While working for a large retailer as a loss prevention store detective one of the biggest challenges was to find ways to stop shoplifting. As a department we seemed to never trust any other employees and had an attitude of “hands off” when it came to any attempts to stop shoplifting. When the company purchased the Checkpoint system we were excited since the LP department had been awarded such an expensive tool to prevent theft. I look back and I can not believe how narrow minded we had become. The Checkpoint system was going to be a catalyst to change the way we conducted business.

When we started with the checkpoint training we were amazed to find sales employees sitting in the room. The trainer started with the general statement that the system was multifaceted and interactive, meaning ALL employees had to work together for the system to succeed. This became obvious once the trainer showed us the checkpoint security tags and checkpoint labels. A couple LP employees were not going to be able to go through the entire store placing rf security tags and rf security labels on the product.

The trainer showed us the benefits of using the rf labels on products such as fragrances, accessories and electronics. He demonstrated the best way to place the rf label on the product without damaging the product or the rf label. He next demonstrated the benefits of the checkpoint security tags. He showed us which products needed the rf security tags such as sneakers, shoes, clothing and several bedding items from the domestics department. The training with the checkpoint security tags took much more time since the rf security tags had to be pushed through the product and if done incorrectly could damage the product. One of the main points made regarding the checkpoint security tags was to ensure the pin portion of the tag was pushed through seams of clothing and eyelets of shoes and sneakers.

At this point we were very glad that our sales partners were going to be a part of the implementation process. This was not the end of the cooperation aspect regarding the checkpoint system. The next point was how to react to the checkpoint alarms. If someone were to remove merchandise with rf security labels how did we best approach the customer? Again, we could not imagine being able to react to every alarm while also watching the sales floor. This is where the proper deactivation of the rf labels and removal of the rf security tags come into play to reduce “false” alarms. Also reacting correctly by offering great customer service when an alarm was set off reduces the possibility of a potential liability incident by falsely accusing a person of theft. The training really forced the lp and sales department to work together to protect each other and achieve the system’s goals.

We had many “dry runs” of reacting to alarms. We found that the checkpoint labels being hidden in or on different areas of product made it tough to find and deactivate at the register. We immediately decided that we needed a system that ensures the checkpoint labels and tags would be placed in or on the same place for each separate product. This allowed the sales personnel to know exactly where to locate the rf labels thus speeding up sales at the register and reducing false alarms due to a missed rf label. RF security labels were not the only items to be missed, if a tag had been forgotten and an alarm was not reacted to then the customer would try to remove the tag at home thus causing damage to the product and then ultimately a return and an unhappy customer.

In the end the checkpoint system helped forge a partnership that led to lower shrink, improved sales and a strong teamwork mentality at the store level. The checkpoint system is an excellent tool to be used to stop shoplifting but as the trainer had said “the system is only as good as the team that works with it  everyday”.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

Have you ever heard someone say, “It was a great idea in theory”? Well that, all too often, is the thought process with RF security tags. They are a wonderful resource to help stop shoplifting. Unfortunately, without proper execution RF security tags won’t do much. They have a very limited level of effectiveness if the RF security tags are left sitting in a basket back in a corner of a stockroom.

 Checkpoint security tags were designed to be out in the open. They are best when they are actually attached to a piece of merchandise. This is what sends the signal that you are going to stop shoplifting in your store.

 A best practice to adopt regarding your Checkpoint security tags is to have a standard on how and where they tag should be attached. Will they go on every pair of jeans or just ones over a certain dollar amount? Should the tag be attached on the bottom right or left leg? How often is this standard reviewed – yearly? Post inventory?

 Now that you know how and what, get a group of associates together for a Tagging Party. This is where you, as a group, actually put the tags onto your product. It will advance the quality of your staff in a few ways.

 They will know what you expect from an execution standpoint.

 They will know where the tags are, so they can deactivate them at the POS.

 They are enjoying the success of a group instead of a mundane chore of an individual.

 They are aware of high shrink items and can look for suspicious activity in those areas.

 Make your tagging a group effort and watch as your shrink decreases!

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547

Checkpoint Systems is a premier security solutions company.  Their products have been used for years to stop shoplifting.  The company now has a full line of security devices such as: Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, and RF security tags.

 When I first began my loss prevention career, there were not many options for article security.  The idea of RF label technology was not yet developed.  Checkpoint had developed and was using the Checkpoint Security Tags as a method to stop shoplifting.  While these tags did their job effectively, they were not appropriate for everyone’s business.  Seeing this, Checkpoint labels were developed.  The Checkpoint labels use RF Label technology.  These RF labels are less intrusive than the RF security tags.  They are perfect for the retailer that does not want to take away from the visual presence of the merchandise.  The RF security labels utilize Radio Frequency technology just like the RF security tags.  The only difference is the RF labels do not need to be attached to the merchandise like the Checkpoint Security Tags.  This is great for expensive easily damaged merchandise, or the retail that has non-flexible look in their store.

 If a retailer is looking for to stop shoplifting, but does not have the visual standard that the RF label excels in, the Checkpoint security tag is the right solution for you.  Having begun my career in a discount retailer, the Checkpoint Security tag was the perfect fit.  We were able to secure our merchandise and provided a direct visual deterrent to stop shoplifting.  The RF security Label is a great solution for someone looking for security and a non-intrusive device.  The RF security label will provide a retailer with peace of mind and the effectiveness of the security tag.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547

 

When I first began working in Loss Prevention, I was always curious why most shoplifters removed the packaging from items they were stealing, whether it was a video game, pair of earrings, or eyeliner pencil. At first I naively believed the main motivation was to be able to claim that the merchandise was theirs if they were detained for the theft. Over time, I began questioning shoplifters I had detained about why they had removed the plastic wrap from a fragrance or took the DVD out of the case and placed it in their pocket.

 The surprising answer I received consistently was that they knew that retailers and vendors often hid RF security labels in product packaging; however, they didn’t know what they may look like, where they were placed, or what items they were reserved for. Instead of taking the time to examine the item or question if it would be cost-effective to place an RF label on a pack of gum, they tend to err on the side of caution and rid themselves of the risk of setting off those EAS towers when they leave the store.

 While nothing can replace a vigilant and dedicated Loss Prevention associate in the mission to stop shoplifting, RF security tags are most beneficial in deterring the category of shoplifters referred to as “the opportunist.” They’re not familiar with merchandise protection measures and have no idea what makes the door beep when some people walk out. The professional shoplifter may not be daunted by the sight of RF labels, but there is nothing more obvious than spotting a customer in an empty aisle ripping off the packaging on a product. Also, it buys Loss Prevention time to get in place for an apprehension.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags, and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547

 

What do you do if you carry a popular theft item that is lightweight relatively small and easy to conceal? That is the question a lot of grocers and retailers are asking to stop shoplifting items like baby formula.

 Baby formula remains one of the high shrink (or merchandise loss) items. There is a huge resale market for baby formula. Due to its price, it is also big for personal use thefts. Parents and caregivers who use baby formula for their babies and infants require mass quantities (over time) to nourish their child.

 Checkpoint labels can help stop shoplifting in a couple of ways. The first being a visual deterrent of having a visible adhesive RF security label on the baby formula.   If you worry that the RF labels may be removed, you can hide them in a variety of ways.

 The RF security labels could be hidden under the lid of the container. They can also be disguised as bar codes or price labels. All of the labels are designed with superior adhesion to stick to a wide variety of materials, like the one on a baby formula canister.

 While there is no less of a need for baby formula, using items like the Checkpoint security labels can dramatically reduce losses. The numbers will provide the proof you need that RF labels can stop shoplifting.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547

 

In our efforts to stop shoplifting it should come as no surprise that we become privy to some of the most ridiculous human behaviors on record.  I know for a fact that almost every loss prevention professional has a least one story that can shock and amaze anyone listening.  This particular event has puzzled even seasoned law enforcement officials.

My particular store makes use of both Checkpoint security tags and RF labels to safeguard product.  The Checkpoint security tags were affixed to a large quantity of clothing items (though not as many as my office would like) while the RF labels were generally found on perfumes and accessories.  On one particular day my team and I spotted a woman on the sales floor filling a childless stroller with high-end clothes and a few shoeboxes.  In the bottom basket of the stroller were a few large shopping bags, the type found at boutique clothing stores.  When the woman finally entered a fitting room with the stroller and its contents in tow we readied ourselves for the eventual stop.

She was in the fitting room for almost 45 minutes before emerging with the stroller but none of the items she had placed in it.  Upon checking the fitting room our loss prevention agents found only the three shoeboxes filled with the Checkpoint security tags from the items that were missing…all of the tags having been separated by the woman biting the pins off to remove them.  When we apprehended her the reason she gave us was that she didn’t want to be caught with ‘shoplifting tools’.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547

 

When you walk the aisles of a grocery store, stop and think about how many individual items (or SKUs) you see. Thousands right? With such a vast array of items, notice the different types of packaging. There are boxes and bottles, cellophane bags, plastic wrap on meats, and the list is almost as varied as the ingredients are. So how do you stop shoplifting without breaking the budget on anti theft devices or starting complex new procedures?

 Use Checkpoint labels, of course!

 Checkpoint offers a great line of RF security labels. Take their EP-3210 clear poly HBC label. It is super thin and clear. This RF security label is designed to go right over the existing barcode. Because it is clear, the item will scan at the POS like it normally would.

 Then there is the EP – Round Label. It is small and, well, round. They are designed to fit on the ends of bottles (pharmacy usage perhaps?). Since they are not a traditional square shaped label, shoplifters are often fooled into thinking the item is not tagged.

 All of the Checkpoint labels are designed with superior adhesion. This way they will stick extremely well to a wide variety of packaging materials. Checkpoint also does significant testing to ensure that each and every label on the roll works like it is supposed to.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

When a seasoned Loss Prevention agent thinks of Checkpoint security tags or RF labels he is not one to envision the be-all-end-all answer to retail theft.  Nothing is more effective than the steadfast vigilance and uncanny perceptive skills of actual agents.  But Checkpoint labels and RF security tags prove themselves as solid deterrents that stop shoplifting of a certain sort rather effectively.

There are two types of shoplifters that plague the retail world; the casual opportunist and the seasoned, organized veteran thief.  The seasoned thief, the one who makes their ‘living’ through such illicit acts, knows almost all the same tricks of the trade that loss prevention and law enforcement individuals use to catch them.  It doesn’t make them impossible to detect and apprehend but it does mean things like an RF label or checkpoint security tags will do nothing to stop them.  They have the knowledge to circumvent and defeat such things but in doing so it does open them up to being detected when they have to remove and dispose of defeated tags in a fitting room or when they need to skulk into a conspicuous corner.

As for casual shoplifters, they are the reason Checkpoint and RF labels are worth the implementation.  As many of us in the Loss Prevention profession have seen, once a casual thief finds evidence that the item they have selected won’t be an ‘easy grab’ they will generally back down.  By making the little fish quit before they start it gives us in LP the time we need to keep an eye out for those professional thieves.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

Even though more people area returning to work, the average wage is lower than previous jobs supplied. More and more people are turning to shoplifting or employee theft to supplement their incomes. It seems like everything is up for grabs these days. To stop shoplifting, the use of Checkpoint labels is becoming more of a necessity.

One of the biggest items stolen in grocery is meat. Meats can be an expensive part of a household’s grocery budget. When that budget is cut, some are turning to theft instead of eliminating that part of their nutrition. Checkpoint labels have a way to stop shoplifting these items. They have a soaker pad that contains a RF security label hidden inside.

Invisible to the shoplifter, these RF security labels are designed to integrate seamlessly into the meat packaging process. It is just as easy to place these soaker pads into the bottom of a meat tray, as any non-RF pad would be. Any one who has eve implemented a shrink reduction strategy knows that the easier it is to implement, the more likely a chance for success. Compliance comes from doing what you are already doing, just with a different product.

These RF labels are designed to remain activated even after contact with liquid. They are also microwave compatible. How cool is that!

  Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547 

Most retailers have very specific policies on how to stop shoplifting. Only certain employees can make apprehensions. Those employees must also follow certain guidelines, commonly called the five steps. It helps make a case in the courts, if need be. When you are working with a limited or inexperienced staff, sometimes it is hard to dedicate payroll dollars to stop shoplifting.

 In those situations, it is easier to take a proactive approach to stop shoplifting. By utilizing a resource that doesn’t require major payroll hours, shrink losses can be reduced. Using checkpoint labels and checkpoint security tags are just that resource.

 These tags and labels are easy to apply and difficult to defeat without the proper removal tools. They send a strong message to would be thieves. Even if an associate isn’t right there, the merchandise is still protected. It’s like having a silent bodyguard attached to your entire product.

 The Checkpoint labels and Checkpoint security tags come in a wide array of products. This helps to give a specific solution to specific type of product. They have RF security tags and RF labels for just about every merchandise assortment you can think of! They will even do their best to customize your RF Security labels to fit your needs. Just let them use their expertise to be a resource for all of your shrink reduction needs.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547