Jewel Lok — Page 15

What’s the point is using Anti-Theft Devices if you don’t use them correctly?

January 7, 2013 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

The other day I was out shopping with my wife at one of her favorite retail clothing stores. It is one of those places that offers bargains and sale prices on big name items in the fashion community and has on hand everything from shoes, perfumes, clothes, handbags, and even cookware. As I was staring off into oblivion (as I am unable to maintain interest in a store that offers nothing to those of us with a Y chromosome) I noticed something that actually roused me from my self-induced stupor.

It was as we were walking through the part of the store where they kept the handbags. The bags are on racks and hang by their straps to save space and provide ease of access and, upon inspection I noticed the majority of them had Alpha 2 Alarm tags affixed to them. In and of itself, the application of Alpha 2 Alarm tags, or ANY retail anti-theft device on designer handbags was nothing special. Rather, it was HOW the Alpha 2 Alarm tags had been affixed that caught my eye.

On almost every bag I came across, the Alpha 2 Alarm tags had been placed on the most ineffectual part of the bag possible. Rather than thread a heavy ring or loop of any of the bags, the tags had been secured AROUND the straps themselves. This meant that anyone wishing to remove them would only need to unlatch one side of the adjustable strap and simply slide the tag right off the purse.

I doubt it had been intentional but it was so blatant I had to tell the store management about the oversight. There’s no point having retail anti -theft devices if they aren’t going to be used effectively.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for Alpha 2Alarm, Alpha 3Alarm, Alpha Fashion2, Alpha Jewel Lok, Alpha Jewel Lock, Alpha Nano Gate, Alpha Shark Tag, Alpha Spider Wrap and other retail anti-theft devices from Alpha Security to use in conjunction with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

For more information on how you can use Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 2 Alarm, Alpha 2 Alarm, Alpha Fashion2, Alpha Jewel Lok, Alpha Nano Gate, Alpha Shark Tag, Alpha Spider Wrap, Fashion2, Jewel Lok, Nano Gate, Prevent Shoplifting, Shark Tag, Spider Wrap

If only we had Jewel Loks…

December 31, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Many LP professionals have had a known theft suspect they couldn’t wait to arrest. They were aware of the subject, but for whatever reason, this person had evaded detainment and continued to steal from their store. While working for one company, I had a woman who came in multiple times per month and treated our store like a swap meet, leaving her old earrings on the cards and taking ours. Whenever she entered the store, we would initiate surveillance and intend to make a detainment, but she would either dump the merchandise or we’d be uncertain which items she took.

In my experience, jewelry is one of the toughest items to protect against loss. It’s challenging to maintain observation of such a small item when it’s being carried by a moving person or being palmed in their hand. Jewelry can be easily concealed and just as easily dumped, increasing the likelihood of an unproductive stop. Many companies place additional apprehension requirements for jewelry items as a result of the risk they create for retailers. I’ve made the difficult decision many times to let a shoplifter go because I wasn’t willing to gamble my job or jeopardize my employer on an item that may have been either stolen or dumped. Obviously, detainment isn’t going to be the answer to retailers’ jewelry theft problem.

Because so many challenges face retailers trying to protect their jewelry from five finger discounts, the creation of the Jewel Lok is like a miracle. Introduced in 2011, this innovative retail anti-theft device from Alpha Security resolved the aesthetic display dilemma others before it couldn’t. My favorite feature of this solution is that a shoplifter attempting to defeat it will break the jewelry before they can remove it. If my store had the Jewel Lok, we wouldn’t have a collection of that subject’s earrings which we plan to return to her when we finally get her someday.

For more information on how you can use Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Alpha Fashion2, Alpha Jewel Lok, Alpha Nano Gate, Alpha Shark Tag, Alpha Spider Wrap, Fashion2, Jewel Lok, Nano Gate, Prevent Shoplifting, Shark Tag, Spider Wrap

Anti-Theft Devices work in Conjunction with Customer Service

December 24, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

The crime of shoplifting occurs daily and industry analysts believe thieves steal nearly $25 million in stolen merchandise each day. In order to prevent shoplifting retailers must be armed with the information and equipment to combat the rising shrink numbers. Retail anti-theft devices such as Alpha 2Alarm, Alpha 3Alarm, Alpha Fashion2, Alpha Jewel Lok, Alpha Jewel Lock, Alpha Nano Gate, Alpha Shark Tag, Alpha Spider Wrap and other retail anti-theft devices from Alpha Security prevent shoplifting through deterrence by creating an unattractive environment for shoplifting to fester and thrive. Furthermore, loss prevention professionals believe good customer service is the best deterrent and will prevent shoplifting by enhancing the shopping experience.

A company I once worked for always trained its loss prevention personnel that deterrence is the best policy and to focus more on eliminating opportunities for shoplifters. Customer theft accounts for less than 40% of annual shrink and the rest comes from employee theft or administration lapses. If you can control your merchandise you can control your shrink number. Retail anti-theft devices are easy to use and do not adversely impact your commitment to outstanding customer service because they can be removed conveniently during the checkout process.

Retailers are now learning to adapt to the emerging trends and many large department store chains have been redesigned to accommodate best practices for retail anti-theft devices. Most shoplifters are opportunists so reducing your merchandise’s exposure should be a priority and is a proven method in mitigating annual shortage.

For more information on how you can use Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

Retail Anti-Theft Devices are your SECOND line of Defense!

December 17, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

The key to any successful retail operation is protecting the company’s bottom line. Retail anti theft devices are considered to be the second line of defense to prevent shoplifting. The first line of defense, however, is great customer service.

Shoplifters love it when they find your staff busy with another customer. This gives them an opportunity to conceal merchandise. Some shoplifters are even bold enough to walk right out the door with your assets if you are not paying attention. Retail anti theft devices will deter theft and prevent shoplifting so you can protect your profitability.

Retail anti theft devices will buy you time and save you money. A company I once worked for placed anti theft devices on all of our merchandise that was a target for shoplifters during the busy holiday season. Over night we turned a chronic shoplifting problem into a customer service opportunity.

Shoplifters that had been identified showed-up during peak shopping hours hoping our staff would not pay them any attention. The retail anti theft devices gave us time to prevent shoplifting by providing great customer service without neglecting our business needs.

For more information on how you can use Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

LP on a Tight Budget

December 10, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Maybe you have a smaller store, or perhaps just don’t have a huge budget for retail anti theft devices. If such is the case there is a simple method to scare off a large portion of your potential ‘opportunist’ shoplifters; deception.

All it takes it creating the illusion that you have a bigger network of retail anti theft devices than what you actually possess. As I have said before, the most common way to prevent shoplifting is to use your tools as a deterrent first and foremost and focus your hands-on work for the tried and true criminals.

First and foremost, install a Checkpoint System or Alpha Nano Gate in the front of your store in the entry way. Next install retail anti-theft devices on very visible and/or high value merchandise. Be they Spider Wraps or Jewel Loks just make sure everyone sees that they are there.

Finally, you want to remove as many blind spots in your store as possible, and maybe even put up a few false cameras. While YOU will know that they are not real, the vast majority of potential shoplifters won’t and will avoid trying to pull anything while they suspect they are being watched.

It may not seem like a great way to spend your loss prevention budget, but as I said before, with just a few Nano Gates and the overall illusion that you are more secure than you actually are, you can trick thieves into leaving you alone before they even attempt anything.

For more information on how you can use Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

Are your Keys Safe?

December 3, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Every type of security device is removed in one of two methods: the legitimate way using a corresponding removal key, and the illegitimate way which usually involves a pair of pliers or bolt-cutters. Savvy shoplifters know how to identify the legitimate tools and always look for opportunities to get their hands on them.

I’ve seen some companies secure the tools right to the cash wrap and others require their employees to carry them on their person or stash them in a register. For stores using Spider Wraps, 3 Alarm, or 2 Alarm retail anti theft devices only the last two methods are plausible as it would prove impossible to remove a Spider Wrap with a tool that was welded to a counter. In my experience, the best way to ensure the convenient removal of your Spider Wraps is to make it impossible for your tools to wander. Obviously there is no sure-fire practice as every store operates differently, but I am basing my suggestion on a fairly ‘textbook’ store setup.

In most stores there is usually a space (or cubby-hole if you prefer) somewhere directly beneath or nearby the register. Installing a small storage space, similar to a hide-a-key on the underside of the space provides you with a discreet area to protect your removal tools from sticky fingers while also keeping them in an area your employees will remember since it will be so unique.

For more information on how you can use Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 2 Alarm, 3 Alarm, Alpha Fashion2, Alpha Jewel Lok, Alpha Nano Gate, Alpha Shark Tag, Alpha Spider Wrap, Fashion2, Jewel Lok, Nano Gate, Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices, Shark Tag, Spider Wrap

Nano Gates are no good without the right tags!

November 26, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

The other day I was in a store in a different part of the district that had not reported any tagging audits in over four months. It just so happened that at that same point in history that store’s Loss Prevention department had been dissolved due to budget cuts, leaving all Loss Prevention duties in the hands of the store manager and his assistant managers. Unfortunately they weren’t all that knowledgeable, or properly trained when it came to enforcing and adhering to LP practices.

I was there with a team of other LP associates to perform a sweep of the property and find everything that was being done incorrectly so that it could be corrected and to simultaneously instruct store management as to how to perform their required duties. While there were a few major issues, such as no employee bag checks or failure to review CCTV footage, the biggest issue was found in the realm of what I was assigned to look for.

There wasn’t a single retail anti-theft device in place, anywhere. Not a one 2 Alarm or 3 Alarm tag was being used. Not even a Spider Wrap haphazardly attached to a bulk item.

We were stunned.

This was a store that had a fully functional Nano Gate system at all of the entrances, but that was of course useless without any retail anti-theft devices to set it off. When asked how they expected the Nano Gates to function, the store manager thought that all products arrived in store with security devices hidden inside them.

For more information on how you can use Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

Prevent Problems and Profit More

November 12, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

According to a National Retail Security survey conducted for 2010, retail loss cost U.S. businesses over $33.5 Billion.

How can you avoid as much loss as possible? By preventive measures, that’s how. There are several effective tools available to prevent shoplifting. Businesses must plan ahead by setting up preventive measures such as retail anti-theft devices like those available from Alpha Security. Make sure all potential employees, including management, have a full and complete understanding of the effects of a loss to a company; as well as an understanding of the company’s policies and procedures during the hiring process when it comes to your anti-shoplifting initiative. After all, your employees are your hands extended to customers and potential shoplifters when you’re not present.

Employees play a vital role in preventing shoplifting through customer service. More than likely a potential shoplifter’s behavior will change when an employee is extra friendly and paying close attention to them. You want customers to talk about how wonderful your store is but you also want shoplifters to discuss how difficult it is to steal from you too.

Another tool in preventing shoplifting can be found in your store layout plan. How you place fixtures, shelving, and merchandise should not be shoplifter friendly. Take away all opportunities for shoplifting to occur.

It’s no secret that profit must outweigh loss in order for a business to stay afloat.

Albert Einstein once said,” Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them”.

Which one are you? Go with genius because most likely they’re the one sitting on top of a very successful business.

For more information on how you can use Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

Find the equipment to fit your needs

November 5, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

The other day I was walking through a certain retail sporting goods store when I came across a display of football jerseys. I had to stop and consider the display, not because I liked the team, or the colors, or even the price offered, but because of how ridiculous the jerseys looked while being festooned with four retail anti-theft devices A PIECE.

You did not read that last sentence wrong. Each piece of clothing had an Alpha 2 Alarm, an Alpha 3 Alarm, an Alpha Shark Tag, and an Alpha Fashion2 attached at various points of the garment. Just by looking at them I could tell it would be near impossible for any customer to try on any of the jerseys without being bludgeoned into a coma by the amount of devices.

I believe that if you have that many retail anti-theft devices on a piece of clothing you might have a few issues in your company. First of all, you need to look at moving your store out of that neighborhood if the need to prevent shoplifting is THAT severe. Secondly, your Loss Prevention or merchandising team has no idea how to properly attach devices to product. Or, finally, you just have too many excess devices and no reasonable idea what to do with them.

Here’s some advice; research each anti-theft device BEFORE ordering it. That way you will know what can fit your company needs so your customers can try on the clothing and find out what fits them.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for Alpha 2Alarm, Alpha 3Alarm, Alpha Fashion2, Alpha Jewel Lok, Alpha Nano Gate, Alpha Shark Tag, Alpha Spider Wrap and other retail anti-theft devices from Alpha Security to use in conjunction with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

For more information on how you can use Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 2 Alarm, 3 Alarm, Alpha 2 Alarm, Alpha 3 Alarm, Alpha Fashion2, Alpha Jewel Lok, Alpha Nano Gate, Alpha Shark Tag, Alpha Spider Wrap, Fashion2, Jewel Lok, Nano Gate, Prevent Shoplifting, Shark Tag, Spider Wrap

Don’t turn your studs into duds

October 29, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Alpha Security has a new line of retail anti theft devices. They are called Jewelry Lok and are probably one of the best new resources out on the market to prevent shoplifting.

Some of the problems faced with stud earrings are that they are small, so a shoplifter can easily conceal them. With traditional jewelry cards, it only takes a shoplifter a second to take the backs off and pocket a pair of stud earrings.

Beyond shoplifting, I have seen customers (or children) take only one earring off a card, drop it and not be able to find it. This renders the earrings virtually unsaleable.

The Jewel Lok is a quick three-step process to secure your stud earrings to the card preventing shoplifting, loss, and damages.

First you take the backs off of the earrings and put them in a well thought out holder on the Jewelry Lok. Next you hold the earrings in place while sliding the lock over the posts of the studs. Step three- snap it in place, and voila! Your studs are secure.

Removal is just as simple. Place the card over the detacher, lining it up with the “ears”. Pull straight up on the card, so you don’t bend the posts. The Jewel Lok stays in place. Next, reattach the earring backs and you are done!

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices in conjunction with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Jewel Lok, Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices