Shark Tag — Page 15

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.

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: 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

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

It’s Never Too Late to Think About The Prom

May 14, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

There is a high school around the corner from my house that is proudly displaying their upcoming prom on the billboard. As I walk through the produce section of my local grocery store, there are boxed corsages of orchids and lilies just waiting to be scooped up by an anxious young high schooler who forgot to order one in advance. The department stores have their ball gowns front and center to catch a girl’s eye as she passes through. Ahh, Prom Time.

It’s the time of year when young love is at it’s finest. It’s also a big time for overextended high school students to start wardrobing. Prom dresses and accessories are not in danger of being stolen. This isn’t a time to be concerned with how to prevent shoplifting. Retail anti theft devices like hard and soft tags won’t be effective against wardrobing. What is effective is a Shark Tag.

A Shark Tag is a plastic clamp that is placed in a conspicuous spot on a garment. The shark tags are designed to be easily removed after purchase with a pair of scissors. It is a store’s big win to prevent returns on single use outfits like prom dresses. A cashier needs only to explain that the item cannot be returned if the shark tag has been removed.

By eliminating these refunders, you will increase your profits by eliminating needless returns of worn merchandise. You will also have the proper in stock for the true sale.

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: Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices, Shark Tag

Retail Anti-Theft Devices: Technology For A Real Problem

March 23, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Shoplifting or theft is as old as the marketplace. For many years retailers worked with limited technology to address the issue, but today is a new day. The loss prevention industry has long sought for new technology to provide an edge against shoplifting. Recently, the focus has been on retail anti-theft devices as a means to prevent shoplifting. Currently, there are many retail anti-theft devices on the markets, some examples are: 2 Alarm, 3 Alarm, Jewel Lok, Nano Gate, Shark Tag, and Spider Wrap.

Each of these tools has their place in the retail environment. The 2 Alarm and the 3 Alarm security tags is a flexible article security tag. It can be used for many different applications such as: Clothing security, merchandise security and most of all to prevent shoplifting. The 2 Alarm and 3 Alarm tags use RF or EAS technology to notify the store’s personnel in the event that merchandise is taken from the store. These tags work best with merchandise that can be pinned. The Jewel Lok is a small security tag. The Jewel Lok is designed to work to secure your high priced jewelry. The Jewel Lok works on the same principal as the 2 Alarm and 3 Alarm, but in a smaller package. These devices are designed to prevent shoplifting

The shark tag and Spider Wrap are newer products to hit the marketplace. The Shark tag is used to prevent loses that can occur from return fraud. The Shark Tag is a non EAS/RF retail anti theft device. It is attached to merchandise and easily removed by cutting. This allows the retailer to see if the merchandise has been worn. While not designed to prevent shoplifting, the retailer can then deny the return of unsellable merchandise. Spider Wrap is used for securing merchandise packaged within boxes. The Spider Wrap retail anti-theft device is a great tool for “tagging” these difficult to control items.

All of the above mentioned retail anti-theft devices could be partnered with the Nano Gate. The Nano Gate is a device that is placed on the exit/entrance of an area that needs to be secure and not have your product in the area. I’ve worked in the loss prevention industry for a number of years and it’s my belief that it is important to invest in retail anti theft devices for the health of any business.

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

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

Retail Anti-Theft Devices: Technology For A Real Problem

March 12, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

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

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

Reactionary Protection

March 7, 2012 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

We don’t always know what items are going to be the next hot theft item or what merchandise we are going to need to focus on to prevent shoplifting next. Sometimes it takes a few losses to realize how desirable something has become to a shoplifter. The best that we can do before theft becomes noticeable is to protect our most expensive merchandise with a Spider Wrap, Jewel Lok, Shark Tag, or one of the many other retail anti theft devices that are available on the market.

When deciding what to spider wrap after assessing price points, my typical strategy is to focus on things that are easy to steal and easy to sell. Any high dollar item with packaging that has a handle shoots straight to the top of my spider wrap priority list. High dollar small or easy to conceal items are typically first on my spider wrap list as well. Sometimes browsing local resale shops or online resale websites can help to identify what merchandise is being targeted.

When determining what merchandise to shark tag, I will typically tag merchandise seasonally or as I am noticing trends in used merchandise returns on specific types of merchandise. The most common time that we utilize a shark tag is during school dance seasons such as prom or homecoming. Affixing a shark tag to all high dollar dresses helps to prevent people from purchasing and using the item for their big event and then returning afterward. We will also use a shark tag on our leather coats to prevent seasonal wearers who purchase an expensive coat at the beginning of the season and return it once the cold season is over.

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Jewel Lok, Prevent Shoplifting, Retail Anti Theft Devices, Shark Tag, Spider Wrap