A loss prevention agent can offer a wide variety of services for any business. Their main role or typical job duties involve the apprehension of shoplifters.

Apprehending shoplifters is an important function of the retail environment, especially in areas where instances of customer theft is high. Metro areas, low income high crime areas and the type of retailer can all indicate customer theft trends. Identifying the best fit for your business can make the difference.

As an example, when I worked as a loss prevention agent many years ago, a particular retailer was having a problem with shoplifters. Daily, the employees witnessed customers entering the store, selecting merchandise and simply walking out. The managers were too busy with their tasks, and the other associates were intimidated to approach these customers.

I was assigned to the store with the task of impacting customer theft. Immediately, I identified the “hot spots” or areas where customers left empty packages. I would then take notice the types of merchandise being taken and plot my day out from there. Usually, I would spend the greatest amount of time in the health and beauty section. Just like a customer, I’d dress the part and play the part. I read the backs of product packaging and at the same time I’d glance over and watch the various customers’ habits.

As a Loss Prevention Agent, working this store was fun. It took no time at all to identify the first shoplifter. As time went on, I was apprehending a lot of shoplifters and in a brief amount of time, the shoplift activity slowed.

A good Loss Prevention Agent can dramatically impact the shoplift activity in your stores and businesses. My recommendations for anyone looking to hire a loss prevention agent… do your research and find one that best suits your business needs.

For more information visit us at:  loss prevention agent or call us at 1.770.426.0547

 

A loss prevention agent is an expert at reducing loss and increasing profits for a business owner. Any type of business can be the victim of theft from customers or employees: to what extent depends on what the business owner does to prevent and deter this activity.

For example, a business owner may not notice that a certain area of his store may attract shoplifters but a loss prevention agent is trained to spot these theft “hot spots.” Shoplifters tend to identify these comfort zones better than the employees themselves. A business does not want to help provide the opportunity for shoplifters to steal!

Businesses can also teach employees how to react to suspicious customers by having a consultant provide training. Employees can be taught how to identify a potential thief, and what to do to deter theft. Employees that do not receive such training when they are hired may not have any idea how to react should they notice that a theft is occurring or is about to occur. The resulting loss can be extremely frustrating for the business owner or manager.

Businesses might choose to bring in a loss prevention agent when they have a potential employee theft issue. Employee theft costs businesses more on average than customer thefts, and when this occurs it is an excellent time to bring in an expert. These experts are trained in retail fraud and conducting these types of investigations. Experts can also write or advise about policies and controls that should be implemented in order to help prevent future employee theft.

The possibilities are endless on how businesses can benefit from the expert advice of a loss prevention agent.

For more information contact us: loss prevention agent or call 1.770.426.0547.

 

 

A  loss prevention agent, by industry standard, is a trained and well versed person working for the benefit of the retailer, restaurant or business owner. The primary mission of the loss prevention agent is to identify, observe and make the apprehension of customers suspected of theft.

 
Get to the point! A loss prevention agent has the responsibility of catching shoplifters. What a skill. I remember (as do most loss prevention professionals) spending countless hours on the sales floor, peeking around corners, under display shelves, using one way mirrors or in the rare event, using high tech CCTV equipment. I was undercover and the hunt was on.

Every day I came to work, I made it a point to show the business owner that shoplifters are in their store. I made it a point to blend in, become part of the local community shopping these stores. Pushing a shopping cart around the store and focusing on the “hard hit” areas like liquor, health and beauty or hardware. Sooner or later, one would arrive, a shoplifter. Your adrenaline kicks in, you try to remain calm. He selects 2 bottles of liquor and stuffs them into a backpack he has placed on the floor. Wow, I thought to myself, right in front of me. He stands up, as I read the label of the liquor bottle I’m holding, and heads down the aisle to the front of the store. I keep my distance, trying not to lose sight of him. He passes the opened and manned register and makes no attempt to pay for the merchandise. I gain on him. He exits, I follow. “Excuse me sir”, I say…

A common, everyday occurrence for retailers and small businesses alike, Customer Theft! More so a nuisance, but gone unchecked can ruin a business leading to employee layoffs and business closures. It wreaks havoc on the morale of other employees when they witness customer theft and nothing is done or can be done. It is said that roughly 30% of losses can be directly related to shoplift activity.

A loss prevention agent can be that solution. Hired specifically to detect and catch shoplifters, the right agent can make a huge impact on the success of your business.

 
For more information contact us at loss prevention agent or call 1.770.426.0547

 

Many businesses are considering subcontracting a loss prevention agent as a solution to problems with short staffing.  The down economy has just about all businesses looking at lowering overhead costs.  Payroll is at the top of the list and often one of the first areas business leaders look at to get costs down.

Companies who have loss prevention staff have most likely not only let go of in store personnel but cut back on regional staff as well.  This means the loss prevention program is not being worked regularly at the store level.  Unfortunately since 43% of all inventory shrinkage is due to employee theft, and the em[ployees know when there are staffing cuts, they can see this as an opportunity to steal more and more often.

A loss prevention agent will start by simply observing the current daily practices, procedures and facility.  A loss prevention audit should then be performed to organize findings and develop a loss prevention plan.  This plan is then put into practice through employee training, supervision and reinforcement.

Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. of Atlanta offers an outsourced loss prevention agent plan for as little as $399 per month.  This will include the initial audit as well as random unannounced audits throughout the year.  An allowance for employee theft investigations is included as well as regular reports, loss prevention posters for employee areas and more.

To learn more go to: loss prevention agent 

Loss Prevention is found in every company, especially retail, that is concerned about reducing losses from theft.   Loss prevention agents are involved in apprehending shoplifters, testifying in court, investigating employee theft, conducting interviews, and much more.

What type of person makes a great loss prevention agent ?  If you have prior military service, loss prevention is a great transition to the civilian job force.  Criminal justice majors in college are also great candidates for this type of career.  It will help get your foot in the door for later career opportunities. 

There are online courses as well as classroom style settings that will offer training for loss prevention agents .  Some of these courses can be completed in as little as 2-3 weeks.  Many individuals going into this career path do not have prior experience.  Companies who hire loss prevention agents are mainly retail but can include hotel chains, restaurants, super markets and distribution centers. 

It sounds kind of clandestine; however these people are not like security guards with a uniform and a night stick to attack you as you exit.  They quietly observe the shoppers, or shoplifters, and individuals in the retail setting, much like they are a customer themselves. Usually these types of careers are not dangerous.  Most companies will employ a non violent policy to protect their employees. 

You probably will not become rich taking a job of this nature.  The average national salary for loss prevention jobs is $20-$30K per year.  This total includes bonuses as well as benefits.  Retail, clothing and apparel stores seem to pay a higher price than say a restaurant or hotel.  On average, Macy’s is the top income provider coming in at $26K straight salary.  Kmart is the lowest at $18K.  This information was gained from payscale.com.

If you need additional information on training or hiring a loss prevention agent please contact us.