Retail anti theft devices increasing more than just profits …

There are many benefits to using retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting.  The obvious benefit to using retail anti theft devices is that you reduce losses which ultimately keeps profits high.  The benefits to using retail anti theft devices do not end there however.

 Another benefit is found in increased sales.  In the twelve years I have been in retail I have found it very hard to sell merchandise that was not on the shelves and in stock.  In order to sell to our customers we have to first have merchandise.  When your available stock is stolen then you have legitimate customers who cannot buy the product at your store.  This is a loss of sales.  If it happens often enough then you may lose the customer altogether as consumers are too busy to waste a trip to a store where they can never find what they are looking for.

 Using items like EAS tags, Keeper cases and cameras will also reduce employee theft.  We all know that these devices prevent shoplifting, but employees are linked to far more theft than shoplifters are.  By using retail anti theft devices you will also deter employees from stealing and that will help your profits far more than stopping customers from shoplifting.

 Another benefit is increased moral.  In general, employees hate thieves.  They don’t like having to pay for products and watching others not.  Employees are also negatively impacted by theft as it reduces their benefits.  When stores are not profitable then raises don’t happen, hours are cut and fun things like holiday celebrations disappear.  When we control our losses then the employees win just as much as the company does.  This creates happier associates who in turn are more productive associates.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

 

Shoplifting: Requiring increased diligence on the part of retailers.

There is a phenomenon that is changing the way in which retailers react to shoplifting.  Retailers are aware that organized crime groups are increasingly targeting retailers who have not taken clear steps to prevent shoplifting. In the current economic situation, shoplifting is becoming a more attractive and lucrative business for those involved in organized retail crime.  Retailers are seeing shoplifters take entire display racks of merchandise during a single shoplifting event. The utilization of retail anti theft devices is effective in combating the growing problem of shoplifting.  It is almost the standard for retailers to utilize anti theft devices as part of an overall plan to prevent shoplifting. Large retail organizations have seen the benefits for using retail anti theft devices to confront the growing problem of shoplifting.

            Loss prevention professionals are acutely aware of the role that retail anti theft devices play in creating an effective program to combat shoplifting.  Retailers must be proactive if they are going to prevent themselves from sustaining devastating losses from organized retail shoplifting rings.  The combination of attentive customer service associates and the use of retail anti theft devices are the keys to prevent shoplifting.  Devices such as EAS tags placed on merchandise and EAS pedestals positioned at entrances and exits to stores.  These devices continue to be the primary physical deterrents to prevent shoplifting. 

            It is obvious that the return on investment for utilizing retail anti theft devices within a retail location is immeasurable.  Having a clear plan and mechanism in place to address shoplifting is extremely important for retailers serious about saving money.  I have seen firsthand, the impact that anti theft devices have had on reducing losses from shoplifting.  The goal of every retailer should be to prevent shoplifting.  The use of retail anti theft devices is one way to do just that.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

 

New Retail Anti Theft Device: Jewel Lok by Alpha High Theft Solutions

There has been a struggle with retail anti theft devices that protect jewelry. New products have come to the market that will change all of that. Alpha Security has released the first of several new items called Jewel Lok.

 Now you can prevent shoplifting of all your open display jewelry. The first item to be released is the Loose Jewelry Solution tag. This is one of the smallest hard tags I have ever seen. It has a small compact body that is only about 1.5” long. The hook fits through the jewelry item to be protected and locks back to itself.

 These retail anti theft devices are designed for bracelets, chains, necklaces and other small loose jewelry items.

 The Jewel Lok , Loose Jewelry Solution contains either an RF or AM EAS coil. The hook is hardened steel that cannot be cut with scissors or nail clippers and is coated in plastic to prevent scratches on jewelry. A shoplifter will think twice before stealing jewelry protected with this an Alpha High Theft Solutions Loose Jewelry device.

 The next items that have not yet been released are the Hoop Earring Solution and the Stud Earring Solution. These devices will prevent shoplifting by locking the earrings to the card. They are a benefit denial device. This means that the shoplifter will destroy the merchandise before it is removed. A Checkpoint label added to the card will complete the protection cycle.

 Follow this link if you would like to learn more and see photos and instructions about the Loose Jewelry Solution.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Did you know Public View Monitors actually prevent shoplifting?

Stores have been using camera systems for decades in order to catch and prevent shoplifting.  One popular component of camera systems is the use of Public View Monitors (or PVM).  The Public View Monitor is a video monitor that is placed on the sales floor where customers can see themselves on the screen.  This shows them that they are, in fact, being recorded.  The main reason for using retail anti theft devices is to prevent shoplifting and that is precisely what PVM’s can do for you.

 We use a variety of retail anti theft devices in our stores.  All have a different purpose.  For example, we use sensor tags because it will cause an alarm and bring unwanted attention to a shoplifter.  We use Keeper cases and Spider wraps in an effort to keep shoplifters from walking out with product.  We use things like ink tags so that if tampered with the merchandise will be rendered unusable and thus not worth the thief’s time to try.  The PMV’s are used for a different reason.  These are used to show shoplifters that they will be recorded on video and that we, and quite possibly the police, will know exactly who they are. 

 Shoplifters don’t want to be known.  They know that just because they don’t get locked up today doesn’t necessarily mean they got away free and clear.  I have had success prosecuting numerous thieves by filing a police report and turning over the video of a theft.  The police are then able to link the theft at my store with someone caught elsewhere or even pulled over for a traffic violation.  With that said, when a would-be shoplifter knows they are on video they are much more likely to go to another store where perhaps they are not being recorded.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

 

Use retail anti theft devices to keep the upcoming “trick or treating” out of your store!!!

We all know that some customers “treat” themselves to our products without paying for them.  Additionally, we have all seen some “tricking” in our stores as well.  This may be in terms of running various scams aimed at getting products and services without paying for them or it could be more malicious and be property destruction and hold ups.  Whatever the form, it is important that we use retail anti theft devices in order to prevent shoplifting and protect our stores from the mischief that abounds.

 There are several great retail anti theft devices that can be used in the fight to prevent shoplifting, hold ups and property destruction.  One such device is the time tested Electronic Article Surveillance system (or EAS).  This system involves applying sensor tags to products and then setting off an alarm when the unpaid for products leave the store.  The newer systems by Checkpoint and Alpha Security work on an RF frequency and produces few “ghost alarms” (or false alarms) so they are much more reliable than the systems of old.

 Another option to use cameras and Public View Monitors (aka PVM’s).  Cameras are great because they record the activity in the store and provide crucial evidence when prosecuting offenders.  They also give you the ability to “go back in time” and see what happened when you went looking.  It is a great investigative tool that can’t be undersold.  When you use PVM’s you also add to the deterrent effect.  Ghouls, goblins and other criminals don’t want to be caught committing their misdeeds.  Knowing that they are being recorded will deter many from attempting serious offenses such as armed robbery and vandalism.  It is too easy for police to track them down so you increase the safety of your customers and employees by using these tools.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

 

Are shoplifters putting the “low” in your Halloween sales? Time to start thinking about how to prevent shoplifting at your business

Halloween is fast approaching us and there is nothing scarier for a business owner than to see their merchandise being stolen. Even if the shoplifting ghosts and ghouls steal only one item, that one item will not only impact your profits but it means you have to sell even more just to make up for the stolen goods. Now that is something that can really damper the holiday spirit.

So how can you prevent shoplifting from occurring in your store? One of the most cost effective ways is to implement retail anti theft devices. These devices come in all sizes to fit the needs of your business. However, they share a fundamental element: they will prevent shoplifting from occurring in your store. There are labels that can be hidden underneath barcodes on fragrances and other boxed merchandise. There are also security tags which conveniently and discreetly attach to clothing items. If a thief had a choice between attempting to steal the item with retail anti theft devices and going down the block to the store without any protection, which store do you think they would rather steal from? The choice is easy.

Preventing shoplifting in your store doesn’t require a full surveillance team. Many of the thieves can be scared away simply by the sight of retail anti theft devices. These tools ensure your product stays where it is supposed to: on your shelves or in the hands of your customers. So don’t let shoplifters trick or treat in your store. Scare them away with retail anti theft devices!

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

 

Cycle counts are a great way to assist in the fight to prevent shoplifting.

As business owners and operators we all understand the reality that shoplifting happens in our stores.  I think it is safe to say we all understand that we have to put measures in place to prevent shoplifting due to the financial impact that it causes. There are many ways to protect a business from shoplifting.  In most stores we use retail anti theft devices such as EAS tags, Keeper cases, Spider Wraps, etc.  One tool that I find is commonly missed is the use of audits such as cycle counts.

 While it is great to use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting, we must also track our high theft merchandise to make sure the retail anti theft devices are working.  If you simply put an EAS tag on an item (let’s say a drill for example sake) and you never track your inventory then how do you really know if you have provided a sufficient solution?  A cycle count is a routine inventory audit designed to track losses in order to determine if your anti theft solutions are working and to also help investigate losses. 

 If you find that every time you count your high theft product you have more shortages then you may consider using a different approach such as a Spider Wrap or other retail anti theft device.  You may also shorten the period of time between counts to try to narrow down the losses in an effort to pinpoint who is taking the product or to determine if you problem is related to employee theft or shipping errors as opposed to shoplifting.  Never forget that there are numerous ways to take losses and shoplifting is only one piece of that puzzle.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

 

Keep Your Jeans on (the Shelf)

Working retail Loss Prevention for over 6 years there are quite a few things you get tired of. You see a lot of the same things happen day in and day out and it seems like your company is never going to do anything about it. Makes you wonder how many more millions of dollars do we need to lose before someone starts to listen to us? We (loss prevention associates) are always begging for additional resources to prevent shoplifting with little to no help.  

 I think the thing I am most tired of is grab and runs. There is almost nothing you can do as loss prevention to stop or catch them. I have been tracking this case for over a month where a woman enters the store, fills up a bag, leaves it near the door and then goes to get her car. She then pulls up to the doors gets out, gets the bag and leaves. This is so frustrating. She knows that we have very little retail anti theft devices like EAS tags. She knows that only a few items have any kind of retail anti theft devices. She has been in the store enough to know exactly what does and does not have it. Without some additional resources how am I supposed to prevent shoplifting from people like her?

 If we were to use more retail anti theft devices on something basic as jeans we could prevent shoplifting a lot more then we are currently. Retail anti theft devices work if we allow them to. If we would EAS tag more items or use other devices we could make a huge impact on our bottom line. As a supervisor I am graded every year at review time on my stores shrink percent. It bothers me that I am not able to control that more. If it were up to me I would have every item in the store with some retail anti theft devices. Shoplifters already check items to see if they have any type of device on them and select those items when shoplifting. Why not stop them dead in their tracks and through some road blocks out there? They come in looking for jeans missing their tags let’s make sure they don’t find any. It’s really simple, use Retail anti theft devices; prevent shoplifting; keep our jeans.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

 

Prevent shoplifting from Organized Retail Crime rings

For those of you who may not know, Organized Retail Crime (ORC) rings account for more dollars lost annually than all other shoplifters combined.  ORC activity costs retailers billions each year and it is increasing rapidly.  Retailers must be aware of theft patterns in their store and take measures to ensure that they are not targeted by ORC groups.

 One major way to prevent shoplifting from ORC groups is to utilize retail anti theft devices.  There are many devices to choose from.  In truth, there is no one answer.  Each business will need to utilize several retail anti theft devices specific to their products and the groups stealing from them.  For example, you may use EAS tags for your standard items and then utilize Keeper Cases or Spider Wraps for specific high dollar and high theft items.  You will also want to consider what items you are applying retail anti theft devices to.  Not everything needs an EAS tag or needs to be in a Keeper Case.  Think of what items could be easily sold at a flea market, pawn shop or on Ebay.  There is probably not a huge market for pillows so you can skip that item.  On the other hand electronics, jeans and baby formula are all great examples of high target products.

 Another option is to mark you product with your store name and number.  For example, if you have baby formula, use a sharpie to write your company name and the location number on the product.  This will identify the product as belonging to your company if you find it being sold elsewhere and will help the police recover your stolen goods.  It also reduces the resale value as fencing operations don’t want to risk selling marked goods and that goes a long way to prevent shoplifting.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

 

So, what is the best way to prevent shoplifting??

There are many ways to prevent shoplifting.  One way is to utilize retail anti theft devices.  Another option is to train all associates how to properly engage customers and give that “extra” attention to would-be shoplifters.  Yet another option is to hire Loss Prevention Agents to apprehend shoplifters.

 The real answer to how to best prevent shoplifting is to employee a strategy that combines all of the above tools.  First, retail anti theft devices, such as sensor tags and keeper cases, go a long way to deterring theft.  They also make it harder and more obvious when someone is trying to steal this product.  That helps gives your store associates and Loss Prevention Agents more time to react.

 Secondly, you want knowledgeable and engaging associates.  While you don’t want to assume the liability that comes with your store staff making apprehensions; you do want them to recognize signs of shoplifting and you want them giving extra attention to suspected shoplifters.  Engaged associates will deter would-be shoplifters and they will increase your customer service for your good customers.  This is really a win-win option.

 Finally, I suggest you employee trained Loss Prevention Agents in order to prevent shoplifting.  You can hire these yourself or you can use contract LP.  Shoplifters quickly learn whether your company makes apprehensions or not.  When they find out you don’t have LP and the store staff doesn’t make arrests then they will continue to steal from your company and tell all their friends.  Having LP available to make routine apprehensions lets the shoplifting community know that you are not an easy mark.  When you add LP to a store with retail anti theft devices and engaged associates you are well on your way to keeping shoplifters away from your store and away from your profits.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547