Preventing Retail Theft
Did you know that Retailers in the U.S. lose nearly $45 billion every year as a result of theft? According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, more than $25 million worth of merchandise is stolen from retail stores each day. As you can see, shoplifting is one of the main causes of retail store shrinkage.
All types of stores in all sizes and shapes can be targets for retail theft and shoplifting. So how can you protect yourself and your store?
There are a number of things that you can do to prevent retail theft and shoplifting. Here are a few suggestions and tips.
Learn How to Identify Shoplifters & Keep an Eye on Them
In order to prevent shoplifters, you’ll need to know how to identify them. You and your staff should know how to spot potential shoplifters, how to keep an eye on them and what to do if you see a suspicious person or a person stealing from your store.
When you’re attempting to identify potential shoplifters, look for people who:
- Avoid making eye contact.
- Wander throughout the store for a long time.
- Stick to locations that are more difficult to monitor.
- Appear nervous when they see store employees.
- Are “on the lookout” for store staff.
- Are wearing unnecessarily big coats or clothing when the weather is not appropriate for them.
- Pick up random items but show little interest in them.
- Carrying large bags.
If you encounter a suspected shoplifter, don’t accuse them of shoplifting directly. Ask them if they need any help or if they’d like to pay for the items they’re holding. This will usually stop them. If they argue or try to start a physical altercation, DO NOT engage, call security or the police.
Tag Products Electronically
By tagging your products with an electronic loss prevention system, anyone leaving the store with an unauthorized item will set off an alarm. Setting up such a system will be expensive, but it will likely be worth it in the long run.
Place Commonly Stolen Items Near Registers or Lock Them Up
Small yet valuable items or items that are frequently stolen should be placed near the cash register where employees can keep an eye on them. Items such as razor blades, vitamins, memory cards, small electronics and other small items have high value and can easily be slipped into a bag or coat pocket by a shoplifter. Placing these items in a location where they are easily visible will reduce shoplifting.
You may also want to lock these items up in a secured cabinet, possibly behind the cash register.
Invest in Physical Protection
Physical security prevents theft. In addition to storing valuables in locked cases or cabinets, you’ll also want to ensure that you take steps to restrict access to areas where customers are not allowed. For example, a customer could take advantage of an occupied salesperson to sneak into the store’s stock room. If you install security gates or other types of physical protection to prevent access to this room, you will greatly reduce the likelihood of your store being robbed.