It’s getting near closing time and you notice a customer entering your store. He just doesn’t strike you right. He’s wearing a coat that is too heavy for the weather for one thing. He’s picking up items, not really looking at them and seems extremely nervous. You may have a shoplifter.
There are two types of shoplifters-the professional and the amateur. Professional shoplifters steal to make a living. They may use intimidation or force to get what they want. The amateurs usually shoplift because they want the item or need the cash a quick reselling will bring them.
What kind of methods are used for shoplifting? Well, distraction is a popular ruse that is often employed. Shoplifters work in groups of 2 or more and distract the sales clerk while the other steals the merchandise. They also take advantage of stores busiest hours, shift changes, openings and closings. Items can be concealed in clothing, handbags, strollers, umbrellas and inside other merchandise. Some shoplifters use the “grab and run” method. They grab the item and run out of the store. Other methods that are used are price label switching, short changing the cashier, and phony returns.
What are some signs you have a shoplifter in your store? Some of the signs are as follows:
*The person spends more time watching the cashier then browsing the merchandise.
*The person walks with short steps which may be because they have items hidden in their pants.
*The person will take several items to the dressing room but only leaves with one item.
*Enters the store frequently but never makes a purchase.
*Goes into the dressing room with merchandise but comes out with nothing.
*A large group of people entering the store at one time, frequently teenagers, and causing a ruckus, being rowdy and obnoxious.
How to prevent theft from shoplifting in your store? Lessen the opportunity, then the theft will decrease. Here’s some suggestions on how to do just that:
*Have the store layout designed so that the customers MUST pass the register area and employees to leave the store. Do not leave the register unattended or unlocked. Move merchandise away from the store exits.
*If your displays are full and the shelves straightened up regularly, you or your employees can see if something is missing.
*Have adequate lighting in all areas of the store and use mirrors for any blind spots.
*Put anything that is expensive behind locked shelves or behind the counter.
*Have the restrooms and dressing rooms under surveillance at all times.
*Keep dressing rooms locked and only allow a limited number of items in each room.
*Close or block off unused checkout aisles and have alarms on exits.
*Post signs that shoplifters will be prosecuted in highly visible locations.
*Have security equipment such as security tags, two-way mirrors and closed circuit television.
You can also hire security guards or plain clothes security.
These suggestions will not totally eliminate shoplifting but it won’t be as easy for them. By making it more difficult for them, they may chose an easier target. In Part 2, we’ll discuss how your employees can be more effective in preventing shoplifters and what to do when one is apprehended.
By Linda Lee Ruzicka
Linda Lee Ruzicka lives in the mountains of Western PA , happily married and with her 8 cats and three dogs. She has been published in Twilight Times, Dark Krypt, Fables, Writing Village, June Cotner anthology, The Grit, Reminisce , the book, Haunted Encounters: Friends and Family. She also does freelances work for Beyond and for Salesheads. More of her blogs can be found at Salesheads blog
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