchased something in another store with a system like this?”

Same as incoming alarms.

4.  “Is there any reason you can think of for our inventory system to alarm?”

Same as incoming alarms.

What should be recorded in your Checkpoint security systems log?

(If you do not have a log please contact Loss Prevention Systems. We will provide you one free of charge.)

  • Daily testing of the system
    Insures the system is operating correctly.
  • Failure to deactivate
    Can help identify system issues or employees that may need training.
  • Access Cards
    May be system issues that require tuning.
  • Returned merchandise
    Can also help identify system/retraining issues.
  • Other Store Merchandise
    Identify retailers in the area that my not be deactivating product.
  • All shoplifting attempts
    Help identify local trends. You can use this information to insure that you’re anti shoplifting program changes with new threats.

Management should review the logs on a periodic basis to insure tests, alarms and other issues regarding your Checkpoint security systems are being logged.

Remember an effective anti shoplifting program can only be attained with your internal employee training.

For more information on anti shoplifting programs or Checkpoint security systems contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »