Loss Prevention pays for itself – How fast? – 3 WC Blog 434B
Free Loss Prevention Calculator – 3
It’s No Joke, Loss Prevention Pays For Itself – How Fast? The Free Loss Prevention Calculator Can Answer That Question For You
I attended a farmers market this afternoon. It was interesting because there was little in the way of what I would call farmer produce there. There were several bee product booths, which included honeys, bees wax (I almost bought some just so no one could tell me to mind my own beeswax anymore) and bee wax lip ointments. There was a seller of kettle corn (not the kind of corn I was thinking of for a farmer’s market) and a booth with glazed pecans and cashews. I bought some because, well I just liked it. How did I know I would like it? The vendor was giving out free samples of cashews. As so often happens as I was snacking on my sample and seeing quite a few other people getting samples as well I started wondering about the return on investment for the vendor. What was her profit going to be if she was giving away free product? In some way she HAD to recoup what it was costing her to give away product. Well, after tasting that free sample, the vendor made $4 from me. This reminded me that Loss Prevention pays for itself – How fast? This is the question.
I am sure that many of you are thinking that it is silly to even consider the question Loss Prevention pays for itself – How fast? In light of my experience at the farmer’s market though, is it so silly after all? If you think about it that pecan vendor invested in making the product. I don’t know how much time and energy went into it but I am certain it was significant. Still, that sample cost them something and to give it away demonstrated to me the value of their product and they sold me on it. In a similar fashion a store owner can pay for a new Checkpoint System but the investment will pay off in the amount of shortage it will eliminate from a store. Once the savings from reduced shortage pays for the system any additional savings go to the profit line of the store. The question at that point is how to determine what the time frame is that it will take for an investment to pay for itself. THAT can be figured out by using the Free Loss Prevention Calculator.
Available on the Loss Prevention Systems Inc. website, the Free Loss Prevention Calculator allows a user to enter annual sales information, and the amount a store owner would be willing to invest in a Checkpoint System. The calculator assumes a store annual shrinkage rate of 1.2% and an estimated shortage reduction to .65% (results could be lower) with the installation of a system. Using this formula the result is an estimate of the number of months it would take for a new system to pay for itself.
Now you’re thinking that you might be interested but how do I know that a Loss Prevention System will actually reduce my shortage? In a report published in Crime Science Journal on 30 May 17 by Aiden Sidebottom, Amy Thornton, Lisa Tompson, Jyoti Belur, Nick Tilley and Kate Bowers, titled: “A systematic review of tagging as a method to reduce theft in retail environments”, the authors go through the methods they used to create their report, the studies they cited and the challenges they had in different measures used by those who conducted those studies. That said, there was what I consider a significant finding in this report. “What, then, can be said about the effectiveness of tags as a theft reduction measure in retail environments? Mindful of the aforementioned variability in outcome measures, if we assume the reductions in theft, shrinkage and shortage all denote positive outcomes associated with the introduction of tags, then across these eight studies we find mixed results. Considering all types of tags, five studies report positive results” (added emphasis is mine). https://crimesciencejournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40163-017-0068-y
Five out of eight studies is significant especially after reading the report and seeing the information the authors had to sift through. I believe it is significant enough to support my position that a Loss Prevention System does reduce shortage. Therefore by using the Free Loss Prevention Calculator you can answer the question: Loss Prevention pays for itself – How fast? You don’t need to have a booth at a farmer’s market to grow profits. Investing in a Checkpoint System now will allow you to reap big profits later.
The Free Loss Prevention Calculator is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
I attended a farmers market this afternoon. It was interesting because there was little in the way of what I would call farmer produce there. There were several bee product booths, which included honeys, bees wax (I almost bought some just so no one could tell me to mind my own beeswax anymore) and bee wax lip ointments. There was a seller of kettle corn (not the kind of corn I was thinking of for a farmer’s market) and a booth with glazed pecans and cashews. I bought some because, well I just liked it. How did I know I would like it? The vendor was giving out free samples of cashews. As so often happens as I was snacking on my sample and seeing quite a few other people getting samples as well I started wondering about the return on investment for the vendor. What was her profit going to be if she was giving away free product? In some way she HAD to recoup what it was costing her to give away product. Well, after tasting that free sample, the vendor made $4 from me. This reminded me that Loss Prevention pays for itself – How fast? This is the question.
I am sure that many of you are thinking that it is silly to even consider the question Loss Prevention pays for itself – How fast? In light of my experience at the farmer’s market though, is it so silly after all? If you think about it that pecan vendor invested in making the product. I don’t know how much time and energy went into it but I am certain it was significant. Still, that sample cost them something and to give it away demonstrated to me the value of their product and they sold me on it. In a similar fashion a store owner can pay for a new Checkpoint System but the investment will pay off in the amount of shortage it will eliminate from a store. Once the savings from reduced shortage pays for the system any additional savings go to the profit line of the store. The question at that point is how to determine what the time frame is that it will take for an investment to pay for itself. THAT can be figured out by using the Free Loss Prevention Calculator.
Available on the Loss Prevention Systems Inc. website, the Free Loss Prevention Calculator allows a user to enter annual sales information, and the amount a store owner would be willing to invest in a Checkpoint System. The calculator assumes a store annual shrinkage rate of 1.2% and an estimated shortage reduction to .65% (results could be lower) with the installation of a system. Using this formula the result is an estimate of the number of months it would take for a new system to pay for itself.
Now you’re thinking that you might be interested but how do I know that a Loss Prevention System will actually reduce my shortage? In a report published in Crime Science Journal on 30 May 17 by Aiden Sidebottom, Amy Thornton, Lisa Tompson, Jyoti Belur, Nick Tilley and Kate Bowers, titled: “A systematic review of tagging as a method to reduce theft in retail environments”, the authors go through the methods they used to create their report, the studies they cited and the challenges they had in different measures used by those who conducted those studies. That said, there was what I consider a significant finding in this report. “What, then, can be said about the effectiveness of tags as a theft reduction measure in retail environments? Mindful of the aforementioned variability in outcome measures, if we assume the reductions in theft, shrinkage and shortage all denote positive outcomes associated with the introduction of tags, then across these eight studies we find mixed results. Considering all types of tags, five studies report positive results” (added emphasis is mine). https://crimesciencejournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40163-017-0068-y
Five out of eight studies is significant especially after reading the report and seeing the information the authors had to sift through. I believe it is significant enough to support my position that a Loss Prevention System does reduce shortage. Therefore by using the Free Loss Prevention Calculator you can answer the question: Loss Prevention pays for itself – How fast? You don’t need to have a booth at a farmer’s market to grow profits. Investing in a Checkpoint System now will allow you to reap big profits later.
The Free Loss Prevention Calculator is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
Alpha Security-3 WC Blog 450
Retail Anti-Theft Devices-4
Proper Training Of Employees On Everything From Alpha Security Devices To Store Safety Response Can Save A Store Money
Proper training of new employees is important. There are some managers who will hire someone for a position and because that new hire had prior work experience in that field the assumption is made that the transition will be easy. Learning how to straighten shelves should be the same from one retailer to the next or how hard can it be to go from one point of sale system to another? Cross training is also important, can a cashier work the salesfloor or can a sales consultant put out new merchandise? Perhaps it is knowledge of how to apply Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices. One retailer may require devices to be placed in one location and another retailer may only want them on certain merchandise. It isn’t always cut and dry. Training is important for employers to invest in for their associates. It can make the difference in whether sales increase, safety is a trademark for a store, and security of the building and merchandise is properly addressed.
I will continue with this thought shortly but I do want to discuss Alpha Security and the retail anti-theft devices they have developed since I mentioned them above. Alpha’s security devices are electronic article surveillance (EAS) enabled meaning they send out a signal that can be picked up by EAS pedestals. When tagged items are carried near a door with a pedestal located beside it the tag triggers alarms built into the pedestal. The alarm attracts the attention of workers nearby and if trained properly they respond, conduct receipt checks and recover merchandise. Alpha’s tags, wraps, keepers and cables provide retailers enough variety of products that nearly any merchandise that can be carried in a store can be protected to prevent shoplifting.
Notice I even mentioned that it requires trained employees to properly respond to alarm activations. Training is important in so many aspects of retail as I suggested previously. It does impact sales for a store. Consider for a moment, if a new employee hasn’t been trained on the merchandise a store carries. A customer asks if a particular widget is carried. The employee doesn’t even know what a widget is let alone if the store carries it or where it would be located. I have seen employees in this position tell a customer that the item isn’t carried by this retailer. WHOAH NELLY! The employee doesn’t ask anyone if the store carries the widget and doesn’t bother to see if there is an alternative or if the company may sell it online. Instead of making a sale the untrained employee costs the store a sale.
Consider safety in a store and what a lack of training can do. Untrained employees caught using powered equipment such as a cardboard baler or compactor by an OSHA inspector can be the cause of a huge fine. An employee not trained to block off a spill and clean it properly can lead to a slip and fall accident by a patron. From medical treatment payouts to legal fees and possible monetary settlement payments, lack of training on safety can put a financial burden on a store.
Finally how about merchandise security? Failure to properly train employees on how to put retail anti-theft devices on merchandise properly can lead to theft of goods. Properly trained staff understand the importance of testing EAS systems on a daily basis. False alarms caused by cashiers failing to remove Alpha Security devices can also lead to angry customers and unnecessary heated complaints. This can lead to a loss of customers who are embarrassed by false alarms. An employee who has not received proper training on alarm activation responses can also make false accusations of attempted theft or may try to chase a shoplifter out of the store which can have potentially worse implications.
Proper training of store associates has got to be a priority for store owners and managers. Assuming people will know what to do based on their perceived prior experience may not be a well thought out plan. Spend time training on all aspects of the business from cashiering to retail anti-theft device placement and detachment. Doing so can make your store a much more profitable business in the long run.
Alpha Security is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
Proper training of new employees is important. There are some managers who will hire someone for a position and because that new hire had prior work experience in that field the assumption is made that the transition will be easy. Learning how to straighten shelves should be the same from one retailer to the next or how hard can it be to go from one point of sale system to another? Cross training is also important, can a cashier work the salesfloor or can a sales consultant put out new merchandise? Perhaps it is knowledge of how to apply Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices. One retailer may require devices to be placed in one location and another retailer may only want them on certain merchandise. It isn’t always cut and dry. Training is important for employers to invest in for their associates. It can make the difference in whether sales increase, safety is a trademark for a store, and security of the building and merchandise is properly addressed.
I will continue with this thought shortly but I do want to discuss Alpha Security and the retail anti-theft devices they have developed since I mentioned them above. Alpha’s security devices are electronic article surveillance (EAS) enabled meaning they send out a signal that can be picked up by EAS pedestals. When tagged items are carried near a door with a pedestal located beside it the tag triggers alarms built into the pedestal. The alarm attracts the attention of workers nearby and if trained properly they respond, conduct receipt checks and recover merchandise. Alpha’s tags, wraps, keepers and cables provide retailers enough variety of products that nearly any merchandise that can be carried in a store can be protected to prevent shoplifting.
Notice I even mentioned that it requires trained employees to properly respond to alarm activations. Training is important in so many aspects of retail as I suggested previously. It does impact sales for a store. Consider for a moment, if a new employee hasn’t been trained on the merchandise a store carries. A customer asks if a particular widget is carried. The employee doesn’t even know what a widget is let alone if the store carries it or where it would be located. I have seen employees in this position tell a customer that the item isn’t carried by this retailer. WHOAH NELLY! The employee doesn’t ask anyone if the store carries the widget and doesn’t bother to see if there is an alternative or if the company may sell it online. Instead of making a sale the untrained employee costs the store a sale.
Consider safety in a store and what a lack of training can do. Untrained employees caught using powered equipment such as a cardboard baler or compactor by an OSHA inspector can be the cause of a huge fine. An employee not trained to block off a spill and clean it properly can lead to a slip and fall accident by a patron. From medical treatment payouts to legal fees and possible monetary settlement payments, lack of training on safety can put a financial burden on a store.
Finally how about merchandise security? Failure to properly train employees on how to put retail anti-theft devices on merchandise properly can lead to theft of goods. Properly trained staff understand the importance of testing EAS systems on a daily basis. False alarms caused by cashiers failing to remove Alpha Security devices can also lead to angry customers and unnecessary heated complaints. This can lead to a loss of customers who are embarrassed by false alarms. An employee who has not received proper training on alarm activation responses can also make false accusations of attempted theft or may try to chase a shoplifter out of the store which can have potentially worse implications.
Proper training of store associates has got to be a priority for store owners and managers. Assuming people will know what to do based on their perceived prior experience may not be a well thought out plan. Spend time training on all aspects of the business from cashiering to retail anti-theft device placement and detachment. Doing so can make your store a much more profitable business in the long run.
Alpha Security is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
Pre-employment drug testing – 4 WC Blog 510
Drug Screening -3
Pre-employment Drug Testing Can Prevent Injuries And Theft
Do you require pre-employment drug testing or random screening in your place of business? You may not think of it as a concern or a potential liability for you or your business but Bill Bregar and his staff of experts at Loss Prevention Systems Inc. would like to have you reconsider that. You may want to rethink your position after reading the headlines and excerpts below:
• Worker Killed at Granite Steel had meth in system; mill fined $12,000
• http://www.oregonlive.com/watchdog/index.ssf/2017/12/childcare_in_oregon_state_webs.html “Childcare unaware: Oregon website omits key safety info for parents”, by Brad Schmidt, Dec 27. The article reports, “State officials don’t always notify families when taking steps to close a day care. In one case regulators tried to shut down an in-home facility after the owner admitted to illegal drug use, documents reveal. But kids kept attending this facility this year because state officials never told parents it was no longer licensed.”
• “Amtrak workers killed in crash and train engineer all tested positive for drugs”, The Washington Post, by Ashley Halsey III, Oct 11. “Two Amtrak workers had opioids or cocaine in their systems when they were struck and killed south of Philadelphia last year by a passenger train whose engineer had marijuana in his system, according to federal officials.
These are just three stories but there are so many more out there. You may think that substance abuse is a personal matter but when it enters the workplace it affects others. What are the ramifications on your business should an employee with drugs in their system have an accident involving themselves, co-workers or your customers? Pre-employment drug testing is one way you can minimize the chances of this taking place in your establishment.
Pre-employment drug testing is usually done through the collection of a urine sample, however oral fluid testing and even hair sample testing have been used by employers. According to one web site, “Urine testing is the only method approved for federally-mandated testing…It’s also cost-effective, typically able to screen for a wider variety of illicit and prescription drugs…” Whatever the means used to collect the sample, the purpose is to identify if a candidate for a position uses drugs and if so the employer can screen that applicant out of the hiring process. The same website did mention that one drawback to using only pre-employment drug testing is that, “drug using candidates who were able to suspend their use long enough to pass the drug test can restart their use undetected.” Therefore it is a good idea for a company to also have other testing means for employees such as random drug tests (questdiagnostics.com).
Some of you may still be a bit skeptical of the need for drug screening because you only operate a retail store and you don’t have employees operating heavy equipment or walking on railroad tracks as part of their job duties. Here are two more stories that may be more relevant to you:
• “A Wingo KY Mart employee was arrested for allegedly stealing from the store…The owner said his employee stole approximately $700 cash out of a deposit bag along with some checks…The deputy also found methamphetamine in her purse.” WPSD Local 6, by Kryste Callais, December 8, 2017 “Wingo KY Mart Employee Arrested On Theft Charge http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/2017/12/08/wingo-ky-mart-employee-arrested-theft-charge/
• “Giant Eagle faces felony theft charge” The Cranberry Eagle, November 30, 2017, “He is accused of trying to take $4,400 in merchandise including vitamins, medicine, beer steins and water filters. Police said they found an empty stamp bag of suspected heroin, a hypodermic needle and a spoon with suspected drug residue on it.” http://www.thecranberryeagle.com/article/20171130/NEWS20/171139987/0/about_us
You get my point. If you aren’t conducting drug testing prior to hiring a candidate you may be asking for trouble in the future. The problem cuts across all job sectors, including retail.
Employee drug screening isn’t about trying to keep people with a problem from getting work. It’s about YOU keeping your store profitable and your employees and customers safe. Loss Prevention Systems Inc. can help you do both. Your staff and customers will appreciate your efforts.
For more information about pre-employment drug testing contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Do you require pre-employment drug testing or random screening in your place of business? You may not think of it as a concern or a potential liability for you or your business but Bill Bregar and his staff of experts at Loss Prevention Systems Inc. would like to have you reconsider that. You may want to rethink your position after reading the headlines and excerpts below:
• Worker Killed at Granite Steel had meth in system; mill fined $12,000
•http://www.oregonlive.com/watchdog/index.ssf/2017/12/childcare_in_oregon_state_webs.html “Childcare unaware: Oregon website omits key safety info for parents”, by Brad Schmidt, Dec 27. The article reports, “State officials don’t always notify families when taking steps to close a day care. In one case regulators tried to shut down an in-home facility after the owner admitted to illegal drug use, documents reveal. But kids kept attending this facility this year because state officials never told parents it was no longer licensed.”
• “Amtrak workers killed in crash and train engineer all tested positive for drugs”, The Washington Post, by Ashley Halsey III, Oct 11. “Two Amtrak workers had opioids or cocaine in their systems when they were struck and killed south of Philadelphia last year by a passenger train whose engineer had marijuana in his system, according to federal officials.
These are just three stories but there are so many more out there. You may think that substance abuse is a personal matter but when it enters the workplace it affects others. What are the ramifications on your business should an employee with drugs in their system have an accident involving themselves, co-workers or your customers? Pre-employment drug testing is one way you can minimize the chances of this taking place in your establishment.
Pre-employment drug testing is usually done through the collection of a urine sample, however oral fluid testing and even hair sample testing have been used by employers. According to one web site, “Urine testing is the only method approved for federally-mandated testing…It’s also cost-effective, typically able to screen for a wider variety of illicit and prescription drugs…” Whatever the means used to collect the sample, the purpose is to identify if a candidate for a position uses drugs and if so the employer can screen that applicant out of the hiring process. The same website did mention that one drawback to using only pre-employment drug testing is that, “drug using candidates who were able to suspend their use long enough to pass the drug test can restart their use undetected.” Therefore it is a good idea for a company to also have other testing means for employees such as random drug tests (questdiagnostics.com).
Some of you may still be a bit skeptical of the need for drug screening because you only operate a retail store and you don’t have employees operating heavy equipment or walking on railroad tracks as part of their job duties. Here are two more stories that may be more relevant to you:
• “A Wingo KY Mart employee was arrested for allegedly stealing from the store…The owner said his employee stole approximately $700 cash out of a deposit bag along with some checks…The deputy also found methamphetamine in her purse.” WPSD Local 6, by Kryste Callais, December 8, 2017 “Wingo KY Mart Employee Arrested On Theft Charge http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/2017/12/08/wingo-ky-mart-employee-arrested-theft-charge/
• “Giant Eagle faces felony theft charge” The Cranberry Eagle, November 30, 2017, “He is accused of trying to take $4,400 in merchandise including vitamins, medicine, beer steins and water filters. Police said they found an empty stamp bag of suspected heroin, a hypodermic needle and a spoon with suspected drug residue on it.” http://www.thecranberryeagle.com/article/20171130/NEWS20/171139987/0/about_us
You get my point. If you aren’t conducting drug testing prior to hiring a candidate you may be asking for trouble in the future. The problem cuts across all job sectors, including retail.
Employee drug screening isn’t about trying to keep people with a problem from getting work. It’s about YOU keeping your store profitable and your employees and customers safe. Loss Prevention Systems Inc. can help you do both. Your staff and customers will appreciate your efforts.
For more information about pre-employment drug testing contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Checkpoint Overhead System-5 WC Blog 503
Overhead EAS System-4
Stop Shoplifting-4
Get An Upscale Look And Strong EAS Protection With A Checkpoint Overhead System
A long time ago, when I first started working in Retail Loss Prevention there was no such thing as an overhead EAS system. At that time EAS (acronym for electronic article surveillance) towers were kind of tall, clunky looking and not really pretty to look at. They were also kind of close together in order to get a better detection field when tagged items were carried through them. One of the complaints made by store management was that they wanted the protection offered by EAS tagging but they didn’t want these contraptions at the front doors. This was especially true in the upscale department store where I worked. The tagging of clothing was bad enough these were designer name brand items we were carrying and tags at that time were not attractive to look at. Let’s just say they didn’t enhance the appearance of the merchandise. Then you add to that the fact that customers had to enter and exit through the towers and obviously it just ruined the ambiance from the get-go. The issue is how do you stop shoplifting and retain the look you want for your store? We’ll delve into that in a moment. First I want to let everyone know what a Checkpoint Overhead System from Loss Prevention Systems Inc. is and what it can do for your store in terms of appearance and the ability to stop shoplifting.
To begin with a Checkpoint Overhead System is an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system that operates on a system of radio waves emitted from an EAS tagged item to trigger overhead EAS system receivers. The receiver has a certain area in which it can pick up those waves and when it does it sounds an alarm that alerts store employees that tagged goods are being removed from the store. Employees go to the door, conduct a receipt check and recover the unpaid for items. In other words a Checkpoint Overhead System will stop shoplifting and improve profits. Like myself, Bill Bregar CEO of Loss Prevention Systems Inc. despises thieves and wants to help stores improve their bottom line through retail theft prevention. He understands that stores also have differing needs. Some want an upscale look and others simply want no antennas on the floor. Overhead EAS systems meet both requirements. Since they are installed on the ceiling they are great for stores with tight floor space or for the upscale look there is no tower or pedestal to distract your patrons. For someone who has worked in retail for over 27 years, nearly 20 of that in Retail Loss Prevention I can tell you I am impressed at the advantages this type of system offers retailers.
The question you may be asking now is, “I thought EAS towers were a deterrent to shoplifters, and doesn’t this diminish that deterrent value?” My response is, “Not at all.” Here is why I say that. If a store has a good merchandise protection plan in place Checkpoint tags are going to be very visible on merchandise. The majority of shoplifters, even the “impulse” shoplifter will recognize a tag when they see it. They know what it can do and they usually will not bother trying to steal a tagged item. They may actually turn out to be more perplexed when they see the tags and don’t see a tower, not thinking to look up for a Checkpoint overhead system. I believe this system will do as much to stop shoplifting as the traditional towers you are accustomed to seeing and perhaps more.
One other advantage to an overhead EAS system is that there is simpler wiring, not on the floor, all overhead in the ceiling. Having been with a technician when they would come to my store on a service call I saw the blocking up of an entrance he would sometimes be forced to do. Wiring was in the floor and could be a pain to work on. All of the wiring for this system is overhead. Talk about less of a distraction to patrons!
Whether you are trying to get a cleaner, more upscale look or just have felt you didn’t have the room for an EAS tower system but still want to prevent shoplifting, Loss Prevention Systems Inc. can assist you. A Checkpoint overhead system will give you security and a great first impression to your clients.
For more information on a Checkpoint Overhead System contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 now
A long time ago, when I first started working in Retail Loss Prevention there was no such thing as an overhead EAS system. At that time EAS (acronym for electronic article surveillance) towers were kind of tall, clunky looking and not really pretty to look at. They were also kind of close together in order to get a better detection field when tagged items were carried through them. One of the complaints made by store management was that they wanted the protection offered by EAS tagging but they didn’t want these contraptions at the front doors. This was especially true in the upscale department store where I worked. The tagging of clothing was bad enough these were designer name brand items we were carrying and tags at that time were not attractive to look at. Let’s just say they didn’t enhance the appearance of the merchandise. Then you add to that the fact that customers had to enter and exit through the towers and obviously it just ruined the ambiance from the get-go. The issue is how do you stop shoplifting and retain the look you want for your store? We’ll delve into that in a moment. First I want to let everyone know what a Checkpoint Overhead System from Loss Prevention Systems Inc. is and what it can do for your store in terms of appearance and the ability to stop shoplifting.
To begin with a Checkpoint Overhead System is an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system that operates on a system of radio waves emitted from an EAS tagged item to trigger overhead EAS system receivers. The receiver has a certain area in which it can pick up those waves and when it does it sounds an alarm that alerts store employees that tagged goods are being removed from the store. Employees go to the door, conduct a receipt check and recover the unpaid for items. In other words a Checkpoint Overhead System will stop shoplifting and improve profits. Like myself, Bill Bregar CEO of Loss Prevention Systems Inc. despises thieves and wants to help stores improve their bottom line through retail theft prevention. He understands that stores also have differing needs. Some want an upscale look and others simply want no antennas on the floor. Overhead EAS systems meet both requirements. Since they are installed on the ceiling they are great for stores with tight floor space or for the upscale look there is no tower or pedestal to distract your patrons. For someone who has worked in retail for over 27 years, nearly 20 of that in Retail Loss Prevention I can tell you I am impressed at the advantages this type of system offers retailers.
The question you may be asking now is, “I thought EAS towers were a deterrent to shoplifters, and doesn’t this diminish that deterrent value?” My response is, “Not at all.” Here is why I say that. If a store has a good merchandise protection plan in place Checkpoint tags are going to be very visible on merchandise. The majority of shoplifters, even the “impulse” shoplifter will recognize a tag when they see it. They know what it can do and they usually will not bother trying to steal a tagged item. They may actually turn out to be more perplexed when they see the tags and don’t see a tower, not thinking to look up for a Checkpoint overhead system. I believe this system will do as much to stop shoplifting as the traditional towers you are accustomed to seeing and perhaps more.
One other advantage to an overhead EAS system is that there is simpler wiring, not on the floor, all overhead in the ceiling. Having been with a technician when they would come to my store on a service call I saw the blocking up of an entrance he would sometimes be forced to do. Wiring was in the floor and could be a pain to work on. All of the wiring for this system is overhead. Talk about less of a distraction to patrons!
Whether you are trying to get a cleaner, more upscale look or just have felt you didn’t have the room for an EAS tower system but still want to prevent shoplifting, Loss Prevention Systems Inc. can assist you. A Checkpoint overhead system will give you security and a great first impression to your clients.
For more information on a Checkpoint Overhead System contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 now
ALPHA KEEPERS STOP FAKE SIDEBURNS FRAUDSTER FROM STEALING HIGH VALUE MERCHANDISE!
Alpha Keepers: 4 ML Blog 15
Prevent Shoplifting: 3
As a Loss Prevention expert, I’ve seen it ALL. I’ve caught grandmas loading up empty bags, to teachers concealing high dollar products. I’ve even caught people who like to wear funny costumes, thinking it will disguise themselves stealing. When you are on CCTV cameras all day, you truly never know what you will see next. No matter what funny or nonsensical incident you observe, it is important to know what merchandise protection will deter ANY shoplifter incident you may experience. Most stores will place spider wraps and large tags on their products for theft prevention purposes. But what can you do about your high dollar merchandise that cannot be spider wrapped or tagged? Alpha Keepers can be used for a majority of product to prevent shoplifting in retailers.
I frequently watch my CCTV cameras to analyze high theft trends, and to look for shoplifters to catch. I was watching cameras one afternoon, and noticed a subject acting suspicious and selected an expensive tactical bag. The subject was wearing a camo hoodie, a greenish satchel bag, and was clean shaven. The Manager on duty also noticed the behavior, so asked if the subject needed any help. The subject got nervous, left the merchandise, and exited the store. I obtained several face shots of the subject on camera, in case he decided to come back to my location at a later time. The following day, the same subject came back into the store wearing the exact same hoodie, greenish satchel, but this time something was VERY different. The subject placed massive, party style fake sideburns & a goatee on his face. It was very obvious & easy to see they were fake, stick on facial hair. Immediately I started receiving calls from associates to see if I was watching the subject. He must have thought this was disguising himself, but instead it brought attention to himself. I could not believe he did that, especially since he did not go through the trouble to change out his clothes or bag. Next, the subject selected 2 high dollar knives, secured by Alpha Keepers. The subject went to a corner of the store, which he thought did not have cameras. He tries to pry the security devices open, but failed miserably. He pulls out his own knife and tries cutting through them, but cannot. He tried for a total of 15 minutes, then finally gave up. His ultimate plans failed, and he left all the merchandise. My store lost nothing in this incident, but could have lost 2 high dollar products, not including the return trips that would have followed. After showing the video of both incidents to my team members, we could not believe that the subject actually came into the store clean shaven one evening, and the next with party style fake facial hair. After this incident, I have not seen him back in my location! This showed my store team the importance of ensuring we are utilizing the Alpha Keepers to prevent shoplifting.
There is never a dull moment working in Loss Prevention, and you never know what you will see! It’s moments like this that make us not only laugh, but realize the importance of keeping our merchandise protection standards updated at the highest level possible. Alpha Keepers are available in different sizes and can be used in many different departments. The customer can also see the product information through the keepers, so it does not inhibit your sales. Due to the success rate, we decided to invest in these devices at all my locations. Utilizing the best security devices prevent shoplifting, no matter what strange situation may arise in your building.
Need information on the Alpha Keepers? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
As a Loss Prevention expert, I’ve seen it ALL. I’ve caught grandmas loading up empty bags, to teachers concealing high dollar products. I’ve even caught people who like to wear funny costumes, thinking it will disguise themselves stealing. When you are on CCTV cameras all day, you truly never know what you will see next. No matter what funny or nonsensical incident you observe, it is important to know what merchandise protection will deter ANY shoplifter incident you may experience. Most stores will place spider wraps and large tags on their products for theft prevention purposes. But what can you do about your high dollar merchandise that cannot be spider wrapped or tagged? Alpha Keepers can be used for a majority of product to prevent shoplifting in retailers.
I frequently watch my CCTV cameras to analyze high theft trends, and to look for shoplifters to catch. I was watching cameras one afternoon, and noticed a subject acting suspicious and selected an expensive tactical bag. The subject was wearing a camo hoodie, a greenish satchel bag, and was clean shaven. The Manager on duty also noticed the behavior, so asked if the subject needed any help. The subject got nervous, left the merchandise, and exited the store. I obtained several face shots of the subject on camera, in case he decided to come back to my location at a later time. The following day, the same subject came back into the store wearing the exact same hoodie, greenish satchel, but this time something was VERY different. The subject placed massive, party style fake sideburns & a goatee on his face. It was very obvious & easy to see they were fake, stick on facial hair. Immediately I started receiving calls from associates to see if I was watching the subject. He must have thought this was disguising himself, but instead it brought attention to himself. I could not believe he did that, especially since he did not go through the trouble to change out his clothes or bag. Next, the subject selected 2 high dollar knives, secured by Alpha Keepers. The subject went to a corner of the store, which he thought did not have cameras. He tries to pry the security devices open, but failed miserably. He pulls out his own knife and tries cutting through them, but cannot. He tried for a total of 15 minutes, then finally gave up. His ultimate plans failed, and he left all the merchandise. My store lost nothing in this incident, but could have lost 2 high dollar products, not including the return trips that would have followed. After showing the video of both incidents to my team members, we could not believe that the subject actually came into the store clean shaven one evening, and the next with party style fake facial hair. After this incident, I have not seen him back in my location! This showed my store team the importance of ensuring we are utilizing the Alpha Keepers to prevent shoplifting.
There is never a dull moment working in Loss Prevention, and you never know what you will see! It’s moments like this that make us not only laugh, but realize the importance of keeping our merchandise protection standards updated at the highest level possible. Alpha Keepers are available in different sizes and can be used in many different departments. The customer can also see the product information through the keepers, so it does not inhibit your sales. Due to the success rate, we decided to invest in these devices at all my locations. Utilizing the best security devices prevent shoplifting, no matter what strange situation may arise in your building.
Need information on the Alpha Keepers? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Training to reduce employee theft – 4 WC Blog 468
Employee Theft-3
Managers Need To Be Tuned In To Employee Theft
Does your store have a process for marking out or store-using merchandise for store needs? The store I currently work for does and so have the prior three stores I worked in as a Loss Prevention Associate or Manager. In my current store if there is a need for let’s say trash bags and we have run out, someone on the store management team can permit the item to be “store-used” and removed from store shelves. The employee marks the sku number in a book and later the manager removes it from store inventory. The item is to be marked in some manner as store property so there is no question it has been processed properly. If a manager hasn’t gone through training to reduce employee theft they may not realize when someone is taking advantage of a process. Employee theft can also take place when managers are too trusting and don’t question what or why an associate is doing something.
You may not have even realized there was a need for training to reduce employee theft or you may not have known there was training available. Loss Prevention Systems Inc. has programs available that will educate retail owners and managers on why employee theft is such a big concern and how it affects stores. The training demonstrates the various methods that employees use to steal from their employer whether it is cash or merchandise. Bill Bregar, owner and President of Loss Prevention Systems Inc., draws on his education, training and years of upper level Retail Loss Prevention Management experience to educate others. He can show you how losses are occurring in your store without you realizing it until it is time to conduct an annual inventory. Since most smaller or independent retail owners can’t afford a Loss Prevention team of their own, managers HAVE to know how employee theft takes place and how they can prevent it. This training does that!
The reason I am talking about store using merchandise and employee theft is because I encountered such an issue during my time as a Loss Prevention for a big box retail store. I was going through our store’s requisition log verifying nothing seemed unusual or outlandish. Initially the records for the month were looking in order. The employee who had done the requisition was listed, the date was written, the item description was logged in and an approving manager’s initials were in place. As I was nearing the end I found one store use that seemed odd. Our maintenance person had requisitioned an expensive multiplier tool. He was not working so I went to his work area which was locked and could not locate it. I asked the manager who approved it if there was a reason for the requisition. The manager said the maintenance person said he needed it so he gave the okay. I reminded the manager that the maintenance department had a procedure for ordering the supplies and tools they needed and that this was not a required item. The manager had not considered that there was a possibility there could be an employee theft issue. This was a manager who HAD undergone training to reduce employee theft. He had been trained as a store associate by me and when promoted went through a detailed manager training program.
Ultimately I confronted the employee and asked about the tool. He showed me a cheap version of a multi-tool and I told him that was not the one he had requisitioned. He then said he had it at home and that he always took his tools home at the end of the day. I to writing him up for failure to follow procedures and warned him to leave store merchandise at the store.
While the requisition and the employee’s intention to steal the item (in my mind at least) were at issue, the bigger problem was the manager not being alert to a potential theft issue. How many other things was the manager not tuned in to? Managers can prevent shortage and theft but they must know there are employees in the ranks who are willing to steal even if they are likeable people. Training to reduce employee theft can bring awareness to your team and make your business more profitable.
Need information on employee theft? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Does your store have a process for marking out or store-using merchandise for store needs? The store I currently work for does and so have the prior three stores I worked in as a Loss Prevention Associate or Manager. In my current store if there is a need for let’s say trash bags and we have run out, someone on the store management team can permit the item to be “store-used” and removed from store shelves. The employee marks the sku number in a book and later the manager removes it from store inventory. The item is to be marked in some manner as store property so there is no question it has been processed properly. If a manager hasn’t gone through training to reduce employee theft they may not realize when someone is taking advantage of a process. Employee theft can also take place when managers are too trusting and don’t question what or why an associate is doing something.
You may not have even realized there was a need for training to reduce employee theft or you may not have known there was training available. Loss Prevention Systems Inc. has programs available that will educate retail owners and managers on why employee theft is such a big concern and how it affects stores. The training demonstrates the various methods that employees use to steal from their employer whether it is cash or merchandise. Bill Bregar, owner and President of Loss Prevention Systems Inc., draws on his education, training and years of upper level Retail Loss Prevention Management experience to educate others. He can show you how losses are occurring in your store without you realizing it until it is time to conduct an annual inventory. Since most smaller or independent retail owners can’t afford a Loss Prevention team of their own, managers HAVE to know how employee theft takes place and how they can prevent it. This training does that!
The reason I am talking about store using merchandise and employee theft is because I encountered such an issue during my time as a Loss Prevention for a big box retail store. I was going through our store’s requisition log verifying nothing seemed unusual or outlandish. Initially the records for the month were looking in order. The employee who had done the requisition was listed, the date was written, the item description was logged in and an approving manager’s initials were in place. As I was nearing the end I found one store use that seemed odd. Our maintenance person had requisitioned an expensive multiplier tool. He was not working so I went to his work area which was locked and could not locate it. I asked the manager who approved it if there was a reason for the requisition. The manager said the maintenance person said he needed it so he gave the okay. I reminded the manager that the maintenance department had a procedure for ordering the supplies and tools they needed and that this was not a required item. The manager had not considered that there was a possibility there could be an employee theft issue. This was a manager who HAD undergone training to reduce employee theft. He had been trained as a store associate by me and when promoted went through a detailed manager training program.
Ultimately I confronted the employee and asked about the tool. He showed me a cheap version of a multi-tool and I told him that was not the one he had requisitioned. He then said he had it at home and that he always took his tools home at the end of the day. I to writing him up for failure to follow procedures and warned him to leave store merchandise at the store.
While the requisition and the employee’s intention to steal the item (in my mind at least) were at issue, the bigger problem was the manager not being alert to a potential theft issue. How many other things was the manager not tuned in to? Managers can prevent shortage and theft but they must know there are employees in the ranks who are willing to steal even if they are likeable people. Training to reduce employee theft can bring awareness to your team and make your business more profitable.
Need information on employee theft? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
