When I first started working Loss Prevention at a major hardware retail chain I did not expect the theft to be as rampant as it was.  I always assumed that most issues at a hardware store would be related to paperwork errors and safety claims.  I soon realized that thieves hit hardware stores in a big way.  Not only do hardware stores suffer from opportunistic thieves, but they are being targeted by Organized Retail Crime (ORC) rings and employee theft as well.  One of the biggest wins that we had in the fight against theft was utilizing anti shoplifting devices.

The major anti shoplifting device we introduced was Checkpoint security tags, which are produced by Checkpoint Systems.  Checkpoint security tags can be placed on a large variety of items.  Since most items in a hardware store are in boxes and packages the sticky Checkpoint security tags were the primary tags we used.  Checkpoint systems offers a variety of sticky tags.  The one I like the best is where you can have your logo put on the tag.  This serves two purposes.  The first is that with the Checkpoint security tags applied the door alarm would sound when someone tried to walk out without paying for product.  The second benefit is the store identifier is a great retail theft prevention mechanism for ORC.  In many jurisdictions the police can question and seize product from flea markets and small stores if the stolen property can be tracked back to the original owner and the store can prove the items are being sold below retail.

Retail theft prevention is not easy.  Since different shoplifters have different agendas and different experience it is hard to find a “one size fits all” system to prevent theft.  Checkpoint systems offer many different solutions to help customize the right solution for each business.

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

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

Over the years of working in both large and small retailers it was always interesting to me to break down the actual shrink losses past just the dollars and overall percentages. Frequently retailers spend so much time attending to internal theft that they forget that retail theft prevention should be applied to all forms of loss. Smaller business locations seem to be the victims of this tendency.

External theft, shoplifting, can be perpetrated a variety of different ways. Regardless of the shoplifting method a business with a Checkpoint security system always has a deterrence effect upon potential shoplifters. From various post theft interviews I have conducted over the years with shoplifters I have learned that the vast majority of thieves look for the easiest target. They avoid stores with Checkpoint systems. When the potential thief sees the pedestals at the front of the store and the checkpoint security tags attached securely to product they avoid the location like a car thief avoids a car with an alarm and or the “club”. As one suspect stated “Why waste the time when I can go down the street and steal the same product from a company without any means of retail theft prevention?”.

I have to admit in all of the companies that I worked for who properly utilized the Checkpoint systems; their shrink percentage breakdown of product categories that were tagged consistently and properly with Checkpoint security tags were always lower than other companies who sold the same product and did not use any anti shoplifting tools.  Small businesses tend to believe that they either can’t afford the Checkpoint security system or that the Checkpoint system will not be cost effective. Many believe that they can handle retail theft prevention “in house” stating that their business is just to small to be on the radar of thieves. This tends to be a costly mistake. Once an inventory count has been conducted; a business owner is left with shrink loss that is compounded by the loss of the sale of the stolen product.

By no means is any anti shoplifting tool guaranteed to eliminate external theft. When you buy and employ a Checkpoint system it is important that everyone on the sales team from part timers to management are trained to properly use the checkpoint security tags on specified product, audit all product categories that have been tagged, report and investigate any defeated tags and react correctly when the Checkpoint system alarm has been activated.  Physical security using an anti shoplifting tool such as the Checkpoint security system is a must if a business is to prevent external losses via shoplifting.

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

Great customer service drives retail businesses. Without great service, customers won’t want to come back and continuing buying your merchandise. But how can you deliver great service if all of your focus is on shoplifters and potential thieves? Allow Checkpoint security tags to deter the shoplifters and free you up to deliver the service that will drive customers to come back time and time again.

A few days ago at a store neighboring my work, a shoplifter ran out with several pairs of jeans that had no Checkpoint security tags. The associates and managers were in a panic outside of the store calling the police and attempting to describe what the thief looked like as he ran down the street with their clothes. I couldn’t help but wonder how many potential customers could have received great customer service in the time the associates were busy with the thief. They could have sold hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise if only they had retail theft prevention.

Occurrences such as the one above could have easily been prevented had that store installed a Checkpoint security system. Installing Checkpoint security tags and other anti shoplifting devices by Checkpoint systems throughout your store can free up your associates to fully focus on the customer. Not only can taking anti shoplifting measures such as those described above deter shoplifters, they have minimal interference to the customer who can simply take them to the register to have the Checkpoint security tags removed at the time of purchase.

Don’t be the store that is not protected. Install anti shoplifting devices by Checkpoint systems on your merchandise and allow your associates to focus on the customer.

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

As we are coming out of 2011 we look forward to 2012 and all it has to offer.  For those of us in retail we are hopeful of increased sales and better profits.  One thing we need to also look at is retail theft prevention.  Many businesses are struggling in the current economy as sales are down and shoplifting is on the rise. The companies who survive tough economic times are those who are able to balance making money and not losing money.  We all are good at making money.  That’s how we got promoted to the jobs we have.  The hard part is keeping those hard earned dollars on the bottom line so we can show a profit at the end of the year.

A major solution to retail loss is the utilization of anti shoplifting devices.  A great anti shoplifting device is the Checkpoint Security System.  Checkpoint systems are economical and they can be custom fitted to your specific business.  Checkpoint security tags are well known to shoplifters.  There are many different types of thieves, but the two concerning categories are opportunist and Organized Retail Crime.  The opportunist category of shoplifter is concerning because anyone can fall into this category.  In fact, the majority of offenders are opportunist.  They are regular customers that on an impulse make the decision to steal.  Checkpoint systems can help deter these persons.  Since they steal when they think they can get away with it, knowing that items are protected with Checkpoint security tags will often deter their crimes.  Organized Retail Crime rings also know about the Checkpoint Security Systems.  They too want to steal and be undetected so utilizing this type of anti shoplifting device will also help gain retail theft prevention from these very dangerous groups as well.

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

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

When you think of theft, most people think of stolen electronics, clothes and perhaps hobby items.  What most don’t consider is that grocery stores face a large amount of theft too.  That is unless you happen to work for a grocery chain.  Those who work in this area, whether chain supermarket or small general store, know that theft is a large part of doing business.  I have found that this is perhaps one of the last great frontiers, if you will, for Loss Prevention to become an integral part of the business structure.

Well here are some things that I have found are needed in this retail setting that all should consider.  Anti shoplifting devices are a must for retail theft prevention.  I recommend the Checkpoint Security System if you are in need of a new anti shoplifting system.  The Checkpoint Security System is a total security solution.  Checkpoint systems can encompass CCTV, alarms and EAS.  All these things are necessary to protect your store from both external and internal theft.  The Checkpoint security tags are great EAS tags.  They are cost efficient.  Checkpoint security tags can be placed on virtually any package.  In fact, you can even get Checkpoint security tags that are built into your meat soaker pads to help protect your high end primals and seafood.

Another great thing about Checkpoint security tags is that you can get them to look several different ways.  The standard tags are great, but a new concept has been to have your store name stamped on the tag.  This lets everyone know that the product came from your store and is great retail theft prevention to Organized Retail Crime organizations who intend to resell the product.  It is too easy for the police to trace back to the store of origin so they will generally leave this product alone and go steal it elsewhere.

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

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

Each year I sit back and reflect upon the past year and what could have been done better to grow profits.  While many use this time to think of ways to grow sales in order to grow profits, I look at the other side.  What retail theft prevention measures could have been taken to save the money from our sales in order to grow profits?

Something that I recognize could have been done better in my business revolves around utilization of anti shoplifting devices.  I use a Checkpoint Security System to protect my assets.  There are many components that can be utilized in a Checkpoint Security System.  I mainly use CCTV and EAS.  Something that I think was a success was the growth of Checkpoint systems Public View Monitors.  We expanded our use of these Checkpoint systems PVM’s to cover more high theft areas in our target stores and saw a decrease in theft and robbery attempts.  When a would-be criminal sees themselves being recorded in living color it goes a long way in deterring them from committing a crime.  This will definitely be something I allocate more funds into this year.

The area I see for improvement is EAS utilization.  We use Checkpoint security tags to protect our high theft merchandise.  Something that I think we all fall into the habit of is just throwing Checkpoint security tags on products without a plan.  Tagging everything is not the answer.  That takes a lot of time and can be costly.  The best method is to strategically put Checkpoint security tags on products.  I am working now to track theft trends based off of inventory shortages and then implement a guideline aimed at putting our anti shoplifting resources where they are actually needed.  Retail theft prevention is becoming a science and must be given the same strategic thought that sales and other business operations are if it is truly going to be effective.

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

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

There have been many a company (and unfortunately there will be more) who have been forced out of business due to theft and poor operational controls.  Most recent surveys concerning retail theft all have similar results.  Overall most retailers can attribute theft to account for roughly 70-85% of their overall shrink.  To this end we must all make retail theft prevention a vital part of our business strategy if we are going to survive trying economic times.

One of the starting places for retail theft prevention is the utilization of anti shoplifting devices in an effort to prevent theft.  While catching shoplifters is the most obvious way of reducing theft, it is limited in scope.  Out of 10 thefts in a day the store would be lucky to catch just one of the thieves.  A much more broad reaching solution is to use an anti shoplifting EAS system.  The Checkpoint Security System is a great solution.  The Checkpoint Security System is cost efficient and quality assured.  One word of caution is to ensure you utilize an authorized dealer to purchase and install you Checkpoint Security System.  I know of several stores that purchased through an unauthorized source and while the cost was less they ended up with refurbished and non-working equipment.  In the long run it is always wiser to use authorized vendors to ensure you get what you pay for.

One of the principle components of Checkpoint systems is Checkpoint security tags.  Checkpoint security tags come in a variety of sizes shapes and applications so you can customize a solution for your specific business.  Checkpoint systems work on a dedicated RF frequency so you don’t have to worry about false alarms from other retailers EAS systems.  Overall I find Checkpoint systems to be a leader in the anti shoplifting industry and rely on their products to protect my business daily.

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

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

There are many types of retailers in the market place today, but one that gets hit perhaps the hardest is soft line retailers.  Clothes represent one of the largest segments of retail so it stands to reason that it is significantly impacted by theft.  In order to incorporate retail theft prevention into the business plan, stores must utilize anti shoplifting systems to help fight the theft epidemic.

There are many different anti shoplifting systems on the market all aimed at assisting stores in their retail theft prevention plight.  One solution that I recommend is the Checkpoint Security System.  A Checkpoint Security System is a good choice for several reasons.  For one, Checkpoint systems are reliable.  Like any investment in your business you expect longevity in your systems.  Checkpoint systems have stood the test of time for many retailers so I am confident they will for your business as well.  A second reason to use Checkpoint systems is that they are always evolving with the times.  Checkpoint understands that technology does not stand still and they constantly work to provide solutions that work for today and tomorrow.

The Checkpoint security tags are a perfect example of this last concept.  We are all aware of the old sensor tags that utilize a pin and a label to puncture the clothes and make the alarm sound.  This is a great system and one that still works today, but the Checkpoint systems technology goes far beyond this basic concept.  You can now have Checkpoint security tags woven into the clothes.  You can get Checkpoint security tags that have ink packets to prevent tampering.  You can even get adhesive Checkpoint security tags to put on all your boxed product.  The options are endless and the retail theft prevention tangible.  All you have to do try it.

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

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

Anti shoplifting as a strategy, as an achievable goal or is it a “wishy washy” flight of the fancy? When you have a business that sells product that a wide demographic desires then you have merchandise that numerous thieves will crave. The decision a small business has to make is whether or not Loss Prevention is a major concern. Unfortunately many small businesses do not consider anti shoplifting measures to be a priority when then first open their doors.

Larger businesses have gone through and understand the process of incurring shrink via shoplifting.  Retail theft prevention should be a major consideration before the doors ever open to any business otherwise product will be lost needlessly. I always enjoyed working for a company that utilized the Checkpoint security system. When a checkpoint system has been purchased and implemented correctly it allows business owners to concentrate on sales vs. losses.

Having the Checkpoint security system also allowed Loss Prevention departments to concentrate on other areas of loss thus offering the capability to reduce overall shrink further. Checkpoint security tags are the beacons that have always shone brightly to thieves. Whether it is a hard clothing checkpoint security tag or a soft sticker checkpoint security tag, thieves know at that moment when they see product tagged properly and consistently it is time to find another retailer who does not employ that type of retail theft prevention. Shoplifters are looking for product that they can stuff into bags, strollers, backpacks and on their person. They realize when they see a checkpoint system in the store that methods of concealment are useless because the checkpoint security tags will set off the system if they attempt to leave the premises. This not an ideal situation for a potential thief, most of the time they will move on to easier targets.

It is very important however that the suspect, when casing a business with a checkpoint security system, observes that the checkpoint alarm when activated is being reacted to in a proper manner. They must also see consistent and proper tagging of merchandise. Any holes that are apparent will reduce the capability of the checkpoint system to be effective. Anti shoplifting is only attainable when Retail theft prevention is the foundation to your Loss Prevention strategy.

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 holidays are upon us.  We can look forward to presents and family time.  As retailers we look forward to a great fourth quarter of increased sales and hopefully a nice fat bonus.  What can dampen this spirit of joy and merriment is theft.  Theft often makes us mad.  It dampens morale in the store.  It cuts into profits and sales (which directly cuts into that bonus we all want at the first of the year).  In order to prevent theft there are a few things we need on our Santa list.

Anti shoplifting devices are a must.  If we are truly going to experience retail theft prevention then we start with anti shoplifting devices.  Checkpoint systems is a great maker of EAS products.  The Checkpoint security tags are some of the more reliable and affordable tags on the market.  Checkpoint security tags are also known to shoplifters.  Shoplifters see Checkpoint security tags and will often leave the product alone and go steal elsewhere (which is exactly what we want).

Another option from Checkpoint systems are cameras.  Public view monitors are great at deterring both theft and robbery.  When potential criminals see that their activity is being recorded then they are much less likely to commit the crime as they know the police will have an easy case.  Covert cameras are also great for keeping an eye on associates, but since retail theft prevention is what we are after I like to let everyone see that we have video.

Finally, a Checkpoint security system is in order.  A Checkpoint security system will help protect your business when you are away.  We all want to be able to enjoy taking time off at the holidays and it’s nice to be able to relax knowing the store is in good hands.

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

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