When discussing the use of clothing security tags to stop theft what comes to mind first, swim suits, dresses, slacks or dress shirts? Maybe you would say baseball hats, ties and maybe even accessories including purses and wallets. You wouldn’t be wrong but I would like to suggest that you could be missing out on an entire line of products that can be expensive in their own right. Infant clothes can be just as vulnerable to theft as grown-up attire and in some instances they can be an easier target for those looking for the five-finger discount. I have had mothers I caught loading up infant diaper bags while shopping with their toddlers. I once had an entire family pushing a baby stroller and a couple of the group would conceal merchandise under the blankets inside the stroller. Oh don’t worry the baby was fine, the dad was carrying the infant so she wouldn’t be disturbed. One thing I learned over the seventeen or so years I spent in Loss Prevention was that if it isn’t tied down or protected with Sensormatic tags someone will probably try to steal it.
The theft of baby and toddler clothing can happen more often than you might think and it can cost retailers a lot of money. For example, according to live5news.com, April 26, 2019, in a story, “Cops: Wanted couple had toddler with them during shoplifting at baby clothing shop”, a couple shoplifted “approximately $132.97” in merchandise. Items believed stolen included “…boy’s pajamas and boys swim trunks”. Now that may not sound like a huge haul but for a small boutique that can have quite an impact. Were clothing security tags in use? I cannot say for certain. After a bit of searching on the internet and I believe I found the store’s website and pictures and I did not see any evidence. There were no visible Sensormatic towers at the doors and I did not see any Sensormatic tags hanging from the clothing.
Do you need more evidence that baby apparel and care products are a hot commodity? The Napa Valley Register report on November 16, 2018 displayed the headline, “Woman arrested for stealing more than $1,200 of baby items and other merchandise, police say”. The report said that, “A woman was arrested for stealing diapers, baby blankets, baby clothes (emphasis mine), Pediasure, orange juice, batteries and more in American Canyon…” Again, we have another instance where infant clothes were stolen and the store the suspect was stealing from does not use clothing security tags on any of the clothing merchandise they carry. The business where the theft took place is a huge entity and I dare say can afford the losses that take place in their locations. However, should these thefts take place in the small retail establishment such hits are not sustainable.
The solution is simple to prevent such losses but there are retailers who decide not to take the steps that would solve the issue. Installing a Sensormatic security system is the first recommendation I give to businesses. No, don’t go trying to buy a used system or a second-rate electronic article surveillance brand. Purchase a new Sensormatic system and you know you are getting a quality product. Better yet, purchase that system from Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. and you will also receive free training on how to stop shoplifting from people who worked in Retail Loss Prevention. You won’t get that offer from another company. After installing the security system you will want to protect merchandise with Sensormatic tags. Again, if you purchase your system through Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. they can provide you with best practices for tagging and make suggestions on what you should be tagging in your store.
Shoplifting is a problem and it affects all clothing retail stores from fine apparel to infant clothes. Criminals are only concerned with how much they can steal without being caught and how much they can get for the merchandise. Don’t be a childish and throw a tantrum when they steal from you. Be proactive and get clothing security tags and a Sensormatic system now.
Need information on clothing security tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Speak Your Mind
You must be logged in to post a comment.