Clothing Security For The Real World

February 3, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Clothing Security For The Real World

How do we provide clothing security in an effective, cost conscious manner? It is not enough to train your employees and put Sensormatic tags on your merchandise, if it is more expensive in labor and hardware than the losses themselves. Here are the things you should consider before you do anything.
First, what is the real cost to your losses. If you lose a $100 item you have only lost $100, right? No you have actually lost much more. Here is the way you calculate that. Take the item at retail cost, in this case $100 and divide it by your profit margin. To keep it simple I will use the average, overall profit margin which is 2%. So, $100 divided by 0.02 = $5000. Yes that is FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS for a $100 item stolen. Because you will have to sell an ADDITIONAL $5k to break even on that $100 loss. AND that is not to make money it is only to break even. If you lose $100 every other day, well, you do the math. This is not just someone else’s problem it is your world also!
Next, how do we make clothing security cost effective? A clothing alarm such as a Sensormatic system can be expensive, however, if that is what your impression is then it is time to take a real look into the world of Sensormatic. There are very cost friendly systems available. But, more importantly you must have a reliable system that will cause you few problems. Sensormatic systems are a commercial grade and are meant to stand up to the rigors of challenging retail environments. Sensormatic systems’ Acousto Magnetic (AM) technology is over 50 years old. It is in most of the top retailers in the world. AM systems operate 24/7 with very few of the false alarms that other systems have. That is key because if you and your staff experience false alarms on a regular basis, then you will eventually have less trust in the system.
With clothing security we also have to consider what merchandise we need to protect. Many of our customers tell us they “want to protect everything”. Although, in some cases that is necessary, however, in most cases it is not realistic or needed. We need to take the emotion out of this equation. The Sensormatic tags are pretty inexpensive but the labor to put clothing security tags on every piece of merchandise could be costly in labor. 
What you should consider is putting clothing security tags on approximately 20% of your merchandise that is causing approximately 80% of your losses. Clothing security tags on this amount of goods will tend to send the shoplifters down the street. Some determined shoplifters will look at stealing other items in your store. You will then identify those items and place Sensormatic tags on them also. At this point, if you maintain your tagging program most of your losses will go away.
You and your staff will need to be trained in how to respond to clothing alarms however, we take care of that for you. Our approach to clothing alarms is customer service based. This solves a number of problems including customer errors such as Sensormatic tags or labels from another retailer on merchandise they bring into your store causing an alarm. And errors on the part of your store’ staff. This could include failing to remove Sensormatic tags at checkout and Sensormatic tags on merchandise placed too close to the system at your doors.
Loss Prevention Systems will not just train you how to respond to a clothing alarm but how to identify and discourage a potential shoplifter while providing great customer service to your good customers.
For more information on Sensormatic systems, Sensormatic tags, clothing alarms and clothing security contact us today or call toll free 1-770-426-0547. Together we can solve your shoplifting problems once and for all.

How do we provide clothing security in an effective, cost conscious manner? It is not enough to train your employees and put Sensormatic tags on your merchandise, if it is more expensive in labor and hardware than the losses themselves. Here are the things you should consider before you do anything.

 

First, what is the real cost to your losses. If you lose a $100 item you have only lost $100, right? No you have actually lost much more. Here is the way you calculate that. Take the item at retail cost, in this case $100 and divide it by your profit margin. To keep it simple I will use the average, overall profit margin which is 2%. So, $100 divided by 0.02 = $5000. Yes that is FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS for a $100 item stolen. Because you will have to sell an ADDITIONAL $5k to break even on that $100 loss. AND that is not to make money it is only to break even. If you lose $100 every other day, well, you do the math. This is not just someone else’s problem it is your world also!

 

Next, how do we make clothing security cost effective? A clothing alarm such as a Sensormatic system can be expensive, however, if that is what your impression is then it is time to take a real look into the world of Sensormatic. There are very cost friendly systems available. But, more importantly you must have a reliable system that will cause you few problems. Sensormatic systems are a commercial grade and are meant to stand up to the rigors of challenging retail environments. Sensormatic systems’ Acousto Magnetic (AM) technology is over 50 years old. It is in most of the top retailers in the world. AM systems operate 24/7 with very few of the false alarms that other systems have. That is key because if you and your staff experience false alarms on a regular basis, then you will eventually have less trust in the system.

 

With clothing security we also have to consider what merchandise we need to protect. Many of our customers tell us they “want to protect everything”. Although, in some cases that is necessary, however, in most cases it is not realistic or needed. We need to take the emotion out of this equation. The Sensormatic tags are pretty inexpensive but the labor to put clothing security tags on every piece of merchandise could be costly in labor. 

 

What you should consider is putting clothing security tags on approximately 20% of your merchandise that is causing approximately 80% of your losses. Clothing security tags on this amount of goods will tend to send the shoplifters down the street. Some determined shoplifters will look at stealing other items in your store. You will then identify those items and place Sensormatic tags on them also. At this point, if you maintain your tagging program most of your losses will go away.

 

You and your staff will need to be trained in how to respond to clothing alarms however, we take care of that for you. Our approach to clothing alarms is customer service based. This solves a number of problems including customer errors such as Sensormatic tags or labels from another retailer on merchandise they bring into your store causing an alarm. And errors on the part of your store’ staff. This could include failing to remove Sensormatic tags at checkout and Sensormatic tags on merchandise placed too close to the system at your doors.

 

Loss Prevention Systems will not just train you how to respond to a clothing alarm but how to identify and discourage a potential shoplifter while providing great customer service to your good customers.

 

For more information on Sensormatic systems, Sensormatic tags, clothing alarms and clothing security contact us today or call toll free 1-770-426-0547. Together we can solve your shoplifting problems once and for all.

 

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A Clothing Alarm Causes The Other Shoe To Drop?

February 2, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

Clothing Alarm-5                                                                                                                          WC Blog 466
Clothing Security Tags-4
A Clothing Alarm Causes The Other Shoe To Drop?
      My daughter is in training to become a department manager for a clothing store chain. She stays in regular contact with friends and co-workers even when she isn’t at work, often learning about events that take place shortly after they happen. Not long ago she was at home and a friend who had just gotten off of work called  and told her about a group of shoplifters who had been in the store and ran out with two large tote-sized bags and a backpack that appeared to be filled with merchandise.  One of the suspects was seen running to a car and jumping into it. The other two suspected thieves were spotted walking quickly to a nearby store in the same shopping plaza and entering it. According to my daughter’s friend a bit later a customer came to their store carrying a pair of name brand shoes that came from their store with a clothing alarm tag still attached to the shoe. The tag had a built in alarm that was still blaring when the patron brought the shoes into the store.
     There are a few of you reading this article unfamiliar with a clothing alarm or clothing security tags. Both of these are terms for devices used to prevent the pilfering of clothing from retailers. The tags can be pinned on clothes (usually in a seam to prevent damage to material) in a location that will be visible to a thief. The idea is to deter theft from ever taking place. Often just the sight of a tag is enough to make a criminal reconsider attempting to steal something from a store. The tags are designed to withstand efforts to pry them off of merchandise and they can withstand quite a bit of physical pounding if someone were to try to break them apart. That type of abuse is going to result in damaged goods anyways rendering them useless for wear or resale. Tags also carry electronic article surveillance technology that will cause a Checkpoint tower alarm to sound when tagged products come too close to the towers. Obviously the idea behind the alarms is that trained associates quickly react to alarm activations and merchandise is recovered for the store.
     As I mentioned earlier my daughter’s store was using a clothing alarm tag that was sounding a built in alarm when the honest customer brought it back into the store. This store uses clothing security tags that have these built in alarms and others that only sound an alarm if tampered with or set off a tower when a shoplifter tries to sneak tagged merchandise out of a store. The benefit of the added alarm is that it does make it very clear when a person is carrying stolen merchandise around. It is difficult to be discreet while trying to duck into a store and carrying merchandise that is sending out an alarm noise. 
     I asked my daughter if the police had been called when the perpetrators fled. She told me that their policy is not to call the police on suspected shoplifters who run out the door. Even if merchandise with a clothing alarm tag that sets off the towers at the front doors there is no follow up other than to notify the district Loss Prevention Manager. Having been a Loss Prevention Manager for quite a few years this bothered me and intrigued me at the same time. I know the store has at least some security cameras in it. Why not review some video and then contact the police about the suspected theft? In my opinion this also defeats a part of the purpose of having an electronic article surveillance system in place. Yes, the clothing security tags do deter theft but there has to be follow-up. If there is no follow up with police when there is a strong probability that a theft has taken place then I believe a part of the value of a theft prevention system is lost. 
      Shoplifters will learn through the grapevine what a store’s policies are regarding shoplifters. When there is no concern that police will be contacted for theft issues thieves begin to take advantage of those businesses. A clothing alarm tag will have the most impact when employees respond to alarms and authorities are contacted for incidents with strong evidence that a theft has occurred. 
     Don’t take half measures to protect your store and merchandise. Use clothing security tags on all of your products and train employees on alarm response. For the rare occasion someone gets away be sure to partner with police and prosecute when possible. Send a strong message to criminals to take their antics elsewhere.
Clothing Security Tags are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.86.426.0547 and let’s talk.
     

My daughter is in training to become a department manager for a clothing store chain. She stays in regular contact with friends and co-workers even when she isn’t at work, often learning about events that take place shortly after they happen. Not long ago she was at home and a friend who had just gotten off of work called  and told her about a group of shoplifters who had been in the store and ran out with two large tote-sized bags and a backpack that appeared to be filled with merchandise. One of the suspects was seen running to a car and jumping into it. The other two suspected thieves were spotted walking quickly to a nearby store in the same shopping plaza and entering it. According to my daughter’s friend a bit later a customer came to their store carrying a pair of name brand shoes that came from their store with a clothing alarm tag still attached to the shoe. The tag had a built in alarm that was still blaring when the patron brought the shoes into the store.

There are a few of you reading this article unfamiliar with a clothing alarm or clothing security tags. Both of these are terms for devices used to prevent the pilfering of clothing from retailers. The tags can be pinned on clothes (usually in a seam to prevent damage to material) in a location that will be visible to a thief. The idea is to deter theft from ever taking place. Often just the sight of a tag is enough to make a criminal reconsider attempting to steal something from a store. The tags are designed to withstand efforts to pry them off of merchandise and they can withstand quite a bit of physical pounding if someone were to try to break them apart. That type of abuse is going to result in damaged goods anyways rendering them useless for wear or resale. Tags also carry electronic article surveillance technology that will cause a Checkpoint tower alarm to sound when tagged products come too close to the towers. Obviously the idea behind the alarms is that trained associates quickly react to alarm activations and merchandise is recovered for the store.

As I mentioned earlier my daughter’s store was using a clothing alarm tag that was sounding a built in alarm when the honest customer brought it back into the store. This store uses clothing security tags that have these built in alarms and others that only sound an alarm if tampered with or set off a tower when a shoplifter tries to sneak tagged merchandise out of a store. The benefit of the added alarm is that it does make it very clear when a person is carrying stolen merchandise around. It is difficult to be discreet while trying to duck into a store and carrying merchandise that is sending out an alarm noise. 

I asked my daughter if the police had been called when the perpetrators fled. She told me that their policy is not to call the police on suspected shoplifters who run out the door. Even if merchandise with a clothing alarm tag that sets off the towers at the front doors there is no follow up other than to notify the district Loss Prevention Manager. Having been a Loss Prevention Manager for quite a few years this bothered me and intrigued me at the same time. I know the store has at least some security cameras in it. Why not review some video and then contact the police about the suspected theft? In my opinion this also defeats a part of the purpose of having an electronic article surveillance system in place. Yes, the clothing security tags do deter theft but there has to be follow-up. If there is no follow up with police when there is a strong probability that a theft has taken place then I believe a part of the value of a theft prevention system is lost. 

Shoplifters will learn through the grapevine what a store’s policies are regarding shoplifters. When there is no concern that police will be contacted for theft issues thieves begin to take advantage of those businesses. A clothing alarm tag will have the most impact when employees respond to alarms and authorities are contacted for incidents with strong evidence that a theft has occurred. 

Don’t take half measures to protect your store and merchandise. Use clothing security tags on all of your products and train employees on alarm response. For the rare occasion someone gets away be sure to partner with police and prosecute when possible. Send a strong message to criminals to take their antics elsewhere.

 

Clothing Security Tags are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.86.426.0547 and let’s talk.     

 

 

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RETAILERS COMBAT THEIR THEFT PROBLEM WITH THE HIGHEST QUALITY CLOTHING SECURITY TAGS!

December 1, 2017 by Leave a Comment
RETAILERS COMBAT THEIR THEFT PROBLEM WITH THE HIGHEST QUALITY CLOTHING SECURITY TAGS! 
 Clothing Security Tags-4                                                                ML Blog 09
  Clothing Alarm-3
       Shoplifting is a huge problem for business owners. Retailers lose billions of dollars each year, due to exorbitant expanses of theft. But what are they doing to protect themselves? Stores attempt a myriad of solutions to combat the reoccurring problem. However, this issue is colossal and is increasing every day. Most of the retailers I have had the privilege to work with use some form of theft deterrent. Some retailers utilize public view monitors or even visual signs, stating “shoplifters will be prosecuted”. You will see these emblems in fitting rooms or at store entrances. Signs help and monitors, but are not merchandise protection devices. They can make a thief think or plan better strategy, but they do little to prevent a truly resourceful culprit.  They alone are not enough to reduce annual shrink totals, so we now have to expand our programs to protect our assets. Retailers need security devices that are shoplifter proof, keeping your merchandise on the shelf. Luckily, now you can use clothing security tags to secure your assets from boosters wiping out your store. 
 
       You name it; I have seen it. Throughout my several years of experience in Loss Prevention, clothing security tags have been particularly successful. In 2015, I apprehended a grand total of eighty-three shoplifters in one year at my particular store.  Ninety percent of the pilferers intentionally stole products that were not tagged with a clothing alarm. I would watch via CCTV the shoplifters look through the racks and flip through the clothes, hoping to find one without a security device. After not being able to find a non-tagged item, they leave the store and do not come back! This keeps the shoplifters away from your business and sends them to other retailers that do not have their items protected. The trend shows what really works. Each year since 2015, I notice the same type of pattern. The shoplifters are too nervous to steal product with a clothing alarm because they know it will alarm at the door, bringing all eyes on them. That is the last thing a shoplifter wants as they always avoid associates and scope for areas of less traffic. If the thieves try to remove the clothing security tags, it can be very difficult. In my previous stores, I have experimented with these tags and devices to test the removal of them. I’ve learned that even with tools, it is a time consuming and noisy undertaking.  When you walk into other retailers, you will notice a majority of them utilize them as well. It is extremely uncommon for a retailer to not use tags now, simply because these stores have seen the importance of keeping a security tag program in place. It makes a huge difference when you look at your current shrink numbers, versus the numbers from prior years of not utilizing them. 
       The stores who implement this as a mandatory program see it works, and continue the program each year. My stores managers also like that are recyclable, making it an inexpensive and convenient fix for a gigantic problem. You place the clothing alarm right on the product, which takes no time. With how hard you work for sales, we can’t allow tons of product to be in the hands of thieves. I order clothing security tags anytime I work Loss Prevention at a new location, because I know the benefit of having these on my clothing items or accessories. Protect your valuable merchandise by saying NO to thieves with this easy fix!
Get more information on Clothing Security Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today. 

Shoplifting is a huge problem for business owners. Retailers lose billions of dollars each year, due to exorbitant expanses of theft. But what are they doing to protect themselves? Stores attempt a myriad of solutions to combat the reoccurring problem. However, this issue is colossal and is increasing every day. Most of the retailers I have had the privilege to work with use some form of theft deterrent. Some retailers utilize public view monitors or even visual signs, stating “shoplifters will be prosecuted”. You will see these emblems in fitting rooms or at store entrances. Signs help and monitors, but are not merchandise protection devices. They can make a thief think or plan better strategy, but they do little to prevent a truly resourceful culprit.  They alone are not enough to reduce annual shrink totals, so we now have to expand our programs to protect our assets. Retailers need security devices that are shoplifter proof, keeping your merchandise on the shelf. Luckily, now you can use clothing security tags to secure your assets from boosters wiping out your store.         

 

You name it; I have seen it. Throughout my several years of experience in Loss Prevention, clothing security tags have been particularly successful. In 2015, I apprehended a grand total of eighty-three shoplifters in one year at my particular store.  Ninety percent of the pilferers intentionally stole products that were not tagged with a clothing alarm. I would watch via CCTV the shoplifters look through the racks and flip through the clothes, hoping to find one without a security device. After not being able to find a non-tagged item, they leave the store and do not come back! This keeps the shoplifters away from your business and sends them to other retailers that do not have their items protected. The trend shows what really works. Each year since 2015, I notice the same type of pattern. The shoplifters are too nervous to steal product with a clothing alarm because they know it will alarm at the door, bringing all eyes on them. That is the last thing a shoplifter wants as they always avoid associates and scope for areas of less traffic. If the thieves try to remove the clothing security tags, it can be very difficult. In my previous stores, I have experimented with these tags and devices to test the removal of them. I’ve learned that even with tools, it is a time consuming and noisy undertaking.  When you walk into other retailers, you will notice a majority of them utilize them as well. It is extremely uncommon for a retailer to not use tags now, simply because these stores have seen the importance of keeping a security tag program in place. It makes a huge difference when you look at your current shrink numbers, versus the numbers from prior years of not utilizing them. 

 

 The stores who implement this as a mandatory program see it works, and continue the program each year. My stores managers also like that are recyclable, making it an inexpensive and convenient fix for a gigantic problem. You place the clothing alarm right on the product, which takes no time. With how hard you work for sales, we can’t allow tons of product to be in the hands of thieves. I order clothing security tags anytime I work Loss Prevention at a new location, because I know the benefit of having these on my clothing items or accessories. Protect your valuable merchandise by saying NO to thieves with this easy fix!

 

Get more information on Clothing Security Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today. 

 

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Clothing Thieves Can Be Curbed When You Use Clothing Alarms

July 3, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

Clothing Alarm-4                                                                                                                       WC Blog 305
Clothing Security-4
Checkpoint Tags-4
Clothing Thieves Can Be Curbed When You Use Clothing Alarms
     What is a clothing alarm? Someone seeing me in shorts and flip flops would say they experienced a clothing alarm. Some might say wearing white after Labor Day is a clothing faux pas that would cause an alarm. The recent surge in people wearing clown suits and lurking around neighborhoods can be alarming. None of these is the type of clothing alarm I am speaking of.  I am concerned with clothing security or the lack of it in many cases. You are probably not aware that according to the Global Retail Theft Barometer Report for 2014-2015, globally, footwear ranked number one for “Most Stolen Items” in the “Apparel and Fashion Accessories” category and sports related clothing ranked third in the same category (page 23). In North America for the “Apparel and Fashion Accessories” section, shoe theft was number one and sports related clothing ranked number two (page 55). If you own or manage a store that sells any type of footwear or clothing the theft of fashion apparel is one trend you don’t want to take the lead on.
      Clothing security starts with using Checkpoint Tags on clothes. Tags include hard and soft versions that work in conjunction with electronic article surveillance (EAS) towers. EAS pedestals are usually located within stores near entrance and exit points (I have been seeing them more recently installed near hallways leading to restrooms). Tagged merchandise carried too close to a tower activates a loud, beeping alarm and causes pulsating LED lights built in the tower to turn on. Store management or employees trained on proper response quickly determine the reason for the activation and recover goods or prompt the offender to purchase the item(s). 
     Hard styles of Checkpoint Tags are pinned to merchandise in a highly visible area, with the intention of deterring potential thieves from even attempting to take merchandise in the first place. This type of tag requires a detachment tool only available from Checkpoint to remove the tag at the point of sale. A soft tag comes on a roll of tags and can be peeled off and applied to a clothing manufacturer tag. Some store Loss Prevention Officers and retail managers stick them inside a pocket to fool thieves who might tear the manufacturer tag off and try to defeat the security measure.  Unlike the hard tag, soft tags are not removed for reuse, they are deactivated at the point of sale so they won’t active EAS pedestals. The idea behind the tags being visible is that it deters the criminal act in the first place and the thieves go shopping elsewhere. 
     I mentioned footwear as the number one stolen item in the “Apparel and Fashion Accessories” category and some of you may be wondering how you can use clothing security on shoes. The hard Checkpoint tags can be pinned through shoe eyelets and buckles preventing damage to shoes while still making it hard for a shoplifter to wear a pair out of a store without being seen or setting off alarms. Soft tags can be placed inside a shoe down towards the toes or in some cases under a sole insert within the shoe. 
     The thought of shoes and sports apparel being ripped off from your store should give you concern over what your next inventory results will look like. The hit to your bottom line can’t just be ignored or erased, it must be addressed quickly. Clothing alarm protection and Checkpoint tags can help ensure the bad guys won’t be the best dressed thieves in town because they picked on your stores. Don’t get caught with your pants down, be proactive and address theft and fraud before it becomes a major issue. Start using clothing security tags today.
Clothing Alarms are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk. 

What is a clothing alarm? Someone seeing me in shorts and flip flops would say they experienced a clothing alarm. Some might say wearing white after Labor Day is a clothing faux pas that would cause an alarm. The recent surge in people wearing clown suits and lurking around neighborhoods can be alarming. None of these is the type of clothing alarm I am speaking of. I am concerned with clothing security or the lack of it in many cases. You are probably not aware that according to the Global Retail Theft Barometer Report for 2014-2015, globally, footwear ranked number one for “Most Stolen Items” in the “Apparel and Fashion Accessories” category and sports related clothing ranked third in the same category (page 23). In North America for the “Apparel and Fashion Accessories” section, shoe theft was number one and sports related clothing ranked number two (page 55). If you own or manage a store that sells any type of footwear or clothing the theft of fashion apparel is one trend you don’t want to take the lead on.

Clothing security starts with using Checkpoint Tags on clothes. Tags include hard and soft versions that work in conjunction with electronic article surveillance (EAS) towers. EAS pedestals are usually located within stores near entrance and exit points (I have been seeing them more recently installed near hallways leading to restrooms). Tagged merchandise carried too close to a tower activates a loud, beeping alarm and causes pulsating LED lights built in the tower to turn on. Store management or employees trained on proper response quickly determine the reason for the activation and recover goods or prompt the offender to purchase the item(s). 

Hard styles of Checkpoint Tags are pinned to merchandise in a highly visible area, with the intention of deterring potential thieves from even attempting to take merchandise in the first place. This type of tag requires a detachment tool only available from Checkpoint to remove the tag at the point of sale. A soft tag comes on a roll of tags and can be peeled off and applied to a clothing manufacturer tag. Some store Loss Prevention Officers and retail managers stick them inside a pocket to fool thieves who might tear the manufacturer tag off and try to defeat the security measure. Unlike the hard tag, soft tags are not removed for reuse, they are deactivated at the point of sale so they won’t active EAS pedestals. The idea behind the tags being visible is that it deters the criminal act in the first place and the thieves go shopping elsewhere. 

I mentioned footwear as the number one stolen item in the “Apparel and Fashion Accessories” category and some of you may be wondering how you can use clothing security on shoes. The hard Checkpoint tags can be pinned through shoe eyelets and buckles preventing damage to shoes while still making it hard for a shoplifter to wear a pair out of a store without being seen or setting off alarms. Soft tags can be placed inside a shoe down towards the toes or in some cases under a sole insert within the shoe. 

The thought of shoes and sports apparel being ripped off from your store should give you concern over what your next inventory results will look like. The hit to your bottom line can’t just be ignored or erased, it must be addressed quickly. Clothing alarm protection and Checkpoint tags can help ensure the bad guys won’t be the best dressed thieves in town because they picked on your stores. Don’t get caught with your pants down, be proactive and address theft and fraud before it becomes a major issue. Start using clothing security tags today.

 

Clothing Security is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk. 

 

 

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The Wheel-Chair Bandit and Checkpoint Tags!

April 13, 2015 by Leave a Comment
I remember my training as a new loss prevention officer about 10 years ago. My trainer, who I still talk to today, told me that I should never judge a potential shoplifter based on their appearance. Whether they look homeless, hopped up on drugs, or dressed in their Sunday best, you should never profile. That stuck with me for the past decade and is something I train all my new agents on. You look at product and behavior. Normally, a legitimate shopper won’t try to remove the security tags on clothes. 
Just last week, I was working with one of my agents at a high theft store. It was a weekday, but had already been a busy morning. It wasn’t lunch time yet and we had already made 4 shoplifting stops. I think there were some solar flares, or something that had people thinking it was a good day to come out and shoplift. As we’re walking the sales floor, an older gentleman in a wheel chair caught my eye. He was being pushed around by a younger, attractive female. I figured it was a nurse and went on with my routine. I failed to recognize that the gentleman had a dozen high end articles of clothing in his lap. (I failed the first step that I train so vigorously on). 
A few minutes later, my agent calls out over the radio that he’s watching an individual removing the clothing security devices from some apparel. He said it was an older male wearing a white shirt and jeans. I began walking towards the front of the store in order to wait outside and my agent continued relaying what he was observing. He stated that once the checkpoint tags were removed, a female accomplice opened her purse and the male placed the merchandise inside. He warned me that the pair was approaching the exit and to make the stop. 
The older gentleman and his assumed nurse were exiting the store as I was waiting outside. I spoke to them briefly and thanked them for coming in. I didn’t see the shoplifter though. Moments later, my agent comes bursting through the doors, questioning why I let the shoplifter go!! It was in that moment, I realized the shoplifter was the customer in the wheelchair! They were only a few steps away and we attempted to make contact. Out of nowhere, the female began running at a sprinters pace through the parking lot… pushing the wheel chair right along with her. The old man’s arms and legs were flailing side to side and I could hear him yelling “Faster, faster! I’m not going back to jail!!”
The police caught up to them sprinting down the highway and brought them back to the store. In their possession was over $1,000 worth of my store’s merchandise. Turns out that it was all planned. The gentleman was a wealthy man who stated that he wanted a little excitement. He told me that he researched how to remove the clothing alarms and that he had no desire for the product he was taking. The female was his nurse and she said that at the salary he was paying her, she just did whatever made him happy. I swear, I wish this was fiction…
For more information, contact us: Clothing Security, or call 1.770.426.0547

I remember my training as a new loss prevention officer about 10 years ago. My trainer, who I still talk to today, told me that I should never judge a potential shoplifter based on their appearance. Whether they look homeless, hopped up on drugs, or dressed in their Sunday best, you should never profile. That stuck with me for the past decade and is something I train all my new agents on. You look at product and behavior. Normally, a legitimate shopper won’t try to remove the security tags on clothes. 

 Just last week, I was working with one of my agents at a high theft store. It was a weekday, but had already been a busy morning. It wasn’t lunch time yet and we had already made 4 shoplifting stops. I think there were some solar flares, or something that had people thinking it was a good day to come out and shoplift. As we’re walking the sales floor, an older gentleman in a wheel chair caught my eye. He was being pushed around by a younger, attractive female. I figured it was a nurse and went on with my routine. I failed to recognize that the gentleman had a dozen high end articles of clothing in his lap. (I failed the first step that I train so vigorously on). 

 A few minutes later, my agent calls out over the radio that he’s watching an individual removing the clothing security devices from some apparel. He said it was an older male wearing a white shirt and jeans. I began walking towards the front of the store in order to wait outside and my agent continued relaying what he was observing. He stated that once the Checkpoint Tags were removed, a female accomplice opened her purse and the male placed the merchandise inside. He warned me that the pair was approaching the exit and to make the stop. 

 The older gentleman and his assumed nurse were exiting the store as I was waiting outside. I spoke to them briefly and thanked them for coming in. I didn’t see the shoplifter though. Moments later, my agent comes bursting through the doors, questioning why I let the shoplifter go!! It was in that moment, I realized the shoplifter was the customer in the wheelchair! They were only a few steps away and we attempted to make contact. Out of nowhere, the female began running at a sprinters pace through the parking lot… pushing the wheel chair right along with her. The old man’s arms and legs were flailing side to side and I could hear him yelling “Faster, faster! I’m not going back to jail!!”

 The police caught up to them sprinting down the highway and brought them back to the store. In their possession was over $1,000 worth of my store’s merchandise. Turns out that it was all planned. The gentleman was a wealthy man who stated that he wanted a little excitement. He told me that he researched how to remove the clothing alarms and that he had no desire for the product he was taking. The female was his nurse and she said that at the salary he was paying her, she just did whatever made him happy. I swear, I wish this was fiction…

For more information, contact us: Clothing Security, or call 1.770.426.0547

 

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Point Them In The Right Direction- Clothing Security

January 19, 2015 by Leave a Comment
When retailers merchandise arms of clothing the hangers typically face in one direction. Did you know that alternating the direction of your hangers is actually an effective clothing security method?
If your store is prone to large-scale thefts, such as ones from push outs, grab and runs, or booster bags, it might be partly due to the ease that they can pick up large quantities of merchandise.
Make it harder for your criminals to quickly access your merchandise.  When you alternate the direction of the hangers the shoplifters have to stop and put in some extra effort to get all of the items, instead of just a few at a time.
This method keeps your sales floor stocked at levels that allow customers to quickly find what they are looking for- in the sizes they need- while reducing your risk of a large scale theft.
The key is to not let your presentation standards fall short, just to accommodate this method of clothing security. By setting a standard for the direction the hangers need to face, you can keep your merchandising racks looking neat and organized. 
Try to start with the hangers holding the smallest size facing right, the mediums facing left, larges facing back towards the right, etc. This provides a visual pattern to the hangers and eliminates a haphazard look and feel to your store.
Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint Tags, a Clothing Alarm, Clothing Security or Clothing Security Tags to put Security Tags on Clothes and an Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system.
For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547 

When retailers merchandise arms of clothing the hangers typically face in one direction. Did you know that alternating the direction of your hangers is actually an effective clothing security method?

If your store is prone to large-scale thefts, such as ones from push outs, grab and runs, or booster bags, it might be partly due to the ease that they can pick up large quantities of merchandise.

Make it harder for your criminals to quickly access your merchandise.  When you alternate the direction of the hangers the shoplifters have to stop and put in some extra effort to get all of the items, instead of just a few at a time.

This method keeps your sales floor stocked at levels that allow customers to quickly find what they are looking for- in the sizes they need- while reducing your risk of a large scale theft.

The key is to not let your presentation standards fall short, just to accommodate this method of clothing security. By setting a standard for the direction the hangers need to face, you can keep your merchandising racks looking neat and organized. 

Try to start with the hangers holding the smallest size facing right, the mediums facing left, larges facing back towards the right, etc. This provides a visual pattern to the hangers and eliminates a haphazard look and feel to your store.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint Tags, a Clothing Alarm, Clothing Security or Clothing Security Tags to put Security Tags on Clothes and an Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

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Do You Hear It? – Clothing Security Tags

January 12, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Fitting rooms are a hard area of a store to monitor and protect against being used for shoplifting. Often the rooms are left unmonitored, unlocked, and – due to a right to privacy- are unable to be watched. That doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel of defeat. It just means you have to find ways to work in other clothing security.
Did you know that shoplifters in a fitting room make different sounds than shoppers in a fitting room? It’s true. If you listen to the sounds a shopper makes, you will hear the rustle of material and hangers as they are trying an item on, there would be the sounds of slight movement as they check themselves out in a mirror from different angles, and then the rustle of material and hangers as they change into the next outfit.
A shoplifter, on the other hand, will be much quieter. They are spending more time trying to hear who is outside the fitting room. They are trying to slide clothing off of the hangers as quietly and discreetly as possible. There might be a distinct snapping sound as they pull price tags (often embedded with clothing security tags) off of the clothing. Generally there will be long pauses of silence in between their actions, as they listen to see if someone is aware of what they are doing.
Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint Tags, a Clothing Alarm, Clothing Security or Clothing Security Tags to put Security Tags on Clothes and an Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system.
For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547 

Fitting rooms are a hard area of a store to monitor and protect against being used for shoplifting. Often the rooms are left unmonitored, unlocked, and – due to a right to privacy- are unable to be watched. That doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel of defeat. It just means you have to find ways to work in other clothing security.

Did you know that shoplifters in a fitting room make different sounds than shoppers in a fitting room? It’s true. If you listen to the sounds a shopper makes, you will hear the rustle of material and hangers as they are trying an item on, there would be the sounds of slight movement as they check themselves out in a mirror from different angles, and then the rustle of material and hangers as they change into the next outfit.

A shoplifter, on the other hand, will be much quieter. They are spending more time trying to hear who is outside the fitting room. They are trying to slide clothing off of the hangers as quietly and discreetly as possible. There might be a distinct snapping sound as they pull price tags (often embedded with clothing security tags) off of the clothing. Generally there will be long pauses of silence in between their actions, as they listen to see if someone is aware of what they are doing.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint Tags, a Clothing Alarm, Clothing Security or Clothing Security Tags to put Security Tags on Clothes and an Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

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Changing With The Seasons- Clothing Security

January 5, 2015 by Leave a Comment
I have started to notice several retailers’ boasting their bi-yearly sales. They are reducing the current inventory levels to make way for the next season’s new arrivals. While these sales make for a bargain hunters dream, the incoming merchandise can be a retailer’s nightmare if they are not using clothing security tags.
To increase the urgency and perceived need for a customer to buy more product, retailer’s focus on the new season’s merchandise. Touted as the latest and greatest, customers are being lured back to by more clothing.
This lure also brings back the shoplifter who is trying to stay ahead of the fashion trends by always having the latest styles and products. The sad reality is that for those that cannot afford the clothing, they turn to shoplifting to fill their closets.
When you diligently add security tags on clothes as the new merchandise comes into the store, you reduce the amount of theft overall- including the theft from the fashionista who is filling their closets on your dime instead of theirs.
Clothing security prevents your store from being targeted by shoplifters. When used consistently, these clothing security tags serve as a warning that each season’s merchandise is protected. Shoplifters will know that there is no point in even checking to see if the current season’s merchandise has been secured.
Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint Tags, a Clothing Alarm, Clothing Security or Clothing Security Tags to put Security Tags on Clothes and an Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system.
For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547 

I have started to notice several retailers’ boasting their bi-yearly sales. They are reducing the current inventory levels to make way for the next season’s new arrivals. While these sales make for a bargain hunters dream, the incoming merchandise can be a retailer’s nightmare if they are not using clothing security tags.

To increase the urgency and perceived need for a customer to buy more product, retailer’s focus on the new season’s merchandise. Touted as the latest and greatest, customers are being lured back to by more clothing.

This lure also brings back the shoplifter who is trying to stay ahead of the fashion trends by always having the latest styles and products. The sad reality is that for those that cannot afford the clothing, they turn to shoplifting to fill their closets.

When you diligently add security tags on clothes as the new merchandise comes into the store, you reduce the amount of theft overall- including the theft from the fashionista who is filling their closets on your dime instead of theirs.

Clothing security prevents your store from being targeted by shoplifters. When used consistently, these clothing security tags serve as a warning that each season’s merchandise is protected. Shoplifters will know that there is no point in even checking to see if the current season’s merchandise has been secured.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint Tags, a Clothing Alarm, Clothing Security or Clothing Security Tags to put Security Tags on Clothes and an Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

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Keep Them at Bay- Clothing Security Tags

December 30, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Clothing security tags play a vital role in mitigating shoplifting by the majority of non- professional shoplifters. There are the shoplifters who steal out of need, or want, not necessarily to make a profit or a living off of the stolen goods.
Because much of the theft reported nation wide comes out of these non professional shoplifters, some retailers have seen upwards of 80% reduction in inventory losses and shrinkage that had previously been caused by shoplifting.
Security tags on clothes prevent the amateur shoplifter because the tags are a visible deterrent. Any one can see the tags hanging off of an article of clothing. Because the tags are so common amongst retailers that both honest customers and shoplifters are aware of what the tags do.
This keeps these low level shoplifters at bay, for the most part. These thieves are not prepared for how to deal with the attention they would receive from an activated clothing alarm. Many would not know if they should drop the merchandise and run to save their skin. Should they keep going and hope no one is following them? These are the questions shoplifter’s think of. 
The more they have to plan and calculate their theft, the less likely they will be to execute the plan. Slowly, the amount of work required doesn’t outweigh the benefits from the merchandise they are trying to steal.
Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint Tags, a Clothing Alarm, Clothing Security or Clothing Security Tags to put Security Tags on Clothes and an Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system.
For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547 

Clothing security tags play a vital role in mitigating shoplifting by the majority of non- professional shoplifters. There are the shoplifters who steal out of need, or want, not necessarily to make a profit or a living off of the stolen goods.

Because much of the theft reported nation wide comes out of these non professional shoplifters, some retailers have seen upwards of 80% reduction in inventory losses and shrinkage that had previously been caused by shoplifting.

Security tags on clothes prevent the amateur shoplifter because the tags are a visible deterrent. Any one can see the tags hanging off of an article of clothing. Because the tags are so common amongst retailers that both honest customers and shoplifters are aware of what the tags do.

This keeps these low level shoplifters at bay, for the most part. These thieves are not prepared for how to deal with the attention they would receive from an activated clothing alarm. Many would not know if they should drop the merchandise and run to save their skin. Should they keep going and hope no one is following them? These are the questions shoplifter’s think of. 

The more they have to plan and calculate their theft, the less likely they will be to execute the plan. Slowly, the amount of work required doesn’t outweigh the benefits from the merchandise they are trying to steal.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint Tags, a Clothing Alarm, Clothing Security or Clothing Security Tags to put Security Tags on Clothes and an Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

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Don’t Worry About the Alarm- Clothing Alarm

December 23, 2014 by Leave a Comment
A grab and run is a quick in and out theft where the criminals grab as much merchandise as they can and then run out the door as fast as they can to a waiting car. Because this kind of theft relies on speed, they are not concerned with defeating clothing security tags. They don’t care if they activate the clothing alarm since they will be gone before anyone can respond and try to stop them.
You can usually expect to have at least one if not more than one person entering your store to physically grab the merchandise. They will pick their targeted area- handbags, jeans, and specific designer or label, and grab as much as they can carry at one time.
They may or may not have another person acting as a lookout. Their main job is to let the rest of their crew know when the coast is clear to run out the door. As such, many times we see the grabbers lingering near the doors with piles of clothing waiting for the signal to go.
Finally, you can expect at least one or two people to stay outside. Their job is to have the get away car ready at the exit. They extra person might be there to open the doors of the car, the signal that the lookout is waiting for. If you see a car waiting by a door, you might want to make sure they are there for a good reason. 
Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint Tags, a Clothing Alarm, Clothing Security or Clothing Security Tags to put Security Tags on Clothes and an Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system.
For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547 

A grab and run is a quick in and out theft where the criminals grab as much merchandise as they can and then run out the door as fast as they can to a waiting car. Because this kind of theft relies on speed, they are not concerned with defeating clothing security tags. They don’t care if they activate the clothing alarm since they will be gone before anyone can respond and try to stop them.

You can usually expect to have at least one if not more than one person entering your store to physically grab the merchandise. They will pick their targeted area- handbags, jeans, and specific designer or label, and grab as much as they can carry at one time.

They may or may not have another person acting as a lookout. Their main job is to let the rest of their crew know when the coast is clear to run out the door. As such, many times we see the grabbers lingering near the doors with piles of clothing waiting for the signal to go.

Finally, you can expect at least one or two people to stay outside. Their job is to have the get away car ready at the exit. The extra person might be there to open the doors of the car, the signal that the lookout is waiting for. If you see a car waiting by a door, you might want to make sure they are there for a good reason.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint Tags, a Clothing Alarm, Clothing Security or Clothing Security Tags to put Security Tags on Clothes and an Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

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