Shoplifting prevention techniques

Part 3 of a series on shoplifters’ characteristics and methods, as well as preventing shoplifting in your place of business. Information is provided courtesy of the Maricopa Police Department (see Part 2).

Prevention is the best approach in dealing with shoplifting and is the first avenue of deterrence.

Shoplifting prevention techniques:

If the store is small, have a buzzer or bell that sounds when the front door is opened.

Greet every customer you meet. Let customers know you are aware of their presence. The most effective deterrent to shoplifters is an alert and competent sales staff. Train your staff if you expect them to effectively prevent shoplifting opportunities and safely apprehend shoplifters.

Control backpacks and other parcels brought in by customers.

Sales people should be able to personally monitor all areas accessible to customers. Mirrors and cameras can be used to extend the surveillance capability of the sales force. The use of CCTV with a VCR capability may help deter theft, but it will also strengthen any arrest made that has been recorded on tape.

If possible, try elevating the cash register area to increase your field of vision and allow better monitoring of customers. Placing the register near the front of the store allows cashiers to help keep an eye on customers as they enter and exit the store. The cash register should be inaccessible to customers, locked and monitored always.

Enforce a strict anti-shoplifting policy (Shoplifters Will Be Prosecuted) and advertise your aggressive anti-shoplifting policy in plain view.

Sections of the store, such as cash registers, fitting rooms, exits, etc., should never be left unattended.

Have an employee in charge of the dressing room if possible. Fitting rooms should be closely monitored for garments, hangers and tags, and should be kept clean between uses so evidence of theft can quickly indicate the possible thief. The number of garments allowed in the fitting room at one time should be limited and monitored.

Watch persons wandering aimlessly up and down store aisles, fingering objects and frequently glancing at employees and other customers.

Keep valuables away from store exits to prevent grab and run situations. Clothes-hanger hooks should be alternated to prevent theft from the grabber.

Expensive merchandise should be in locked display cases in an area close to where salespeople are located. Limit the number of items you remove for customer inspection only to those you can adequately supervise at one time. Keep display cases locked at all times. Check to make sure the glass of the display cases cannot be lifted out.

Use an electronic shoplifting deterrence system or Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) system. Various electronic sensing devices are available now to deter and detect shoplifting. A tag or embedded sensor with special electronic or magnetic characteristics is attached to an item. Special electronics are located at the exit of the store to detect tags, which store personnel have not deactivated. If an EAS is used, each employee should receive extra training on how they work and the importance of properly removing them or deactivating them once an article is purchased. They can be expensive and time consuming to install and remove from the merchandise.

Proper aisle layouts and low counters should maximize visibility to allow monitoring of the customers.
If items are sold in pairs, only display one part (i.e., left shoes only).

Keep the store neat and orderly. Pattern displays and keep them filled so that you can tell at a glance if something is missing.

Anchor all valuable display models to counters. Use cable tie-downs to restrict the movement of merchandise.

Items inspected, but not sold, should be immediately returned to stock.

Price marking equipment should not be left unattended.

Items found on the wrong shelf may show that a shoplifter is in the store, and he or she disposed of the items thinking they were observed.

Alert other employees immediately if you notice suspicious activities. You may want to use a code if the store has a public address system.

Watch for price switching. Cashiers should do price checks if warranted.

Have cashiers check every item being sold to make sure it does not contain other merchandise (a compact disk hidden inside a book). Large bulky items like trash containers, coolers, etc. should be inspected by the cashier for smaller items hidden inside.

Each customer should receive a receipt for every purchase. This prevents the shoplifter from returning stolen items for a cash refund.

Every bag should be stapled closed, with the sales receipt attached. If possible, spot-check sales receipts at exits.

Control exits by designing exit lanes so that all persons leaving the store must pass by the scrutiny of a cashier or other employee.

Ask that a convicted shoplifter’s court judgment or condition of probation include a prohibition on returning to your premises.

Apprehension and arrest of shoplifters

Be thoroughly familiar with your state’s law and current case law as it relates to the detection, apprehension, use of force and arresting of shoplifters. Know the boundaries of the shoplifting law in your local jurisdiction.

Management should write policies and procedures for store employees to follow in dealing with the theft of company assets, and they should thoroughly train all employees in their use. You should seek competent legal counsel as serious legal problems may result if you fail to abide by your current state law.

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