It was another Monday morning. I get into the store and begin my week by running a couple of reports from over the weekend. As the district LP manager, I was responsible for quite a few stores. I was looking specifically for refund fraud. This scheme involves a shoplifter stealing from one location, then bringing that merchandise to a sister store down the road for a refund. The store would issue a gift card if no receipt was present. This was a lucrative fraud scheme. If I could prove the merchandise was stolen with video evidence, I could cancel the gift card. I figure, if I can stop shoplifting as it happens, I’ll at least recoup some of the store funds from those ill-gotten gift cards.
It didn’t take long before I found a case. I was able to find video of the theft, so I contacted a detective I knew. She was my go to for these cases. Since we took a photo copy of a driver’s license, we knew our suspect and they were very easy to close. A few days went by and we met up and I provided her with the case details. This particular case was a guy who was able to remove the anti-shoplifting devices from several pairs of high end ski gloves. He returned those gloves at another store down the road after stealing them from the first location. With an ID in hand, a warrant was cut a few days later and my detective friend was able to make an arrest a few days later. He’s where things snowballed.
It quickly became evident that this was a much bigger case than I could have ever expected. A search of this guy’s house and car revealed about 20 return receipts from my store over the last few weeks, in additional to a device used to remove the checkpoint security tags we used on those high end ski gloves. The detective stated that she was going to interview the guy prior to him being released to see what details he would offer into his actions. Maybe even implicate someone else.
What we learned was stunning. This guy had several shoplifting convictions and a rap sheet half a mile long. He was willing to talk in exchange for some leniency. The DA agreed and he told us of his fence. A fence is a name given to a person, or business that is a front for stolen goods. It could be an EBay seller, or a brick and mortar store front. Our suspect told us he was selling the gift cards, in addition to stolen goods to this fence. He told us it was a convenience store on the outskirts of the city limits. Once this information was gathered it was clear what had to be done. If we were going to stop shoplifting in our store, we had to take out the fence. A plan, over the next few weeks, was developed. My stores would assist the local police in shutting down a major retail theft operation. Front page news here we come!
For more information, contact us: Anti-Shoplifting, or call 1.770.426.0547
It was another Monday morning. I get into the store and begin my week by running a couple of reports from over the weekend. As the district LP manager, I was responsible for quite a few stores. I was looking specifically for refund fraud. This scheme involves a shoplifter stealing from one location, then bringing that merchandise to a sister store down the road for a refund. The store would issue a gift card if no receipt was present. This was a lucrative fraud scheme. If I could prove the merchandise was stolen with video evidence, I could cancel the gift card. I figure, if I can stop shoplifting as it happens, I’ll at least recoup some of the store funds from those ill-gotten gift cards.
It didn’t take long before I found a case. I was able to find video of the theft, so I contacted a detective I knew. She was my go to for these cases. Since we took a photo copy of a driver’s license, we knew our suspect and they were very easy to close. A few days went by and we met up and I provided her with the case details. This particular case was a guy who was able to remove the anti-shoplifting devices from several pairs of high end ski gloves. He returned those gloves at another store down the road after stealing them from the first location. With an ID in hand, a warrant was issued a few days later and my detective friend was able to make an arrest a few days later. Here’s where things snowballed.
It quickly became evident that this was a much bigger case than I could have ever expected. A search of this guy’s house and car revealed about 20 return receipts from my store over the last few weeks, in addition to a device used to remove the Checkpoint Security Tags we used on those high end ski gloves. The detective stated that she was going to interview the guy prior to him being released to see what details he would offer into his actions. Maybe even implicate someone else.
What we learned was stunning. This guy had several shoplifting convictions and a rap sheet half a mile long. He was willing to talk in exchange for some leniency. The DA agreed and he told us of his fence. A fence is a name given to a person, or business that is a front for stolen goods. It could be an EBay seller, or a brick and mortar store front. Our suspect told us he was selling the gift cards, in addition to stolen goods to this fence. He told us it was a convenience store on the outskirts of the city limits. Once this information was gathered it was clear what had to be done. If we were going to stop shoplifting in our store, we had to take out the fence. A plan, over the next few weeks, was developed. My stores would assist the local police in shutting down a major retail theft operation. Front page news here we come!
For more information, contact us: Anti-Shoplifting, or call 1.770.426.0547
It was another Monday morning. I get into the store and begin my week by running a couple of reports from over the weekend. As the district LP manager, I was responsible for quite a few stores. I was looking specifically for refund fraud. This scheme involves a shoplifter stealing from one location, then bringing that merchandise to a sister store down the road for a refund. The store would issue a gift card if no receipt was present. This was a lucrative fraud scheme. If I could prove the merchandise was stolen with video evidence, I could cancel the gift card. I figure, if I can stop shoplifting as it happens, I’ll at least recoup some of the store funds from those ill-gotten gift cards.
It didn’t take long before I found a case. I was able to find video of the theft, so I contacted a detective I knew. She was my go to for these cases. Since we took a photo copy of a driver’s license, we knew our suspect and they were very easy to close. A few days went by and we met up and I provided her with the case details. This particular case was a guy who was able to remove the anti-shoplifting devices from several pairs of high end ski gloves. He returned those gloves at another store down the road after stealing them from the first location. With an ID in hand, a warrant was cut a few days later and my detective friend was able to make an arrest a few days later. He’s where things snowballed.
It quickly became evident that this was a much bigger case than I could have ever expected. A search of this guy’s house and car revealed about 20 return receipts from my store over the last few weeks, in additional to a device used to remove the checkpoint security tags we used on those high end ski gloves. The detective stated that she was going to interview the guy prior to him being released to see what details he would offer into his actions. Maybe even implicate someone else.
What we learned was stunning. This guy had several shoplifting convictions and a rap sheet half a mile long. He was willing to talk in exchange for some leniency. The DA agreed and he told us of his fence. A fence is a name given to a person, or business that is a front for stolen goods. It could be an EBay seller, or a brick and mortar store front. Our suspect told us he was selling the gift cards, in addition to stolen goods to this fence. He told us it was a convenience store on the outskirts of the city limits. Once this information was gathered it was clear what had to be done. If we were going to stop shoplifting in our store, we had to take out the fence. A plan, over the next few weeks, was developed. My stores would assist the local police in shutting down a major retail theft operation. Front page news here we come!
For more information, contact us: Anti-Shoplifting, or call 1.770.426.0547
It was another Monday morning. I get into the store and begin my week by running a couple of reports from over the weekend. As the district LP manager, I was responsible for quite a few stores. I was looking specifically for refund fraud. This scheme involves a shoplifter stealing from one location, then bringing that merchandise to a sister store down the road for a refund. The store would issue a gift card if no receipt was present. This was a lucrative fraud scheme. If I could prove the merchandise was stolen with video evidence, I could cancel the gift card. I figure, if I can stop shoplifting as it happens, I’ll at least recoup some of the store funds from those ill-gotten gift cards.
It didn’t take long before I found a case. I was able to find video of the theft, so I contacted a detective I knew. She was my go to for these cases. Since we took a photo copy of a driver’s license, we knew our suspect and they were very easy to close. A few days went by and we met up and I provided her with the case details. This particular case was a guy who was able to remove the anti-shoplifting devices from several pairs of high end ski gloves. He returned those gloves at another store down the road after stealing them from the first location. With an ID in hand, a warrant was issued a few days later and my detective friend was able to make an arrest a few days later. Here’s where things snowballed.
It quickly became evident that this was a much bigger case than I could have ever expected. A search of this guy’s house and car revealed about 20 return receipts from my store over the last few weeks, in addition to a device used to remove the Checkpoint Security Tags we used on those high end ski gloves. The detective stated that she was going to interview the guy prior to him being released to see what details he would offer into his actions. Maybe even implicate someone else.
What we learned was stunning. This guy had several shoplifting convictions and a rap sheet half a mile long. He was willing to talk in exchange for some leniency. The DA agreed and he told us of his fence. A fence is a name given to a person, or business that is a front for stolen goods. It could be an EBay seller, or a brick and mortar store front. Our suspect told us he was selling the gift cards, in addition to stolen goods to this fence. He told us it was a convenience store on the outskirts of the city limits. Once this information was gathered it was clear what had to be done. If we were going to stop shoplifting in our store, we had to take out the fence. A plan, over the next few weeks, was developed. My stores would assist the local police in shutting down a major retail theft operation. Front page news here we come!
For more information, contact us: Anti-Shoplifting, or call 1.770.426.0547
Used by libraries of all sizes, a library theft detection system consistently reduces the inventory and asset losses due to theft and accidental removal. Sometimes smaller libraries feel like they are at a disadvantage because of their size and financial resources to protect their resources.
All they see are expensive, and extensive systems, that are out of reach. Checkpoint Systems are, however, much more affordable. They rely on a more basic set up and installation process. As a result, the maintenance and upkeep of using Checkpoint Systems for library theft prevention is much more affordable than other systems.
Checkpoint Systems do not need to rely on integration into an electronic or digital check out system to be effective. This is a system that can run independently. This way, regardless of whether your library is highly digitized, or is still doing paper and stamp checkouts, you can benefit from library theft prevention.
This is where the biggest cost savings occurs. If you can run a library theft detection system on it’s own, then you eliminate the expense of having to add more complicated total library integration.
Don’t let the size of your funding prevent your library from putting an end to missing magazines and resource materials. Make a minimal investment work for you.
Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Library Theft Detection System devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system from Checkpoint Systems to stop inventory losses.
For more information on a Library Theft Detection System, Library Theft Prevention, or a Checkpoint System and how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us at Retail theft prevention to stop inventory losses in your library or call 1.770.426.0547
The Holidays are here, and that means it’s already time to be filling your stores to the brim with boxes and bodies; that is, merchandise and employees of course. Hiring for the holiday season to meet the demands of the fourth quarter is a good tradeoff for those looking to make some extra money for the holidays. As the case goes with an increase in shopping, the influx of customers brings an influx of shoplifters. With an increase in hiring for the season, there is an increase of bad eggs looking to get a job where they can exploit their employers. Obviously this doesn’t mean that all folks looking for seasonal work are rotten, but it is likely that you will encounter at least one or two that can do a great deal of damage through internal theft. Below is a brief list of two impactful forms of holiday hell-raising these bad employees try to cause.
Cash theft is a type of employee theft that I see frequently around this time of year as a loss prevention professional. It is pretty obvious what it consists of: associates taking money either from the till, the fund bags, or the safe. Cash theft is an alluring option for many thieving employees because it is liquid and can be transferred into anything the thief wants like gifts and bill payments. Likewise, those involved in the cash handling process will see a lot of it passing through their hands during the holiday season. It doesn’t take long for them to realize how much your business is taking in, and it makes it easier for a dishonest person to rationalize their desires to take some.
Protect yourself with strict cash controls. Only allow a certain amount of cash to be in the drawer at any given time (also to prevent external cash theft), ensure dual-verification of till amounts by more than one employee, enforce register accountability and hold employees accountable for their tills! If you think it is worth the investment, get a camera surveillance system to monitor employees at the register. Remember, most employees steal cash before they leave the store for a break, lunch, for the day, or forever!
Pass-offs, also known as free-bagging, is another form of internal theft you are likely to see around this time of year. This also constitutes as a form of external theft when the “customer” receiving the unpaid-for goods is in on the scam (and they usually are). Employees can be pretty creative when it comes to handing off free merchandise to their friends at the point of sale. Some employees will ring the purchase, only to process a return or cancellation later for their friends, either refunding a credit card or refunding cash and keeping it for themselves. Other employees might pretend to scan items for their friends (especially if your store has surveillance cameras), when they actually are not, and may take in an amount of money far less than what the merchandise is worth. They may also scan most items, skipping only one or two very expensive items.
The methods are endless. Preventing this form of theft is quite difficult. It is easier to catch it after it happens, than it is to prevent it. Having a surveillance system will deter a few dishonest employees. The next best option is to perform sales audits regularly to catch discrepancies early on. If you notice
The Holidays are here, and that means it’s already time to be filling your stores to the brim with boxes and bodies; that is, merchandise and employees of course. Hiring for the holiday season to meet the demands of the fourth quarter is a good tradeoff for those looking to make some extra money for the holidays. As the case goes with an increase in shopping, the influx of customers brings an influx of shoplifters. With an increase in hiring for the season, there is an increase of bad eggs looking to get a job where they can exploit their employers. Obviously this doesn’t mean that all folks looking for seasonal work are rotten, but it is likely that you will encounter at least one or two that can do a great deal of damage through employee theft. Below is a brief list of two impactful forms of holiday hell-raising these bad employees try to cause.
Cash theft is a type of employee theft that I see frequently around this time of year as a loss prevention professional. It is pretty obvious what it consists of: associates taking money either from the till, the fund bags, or the safe. Cash theft is an alluring option for many thieving employees because it is liquid and can be transferred into anything the thief wants like gifts and bill payments. Likewise, those involved in the cash handling process will see a lot of it passing through their hands during the holiday season. It doesn’t take long for them to realize how much your business is taking in, and it makes it easier for a dishonest person to rationalize their desires to take some.
Protect yourself with strict cash controls. Only allow a certain amount of cash to be in the drawer at any given time (also to prevent external cash theft), ensure dual-verification of till amounts by more than one employee, enforce register accountability and hold employees accountable for their tills! If you think it is worth the investment, get a camera surveillance system to monitor employees at the register. Remember, most employees steal cash before they leave the store for a break, lunch, for the day, or forever!
Pass-offs, also known as free-bagging, is another form of employee theft you are likely to see around this time of year. This also constitutes as a form of external theft when the “customer” receiving the unpaid-for goods is in on the scam (and they usually are). Employees can be pretty creative when it comes to handing off free merchandise to their friends at the point of sale. Some employees will ring the purchase, only to process a return or cancellation later for their friends, either refunding a credit card or refunding cash and keeping it for themselves. Other employees might pretend to scan items for their friends (especially if your store has surveillance cameras), when they actually are not, and may take in an amount of money far less than what the merchandise is worth. They may also scan most items, skipping only one or two very expensive items.
The methods are endless. Preventing this form of theft is quite difficult. It is easier to catch it after it happens, than it is to prevent it. Having a surveillance system will deter a few dishonest employees. The next best option is to perform sales audits regularly to catch discrepancies early on. If you notice expensive, popular items missing, make sure it’s reflected in your sales. If not, start an employee theft investigation.
For more information contact us: Employee Theft or call 1.770.426.0547
It was seven-thirty at night in Albuquerque last week when a small Chevrolet Cavalier pulled up outside of a local establishment of a retail chain. The clouds of exhaust coming from the back were evidence that the dark air was just beginning to chill in the high-desert night. Parking in the fire lane, a large man got out and darted for the door, with a much smaller and more fit man exiting the passenger side to take the wheel, while popping the hatch-back. They certainly were not fire-fighters, and there was no emergency in the store. The large man entered the store and headed straight for the thirty-two-inch televisions on the low shelf by the door. It was definitely a grab and run attempt. Moments later, the man ran out of the store empty-handed and in a fright, stumbling to close the hatchback and get into the car before anyone noticed! What happened? What was done in this case to prevent shoplifting?
Well, what the surveillance footage captured is that the large man reached down, pulled on a television while attempting to run with it, only to have it snatched right out of his hands by Alpha spider wrap that encased the TV, and that was attached to the shelving fixture by an Alpha 3 alarm cable! He then tried it again with another TV next to it, only to have the same thing happen again. Humiliated as a criminal and defeated, he high-tailed back out of the store to the shock and amazement of his driver, I am sure. I take great pleasure and amusement in imagining the conversation that ensued between the two of them shortly afterward.
This is a true and telling story of how simple merchandise security can prevent shoplifting. Especially when it comes to these extremely quick grab and run scenarios, all that stands between the thief and your merchandise is the protection products. Grab-and-runs, as they are called, happen in a matter of seconds to a couple of minutes at most. Shoplifters target items close to quick-getaway doors, usually in large quantities or of high-values (or both). There is no time for store employees to react to this type of theft and, quite honestly, not much they could do even if they noticed the thieves. Runners usually expect to be noticed, rendering customer service approaches relatively useless. This is when it pays to have your items secured with devices like those made by Alpha security.
The days are getting shorter and colder, meaning that more criminals will be using the darkness of night and the vacancy of the streets to perpetrate their crimes. It is the season of fast-paced theft attempts like the one that occurred in Albuquerque last week, and it could happen in any city at any time this winter. Make sure that you prepare your stores for the storm by securing your merchandise. Buying the security tools is only half of the job. It is important to make sure your employees are implementing a consistent merchandise protection strategy. If the security devices aren’t placed consistently and properly, these sophisticated criminal groups will exploit those security flaws, seeking out the unsecured items and taking them for their loot, leaving you with a loss.
For more information contact us: Prevent Shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547
It was seven-thirty at night in Albuquerque last week when a small Chevrolet Cavalier pulled up outside of a local establishment of a retail chain. The clouds of exhaust coming from the back were evidence that the dark air was just beginning to chill in the high-desert night. Parking in the fire lane, a large man got out and darted for the door, with a much smaller and more fit man exiting the passenger side to take the wheel, while popping the hatch-back. They certainly were not fire-fighters, and there was no emergency in the store. The large man entered the store and headed straight for the thirty-two-inch televisions on the low shelf by the door. It was definitely a grab and run attempt. Moments later, the man ran out of the store empty-handed and in a fright, stumbling to close the hatchback and get into the car before anyone noticed! What happened? What was done in this case to prevent shoplifting?
Well, what the surveillance footage captured is that the large man reached down, pulled on a television while attempting to run with it, only to have it snatched right out of his hands by Alpha Spider Wrap that encased the TV, and that was attached to the shelving fixture by an Alpha 3 Alarm Cable! He then tried it again with another TV next to it, only to have the same thing happen again. Humiliated as a criminal and defeated, he high-tailed back out of the store to the shock and amazement of his driver, I am sure. I take great pleasure and amusement in imagining the conversation that ensued between the two of them shortly afterward.
This is a true and telling story of how simple merchandise security can prevent shoplifting. Especially when it comes to these extremely quick grab and run scenarios, all that stands between the thief and your merchandise is the protection products. Grab-and-runs, as they are called, happen in a matter of seconds to a couple of minutes at most. Shoplifters target items close to quick-getaway doors, usually in large quantities or of high-values (or both). There is no time for store employees to react to this type of theft and, quite honestly, not much they could do even if they noticed the thieves. Runners usually expect to be noticed, rendering customer service approaches relatively useless. This is when it pays to have your items secured with devices like those made by Alpha security.
The days are getting shorter and colder, meaning that more criminals will be using the darkness of night and the vacancy of the streets to perpetrate their crimes. It is the season of fast-paced theft attempts like the one that occurred in Albuquerque last week, and it could happen in any city at any time this winter. Make sure that you prepare your stores for the storm by securing your merchandise. Buying the security tools is only half of the job. It is important to make sure your employees are implementing a consistent merchandise protection strategy. If the security devices aren’t placed consistently and properly, these sophisticated criminal groups will exploit those security flaws, seeking out the unsecured items and taking them for their loot, leaving you with a loss.
For more information contact us: Prevent Shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547
Having worked in retail loss prevention for several years, I have been able to see the many obstacles of being able to prevent shoplifting. The larger your store operations become, the greater proportion of theft prevention issues stems from communication problems. It is relatively easy to come up with an adequate merchandise protection strategy like, using clothing security tags on all items above $20.00. If you have multiple employees with various job functions, all which deal with merchandise protection at some point or another, communication becomes essential to making your merchandise protection plan a successfully implemented strategy. Here are a few steps along the chain of merchandise protection that need to be carefully considered at the store level in order to produce an effective clothing security strategy.
Receiving the merchandise is generally the first step in the chain. In some cases, the vendors may already pre-protect their merchandise to a certain extent. This may be sufficient for you, or not. Typically, you know your store’s theft patterns better than the vendors, and should probably implement your own protection strategy. It is important that your receiving team has accurate, updated information on which items should be secured using clothing security tags like Alpha Shark Tags before the items ever make it onto the sales floor. This is the best first line of defense. A quick side note, this also requires that operations orders the proper amount of necessary protection devices.
Merchandising associates are usually the next to handle the merchandise in the chain. It is important that these associates also know the security strategy for the merchandise so that they can quickly correct any issues that they find while working on the sales floor. Merchandising associates also handle the merchandise more than any other associates, so they will also be likely to have great feedback information concerning the merchandise protection strategy. For example, if they are aware of the strategy, and they notice a theft trend on the sales floor, they can provide that feedback to management and make any potential necessary adjustments to more adequately provide clothing security in the store.
Cashiering is typically the last job-function that sees the merchandise. It is also a point where clear communication of clothing protection standards is paramount. Part of a good protection strategy should include where to place security tags, so that they are placed in a consistent manner. This not only makes auditing the protection status easier, but also makes it easier for cashiers to identify the security devices. If the receiving and merchandising associates before them have not consistently and properly placed the clothing security tags, the cashier may forget to remove it, causing a huge inconvenience for the customers. Also, cashiers will frequently be receiving returned merchandise, meaning it is just as important for them, and the merchandising employees who might be returning the clothing to the sales floor, to know which items need to be secured, and how to properly secure them.
So when it comes to important elements of an adequate strategy to protect clothing and other merchandise, clear and concise communication should top the list. If the wrong items are being secured, then you are more likely to lose clothing to theft, and inconvenience customers who are trying to give you their business. Every store needs a good merchandise protection plan; make sure that yours emphasizes communication.
For more information contact us: Clothing Security or call 1.770.426.0547
Having worked in retail loss prevention for several years, I have been able to see the many obstacles of being able to prevent shoplifting. The larger your store operations become, the greater proportion of theft prevention issues stems from communication problems. It is relatively easy to come up with an adequate merchandise protection strategy like, using clothing security tags on all items above $20.00. If you have multiple employees with various job functions, all which deal with merchandise protection at some point or another, communication becomes essential to making your merchandise protection plan a successfully implemented strategy. Here are a few steps along the chain of merchandise protection that need to be carefully considered at the store level in order to produce an effective clothing security strategy.
Receiving the merchandise is generally the first step in the chain. In some cases, the vendors may already pre-protect their merchandise to a certain extent. This may be sufficient for you, or not. Typically, you know your store’s theft patterns better than the vendors, and should probably implement your own protection strategy. It is important that your receiving team has accurate, updated information on which items should be secured using clothing security tags like Alpha Shark Tags before the items ever make it onto the sales floor. This is the best first line of defense. A quick side note, this also requires that operations orders the proper amount of necessary protection devices.
Merchandising associates are usually the next to handle the merchandise in the chain. It is important that these associates also know the security strategy for the merchandise so that they can quickly correct any issues that they find while working on the sales floor. Merchandising associates also handle the merchandise more than any other associates, so they will also be likely to have great feedback information concerning the merchandise protection strategy. For example, if they are aware of the strategy, and they notice a theft trend on the sales floor, they can provide that feedback to management and make any potential necessary adjustments to more adequately provide clothing security in the store.
Cashiering is typically the last job-function that sees the merchandise. It is also a point where clear communication of clothing protection standards is paramount. Part of a good protection strategy should include where to place security tags, so that they are placed in a consistent manner. This not only makes auditing the protection status easier, but also makes it easier for cashiers to identify the security devices. If the receiving and merchandising associates before them have not consistently and properly placed the clothing security tags, the cashier may forget to remove it, causing a huge inconvenience for the customers. Also, cashiers will frequently be receiving returned merchandise, meaning it is just as important for them, and the merchandising employees who might be returning the clothing to the sales floor, to know which items need to be secured, and how to properly secure them.
So when it comes to important elements of an adequate strategy to protect clothing and other merchandise, clear and concise communication should top the list. If the wrong items are being secured, then you are more likely to lose clothing to theft, and inconvenience customers who are trying to give you their business. Every store needs a good merchandise protection plan; make sure that yours emphasizes communication.
For more information contact us: Clothing Security or call 1.770.426.0547
