AA Bog 32
Alpha Spider Wrap: 5
Retail Anti-Theft Devices: 4
Don’t Be A Victim To Theft, Get The Alpha Spider Wrap Today, And See The Difference For Yourself
I was out shopping with my oldest daughter who is 18. The store we were shopping in sells liquor, which is displayed near the beer and wine at the back of the store. My daughter recognized that they had added some additional security and a teller in that particular section. My daughter just graduated from high school last year and was very familiar with this store’s theft problem. She said that anyone who was interested in getting alcohol would come to this particular store to steal it, because it was so easy. She said she always heard kids at school talking about it. When the store first started selling liquor they didn’t have any retail anti-theft devices on their property and were not securing the bottles in anyway. There were no additional cameras or store personnel in that area, which resulted in a great deal of theft, I would imagine. I was actually very shocked that they didn’t secure their items and was not surprised about the changes. They now have a cashier in that area specifically for alcohol purchases and are using the Alpha Spider Wrap on their boxed items and gift sets. The other alcohol is locked up in plastic cases and has to be removed by the cashier. I am honestly surprised it took them that long to realize they had a problem and to put some retail anti-theft devices in place.
The plastic cases are a great way to protect your property, but they also are somewhat burdensome at times, because you have to rely on the store associate to get you the product. Therefore, if the cashier is busy this can result in unwanted waiting time, which could cause frustration to the customer. It also requires a full-time cashier be stationed in that are to assist customers, which can add a substantial cost to your overhead budget. The Alpha Spider Wrap, on the other hand, is a great way to protect your products while still offering a hands-on no hassle sale. These come in various sizes to fit any product, from the bottle of liquor to the big screen television, they can cover it all. They are very easy to install in store and are simply removed at the time of sale. These re-useable retail anti-theft devices are equipped with Electronic Audio Surveillance (EAS), which sounds an alarm in the event someone tries to remove the device or the product from the store prior to sale. This allows the seller to simply display their items without the fear of theft and without the need for additional assistance. The Alpha Spider Wrap is an inexpensive way to secure all of your oddly shaped items and prevent theft in your store.
If you have been in this industry for any amount of time, you know that theft is inevitable. Shoplifting is a way of life for some and a rite of passage for others. Either way you look at it, everyday someone is stealing something from you, the real question is how much? We as retailers have an obligation to our companies to mitigate our risk and deter theft as best we can. Retail anti-theft devices have improved throughout the years, and are the best way to reduce our risk. We have to look towards an integrated approach in order to affect positive results. We must incorporate security devices like the Alpha Spider Wrap along with associate training, detection and reporting, to prevent shoplifting and reduce shrinkage. To see a major retailer without the proper level of security, show me weakness from the top down. Don’t be naïve to the long-term effects of shoplifting; protect yourself and your company appropriately.
Alpha Spider Wraps are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
I was out shopping with my oldest daughter who is 18. The store we were shopping in sells liquor, which is displayed near the beer and wine at the back of the store. My daughter recognized that they had added some additional security and a teller in that particular section. My daughter just graduated from high school last year and was very familiar with this store’s theft problem. She said that anyone who was interested in getting alcohol would come to this particular store to steal it, because it was so easy. She said she always heard kids at school talking about it. When the store first started selling liquor they didn’t have any retail anti-theft devices on their property and were not securing the bottles in anyway. There were no additional cameras or store personnel in that area, which resulted in a great deal of theft, I would imagine. I was actually very shocked that they didn’t secure their items and was not surprised about the changes. They now have a cashier in that area specifically for alcohol purchases and are using the Alpha Spider Wrap on their boxed items and gift sets. The other alcohol is locked up in plastic cases and has to be removed by the cashier. I am honestly surprised it took them that long to realize they had a problem and to put some retail anti-theft devices in place.
The plastic cases are a great way to protect your property, but they also are somewhat burdensome at times, because you have to rely on the store associate to get you the product. Therefore, if the cashier is busy this can result in unwanted waiting time, which could cause frustration to the customer. It also requires a full-time cashier be stationed in that area to assist customers, which can add a substantial cost to your overhead budget. The Alpha Spider Wrap, on the other hand, is a great way to protect your products while still offering a hands-on no hassle sale. These come in various sizes to fit any product, from the bottle of liquor to the big screen television, they can cover it all. They are very easy to install in store and are simply removed at the time of sale. These re-useable retail anti-theft devices are equipped with Electronic Audio Surveillance (EAS), which sounds an alarm in the event someone tries to remove the device or the product from the store prior to sale. This allows the seller to simply display their items without the fear of theft and without the need for additional assistance. The Alpha Spider Wrap is an inexpensive way to secure all of your oddly shaped items and prevent theft in your store.
If you have been in this industry for any amount of time, you know that theft is inevitable. Shoplifting is a way of life for some and a rite of passage for others. Either way you look at it, everyday someone is stealing something from you, the real question is how much? We as retailers have an obligation to our companies to mitigate our risk and deter theft as best we can. Retail anti-theft devices have improved throughout the years, and are the best way to reduce our risk. We have to look towards an integrated approach in order to affect positive results. We must incorporate security devices like the Alpha Spider Wrap along with associate training, detection and reporting, to prevent shoplifting and reduce shrinkage. To see a major retailer without the proper level of security, show me weakness from the top down. Don’t be naïve to the long-term effects of shoplifting; protect yourself and your company appropriately.
Alpha Spider Wraps are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
AA blog 10
Clothing security: 5
Security tags on clothes: 3
Checkpoint tags: 5
Clothing Security Is An Important Part Of Your Loss Prevention Program
Like most girls I like to shop, especially with my daughters. Shopping is a woman’s way of boosting her self-esteem by finding clothing and other accessories that makes them feel good about themselves. My husband, much like yours I would bet, thinks spending hours at the mall is absurd. My husband doesn’t even try on his pants he just picks his size and buys them. He doesn’t care what they look like; his only concern is functionality and price. Don’t get me wrong, I am sure there are plenty of men out there that enjoy fashion and dress for success at work, but for women it is more like a hobby. It is how we identify ourselves and our personality. Clothes provide a means to individualize ourselves and provide us a freedom of expression that you can’t find in any other way. Because of this, and access to our husband’s paycheck, the clothing and fashion industry is one of the fastest growing markets in the world. The global fashion industry is averaging over a Billion in annual revenue with some of the high end fashion brands producing revenues between 10-35 million annually. The popularity of this particular market results in high levels of theft. Working in loss prevention I am very familiar with the various ways people try and steal these types of items and the best ways you can protect your merchandise. In my experience clothing security is best accomplished by adding security tags on clothes, but not just any tag, quality is extremely important.
As a shopper I have on more than a few occasions found security tags in dressing rooms or concealed in various locations throughout the store. As a loss prevention professional I will tell you that not all tags are made the same. Just like anything else you get what you pay for, except in the case of Checkpoint tags, which provide unparalleled clothing security at a reasonable price. Placing security tags on clothes is an imperative part of any loss prevention program and is worth their weight in gold! Checkpoint tags are different from other hard tags, as they are built from a strong plastic that is extremely difficult to remove without tools or damaging the product. It would be very difficult to conceal that type of attempt in store and Checkpoint tags are equipped with RFID alarm technology to prevent removal of the merchandise from the store. There are various types of Checkpoint tags designed for any product regardless of size, material or design. They can service all of your clothing security needs, whether you want to protect your high line clothing brands, shoes, purses or other items. Not only are these tags strong they are also designed to prevent damage to your merchandise, due to their sleek design, and provide quality detection for all your retail needs. Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to clothing security, because a shoplifter will go to great lengths to steal your property. The last thing you want is to locate damaged tags, knowing you have lost inventory and profit retrofitting your products with inadequate protection.
In this day and age you can’t risk going without clothing security as it has become such a valuable industry. The best way for you to protect your interests, deter and detect theft, and increase profit is to add security tags on clothes and other high priced items that have a high theft rate. Checkpoint tags can provide the level of quality you are looking for to protect your merchandise at a reasonable price. They are easily attached to any product without damaging the item, are re-useable, and provide the level of detection you will come to expect in a retail theft prevention product. If you are interested in testing the product, Checkpoint will even provide a sample of their product, so you can compare it to the other brands, and see the difference first hand. Take it from me once you see and feel the difference you will never go back to the other guy.
Need information on clothing security? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Like most girls I like to shop, especially with my daughters. Shopping is a woman’s way of boosting her self-esteem by finding clothing and other accessories that makes them feel good about themselves. My husband, much like yours I would bet, thinks spending hours at the mall is absurd. My husband doesn’t even try on his pants he just picks his size and buys them. He doesn’t care what they look like; his only concern is functionality and price. Don’t get me wrong, I am sure there are plenty of men out there that enjoy fashion and dress for success at work, but for women it is more like a hobby. It is how we identify ourselves and our personality. Clothes provide a means to individualize ourselves and provide us a freedom of expression that you can’t find in any other way. Because of this, and access to our husband’s paycheck, the clothing and fashion industry is one of the fastest growing markets in the world. The global fashion industry is averaging over a Billion in annual revenue with some of the high end fashion brands producing revenues between 10-35 million annually. The popularity of this particular market results in high levels of theft. Working in loss prevention I am very familiar with the various ways people try and steal these types of items and the best ways you can protect your merchandise. In my experience clothing security is best accomplished by adding security tags on clothes, but not just any tag, quality is extremely important.
As a shopper I have on more than a few occasions found security tags in dressing rooms or concealed in various locations throughout the store. As a loss prevention professional I will tell you that not all tags are made the same. Just like anything else you get what you pay for, except in the case of Checkpoint tags, which provide unparalleled clothing security at a reasonable price. Placing security tags on clothes is an imperative part of any loss prevention program and is worth their weight in gold! Checkpoint tags are different from other hard tags, as they are built from a strong plastic that is extremely difficult to remove without tools or damaging the product. There are various types of Checkpoint tags designed for any product regardless of size, material or design. They can service all of your clothing security needs, whether you want to protect your high line clothing brands, shoes, purses or other items. Not only are these tags strong they are also designed to prevent damage to your merchandise, due to their sleek design, and provide quality detection for all your retail needs. Don’t skimp on quality when it comes to clothing security, because a shoplifter will go to great lengths to steal your property. The last thing you want is to locate damaged tags, knowing you have lost inventory and profit retrofitting your products with inadequate protection.
In this day and age you can’t risk going without clothing security as it has become such a valuable industry. The best way for you to protect your interests, deter and detect theft, and increase profit is to add security tags on clothes and other high priced items that have a high theft rate. Checkpoint tags can provide the level of quality you are looking for to protect your merchandise at a reasonable price. They are easily attached to any product without damaging the item, are re-useable, and provide the level of detection you will come to expect in a retail theft prevention product. If you are interested in testing the product, Checkpoint will even provide a sample of their product, so you can compare it to the other brands, and see the difference first hand. Take it from me once you see and feel the difference you will never go back to the other guy.
Need information on clothing security? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
EAS Labels-3 WC Blog 313
Stop Shoplifting-3
Checkpoint Security Tags-3
Are Professional Boosters Bugging You With Theft? Checkpoint Security Tags Have A Solution To Help “SWAT” Them Away
Back in the days when I was a Loss Prevention Manager we had theft issues involving certain items we suspected were being stolen by Organized Retail Crime (ORC) groups. These groups would target specific items that had high resale value on the black market and they were being sold for under the retailer prices. Items at that time included DVD’s, CD’s, Cosmetics, a number of Health and Beauty items and even boxed sets of ball cards. The stores in our market took a number of steps to try to stop shoplifting from taking place but we also wanted to identify our merchandise if it got to certain locations notorious for dealing in stolen goods. Flea markets and mom and pop shops were two notable locations where we suspected our merchandise was ending up. In order to try to identify our products from items that may have been taken from other retailers we used a number of tricks. We began marking product with store stamps that included the store number and stickers with a logo and even EAS labels that we marked. In some cases these tactics proved useful but as any good investigator knows you don’t assume a tactic can’t be defeated, you try to find ways to get by a tactic before the bad guys do. We found that often we could find ways around some of our own strategies and if we could then thieves could as well, that’s how they make a living. Those days may be behind retailers now. New Checkpoint security tags are on the market that will defeat even the most stubborn criminal.
The 2928 S Micro “SWAT” Tag is the latest member in the family of Checkpoint security tags. This tag is a tiny 1.1” diameter circle in size. It helps stop shoplifting and reduces shortage due to the visible circuitry that potential shoplifters can see when they look at the tag. The clear viewing window helps keep product information easy to read and gives the store flexibility in the placement of EAS labels on merchandise. The feature that I am most excited about with this new product is an indelible, leave-behind layer that will stymie some boosters and help aid Loss Prevention and police efforts to shut down Organized Retail Theft rings. It works like this; the booster sees the “SWAT” Tag and forcibly removes it from the package. An indelible graphic is left behind on the package that cannot be removed! This means that if the booster sells it to their buyer and it is on a store shelf or flea market booth, the merchandise is marked and risky for resale or easy to identify in a sting operation. Just when you think it can’t get any better, the leave behind layer is customizable if a retailer chooses to do so. A custom QR code can be included making it easy for ORC investigators to scan the code and identify where the product originated. The second option is for a custom layer that has a company logo on it. If no customizing is to be done, a black lock logo is the default, warning away thieves.
You may be wondering if this works on product that is shrink-wrapped. What happens when the bad guys tear off the plastic wrap that seals so many items, doesn’t the logo go away? When boosters steal, the merchandise has to be in the condition that it is sold. For example, if a video game software item is stolen and the shrink wrap is removed, it will not have the same resale value to the buyer. Boosters make about .25 cents on the dollar so if they make $10 on a $40 video game, that amount will go down significantly if they remove the cellophane wrapper, if they can sell it at all. The risk/reward ratio is not in the booster’s favor so they have to keep packaging intact. You can see then how the 2928 S Micro “SWAT” Tag is superior to other EAS labels in terms of preventing ORC theft.
Checkpoint security tags can stop shoplifting and reduce store shortage. The Checkpoint “SWAT” Tag can prevent ORC theft and help law enforcement break up the groups that are plaguing your store and other retailers. Start enjoying the benefits of reduced theft and improved profits today by ordering the 2928 S Micro “SWAT” Tag for ALL of your merchandise.
Get more information on Checkpoint Security Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
Back in the days when I was a Loss Prevention Manager we had theft issues involving certain items we suspected were being stolen by Organized Retail Crime (ORC) groups. These groups would target specific items that had high resale value on the black market and they were being sold for under the retailer prices. Items at that time included DVD’s, CD’s, Cosmetics, a number of Health and Beauty items and even boxed sets of ball cards. The stores in our market took a number of steps to try to stop shoplifting from taking place but we also wanted to identify our merchandise if it got to certain locations notorious for dealing in stolen goods. Flea markets and mom and pop shops were two notable locations where we suspected our merchandise was ending up. In order to try to identify our products from items that may have been taken from other retailers we used a number of tricks. We began marking product with store stamps that included the store number and stickers with a logo and even EAS labels that we marked. In some cases these tactics proved useful but as any good investigator knows you don’t assume a tactic can’t be defeated, you try to find ways to get by a tactic before the bad guys do. We found that often we could find ways around some of our own strategies and if we could then thieves could as well, that’s how they make a living. Those days may be behind retailers now. New Checkpoint security tags are on the market that will defeat even the most stubborn criminal.
The 2928 S Micro “SWAT” Tag is the latest member in the family of Checkpoint security tags. This tag is a tiny 1.1” diameter circle in size. It helps stop shoplifting and reduces shortage due to the visible circuitry that potential shoplifters can see when they look at the tag. The clear viewing window helps keep product information easy to read and gives the store flexibility in the placement of EAS labels on merchandise. The feature that I am most excited about with this new product is an indelible, leave-behind layer that will stymie some boosters and help aid Loss Prevention and police efforts to shut down Organized Retail Theft rings. It works like this; the booster sees the “SWAT” Tag and forcibly removes it from the package. An indelible graphic is left behind on the package that cannot be removed! This means that if the booster sells it to their buyer and it is on a store shelf or flea market booth, the merchandise is marked and risky for resale or easy to identify in a sting operation. Just when you think it can’t get any better, the leave behind layer is customizable if a retailer chooses to do so. A custom QR code can be included making it easy for ORC investigators to scan the code and identify where the product originated. The second option is for a custom layer that has a company logo on it. If no customizing is to be done, a black lock logo is the default, warning away thieves.
You may be wondering if this works on product that is shrink-wrapped. What happens when the bad guys tear off the plastic wrap that seals so many items, doesn’t the logo go away? When boosters steal, the merchandise has to be in the condition that it is sold. For example, if a video game software item is stolen and the shrink wrap is removed, it will not have the same resale value to the buyer. Boosters make about .25 cents on the dollar so if they make $10 on a $40 video game, that amount will go down significantly if they remove the cellophane wrapper, if they can sell it at all. The risk/reward ratio is not in the booster’s favor so they have to keep packaging intact. You can see then how the 2928 S Micro “SWAT” Tag is superior to other EAS labels in terms of preventing ORC theft.
Checkpoint security tags can stop shoplifting and reduce store shortage. The Checkpoint “SWAT” Tag can prevent ORC theft and help law enforcement break up the groups that are plaguing your store and other retailers. Start enjoying the benefits of reduced theft and improved profits today by ordering the 2928 S Micro “SWAT” Tag for ALL of your merchandise.
Get more information on Checkpoint Security Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
AA Blog 20
EAS Tags: 5
Electronic Article Surveillance: 3
Stop Shoplifting: 3
EAS Tags Can Make Or Break Your Loss Prevention Program.
I would say a funny thing happened to us last week, although we didn’t find it very funny at the time. My daughter, her boyfriend and I were shopping at one of the larger retailers. We had purchased a few items and started to leave the store. As we left we set off their security system and it began beeping. So we patiently went back up to the cashier with our items, where she began looking through everything, to make sure they didn’t have EAS tags on our merchandise. After carefully reviewing our items and the receipt she wasn’t able to identify anything that might have set off the alarms. So we started to leave again, and the same thing happened, talk about embarrassing. So we returned once more, not knowing what the problem was, and went through the same process as before. After the third try the store employees started to become suspicious, thinking maybe one of us had property concealed on our person. So they called loss prevention who came to speak to us; which really added to my humiliation. I knew none of us had stolen anything so I was a little frustrated at this point, but being in law enforcement and loss prevention, I am familiar with the process. After telling him again what we had purchased and reviewing our items, he suggested that we take the items out separately so we could rule out our recent purchase. I knew where this was going; he wanted to check each of us to see who was setting off the alarms. We complied of course; we didn’t have anything to hide. So the loss prevention employee took our merchandise out and it did not set off the alarm, which made us all a little more uncomfortable. We all were asked to walk through one at a time to determine who was the problem, and as my daughter’s boyfriend walked through, the alarms went off. This resulted in a private more direct interview, and a consensual search, to see if we my daughter’s boyfriend had any stolen items. Of course he didn’t steal anything, but now we were just perplexed over the situation. The only thing he had on his person was a belt, a wallet and a watch. So we went down and passed each object through to see if they were setting off the alarms. Sure enough the wallet my daughter had bought him for his birthday, a week prior, was setting off the alarms. She had purchased it at a different store, but they must have failed to deactivate the EAS tag when she bought it. Needless to say an hour later, after having everyone look at us like we were thieves, we were able to leave the store with what was left of our dignity.
Electronic article surveillance is a great tool to stop shoplifting, if it is utilized correctly. This technology can be built into various types of devices in order to provide security for all types and sizes of merchandise. EAS tags are affixed to the merchandise at the store level and provide an audible alarm when someone attempts to remove the device or attempts to leave the store with the item. Stores are equipped with EAS antennas located at the exits, which sound an alarm when the item is not deactivated. When a transaction is made the EAS tags are deactivated or removed from the item to avoid mishaps like ours. Electronic article surveillance is a necessity in the loss prevention world and provides a front line defense to stop shoplifting. Granted it is important to ensure your loss prevention employees are well trained and knowledgeable of this technology so you can ensure your customers are receiving a positive experience, while protecting your merchandise.
A loss prevention program needs to be a well-rounded system that protects your interests on multiple levels. Employees and loss prevention personnel cannot be your only line of defense, but instead are there to supplement other less expensive options. Electronic article surveillance can ensure that people are not concealing property by alerting staff to breaches in security. This allows for less coverage on the floor, which results in lower costs, and increased profit margins. EAS tags will help you stop shoplifting by providing a low cost, re-useable alternative, that is easy to use and yet difficult to bypass. I think my experience proves that.
Need information on EAS tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
I would say a funny thing happened to us last week, although we didn’t find it very funny at the time. My daughter, her boyfriend and I were shopping at one of the larger retailers. We had purchased a few items and started to leave the store. As we left we set off their security system and it began beeping. So we patiently went back up to the cashier with our items, where she began looking through everything, to make sure they didn’t have EAS tags on our merchandise. After carefully reviewing our items and the receipt she wasn’t able to identify anything that might have set off the alarms. So we started to leave again, and the same thing happened, talk about embarrassing. So we returned once more, not knowing what the problem was, and went through the same process as before. After the third try the store employees started to become suspicious, thinking maybe one of us had property concealed on our person. So they called loss prevention who came to speak to us; which really added to my humiliation. I knew none of us had stolen anything so I was a little frustrated at this point, but being in law enforcement and loss prevention, I am familiar with the process. After telling him again what we had purchased and reviewing our items, he suggested that we take the items out separately so we could rule out our recent purchase. I knew where this was going; he wanted to check each of us to see who was setting off the alarms. We complied of course; we didn’t have anything to hide. So the loss prevention employee took our merchandise out and it did not set off the alarm, which made us all a little more uncomfortable. We all were asked to walk through one at a time to determine who was the problem, and as my daughter’s boyfriend walked through, the alarms went off. This resulted in a private more direct interview, and a consensual search, to see if we my daughter’s boyfriend had any stolen items. Of course he didn’t steal anything, but now we were just perplexed over the situation. The only thing he had on his person was a belt, a wallet and a watch. So we went down and passed each object through to see if they were setting off the alarms. Sure enough the wallet my daughter had bought him for his birthday, a week prior, was setting off the alarms. She had purchased it at a different store, but they must have failed to deactivate the EAS tag when she bought it. Needless to say an hour later, after having everyone look at us like we were thieves, we were able to leave the store with what was left of our dignity.
Electronic article surveillance is a great tool to stop shoplifting, if it is utilized correctly. This technology can be built into various types of devices in order to provide security for all types and sizes of merchandise. EAS tags are affixed to the merchandise at the store level and provide an audible alarm when someone attempts to remove the device or attempts to leave the store with the item. Stores are equipped with EAS antennas located at the exits, which sound an alarm when the item is not deactivated. When a transaction is made the EAS tags are deactivated or removed from the item to avoid mishaps like ours. Electronic article surveillance is a necessity in the loss prevention world and provides a front line defense to stop shoplifting. Granted it is important to ensure your loss prevention employees are well trained and knowledgeable of this technology so you can ensure your customers are receiving a positive experience, while protecting your merchandise.
A loss prevention program needs to be a well-rounded system that protects your interests on multiple levels. Employees and loss prevention personnel cannot be your only line of defense, but instead are there to supplement other less expensive options. Electronic article surveillance can ensure that people are not concealing property by alerting staff to breaches in security. This allows for less coverage on the floor, which results in lower costs, and increased profit margins. EAS tags will help you stop shoplifting by providing a low cost, re-useable alternative, that is easy to use and yet difficult to bypass. I think my experience proves that.
Need information on EAS tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Alpha Keepers-4 wc blog 230
Prevent shoplifting-4
protect infant formula-4
Empty Shelves Of Infant Formula Starving Your Profits? Prevent Shoplifting With Alpha Keepers; Part 2
Retailers are experiencing serious theft issues with infant formula, leaving them with empty shelves and lost profits. It is also hurting those families who are in need of purchasing formula but finding shelves wiped out. There are two significant causes behind the losses. In part 1 I discussed the theft of formula by family members who may be financially strapped, have need of the product but don’t feel they have the resources to purchase the products. I was clear in my assertion that this does not justify shoplifting, especially with so many resources available, from government supplemental benefits to private charitable organizations. Whatever the reasons, some people still feel the “need” to steal and therefore merchants must protect infant formula from theft. The second major cause of theft of infant formula is Organized Retail Crime and the black market for stolen formula. It is this element I want to address in part 2 of this series and how Alpha Keepers can prevent shoplifting of infant formula by these criminals.
Infant formula Alpha Keepers are retail anti-theft devices designed specifically to protect canned powdered baby foods. The Keepers are solid, polycarbonate boxes with a locking hinged lid created to prevent shoplifting of baby formula. The box is see through so customers can see the merchandise and read all the important information they need regarding the product. In order to get to the contents, the Keeper has to be opened with a special detachment tool, usually maintained at the store point of sale. They are built to cause electronic article surveillance antennas to alarm when they come into the vicinity of the antenna, thereby deterring even the most determined of shoplifters. Unlike a display case, there is no wait time incurred by the customer who wants to purchase a can of formula but has to wait for an employee with a key to unlock the cabinet. This leads to increased sales for the store. Often customers will leave a store without making a purchase if they are forced to wait for service. Alpha Keepers prevent shoplifting while providing access to product for shoppers.
I mentioned there is another driving force behind the need to protect infant formula, and that is the threat from the black market. People are stealing infant formula and then selling it over the internet or they are selling to small “Mom and Pop” shops which pay for stolen merchandise at ridiculously low prices. Those stores resell it at a profit, though lower than the price in a larger retail establishment. In a report on wate.com, on 6/11/2015, “3 Knox County consignment shops raided for selling stolen baby formula; 5 people charged” the station reported on three businesses that were purchasing stolen baby formula and selling it on the black market. The lead investigator Captain George Edlund was interviewed and spoke of how the businesses were purchasing the stolen cans of formula valued at roughly $25-$40 on the retail market, paying $7-$8 a can and reselling it at about twice that price. The theft and resale on the black market makes it difficult for legitimate retailers to compete. It also supports criminal shoplifting activity. http://wate.com/2015/06/11/knox-county-deputies-hold-news-conference-at-wee-care-shop/
Even worse than the illicit resale market of infant formula is the possibility terrorists are being funded by Organized Retail Theft of the merchandise. In a 5/13/2014 report, “8 on Your Side: Baby formula rings may fund terrorist groups”, on 8LasVegasNow.com, writer Michelle Mortenson reported on how groups stealing infant formula are funneling money overseas to people or groups with possible links to terrorism. Quoting Organized Retail Theft Investigator Darin Fredrickson, “Some of the baby formula theft has funded terrorism efforts overseas”. Her report goes on to say, “In 2005, federal authorities busted a terrorist ring that was selling formula on the black market. The ring had potential links to HAMAS and Hezbollah.” http://www.lasvegasnow.com/news/8-on-your-side-baby-formula-rings-may-fund-terrorist-groups
This isn’t simply a family trying to feed a child, this activity has life and death consequences and reinforces the need for stores to protect infant formula from shoplifting.
As a store owner your concern is to sell merchandise and do it profitably. The threats to your business are real. Whether it is Organized Retail Theft rings or small time shoplifters that are stealing, the theft of infant formula from your store can dramatically hurt profits. Use Alpha Keepers to prevent shoplifting and protect infant formula. Your store will benefit and who knows, so may the world.
Need information on Alpha Keepers? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Retailers are experiencing serious theft issues with infant formula, leaving them with empty shelves and lost profits. It is also hurting those families who are in need of purchasing formula but finding shelves wiped out. There are two significant causes behind the losses. In part 1 I discussed the theft of formula by family members who may be financially strapped, have need of the product but don’t feel they have the resources to purchase the products. I was clear in my assertion that this does not justify shoplifting, especially with so many resources available, from government supplemental benefits to private charitable organizations. Whatever the reasons, some people still feel the “need” to steal and therefore merchants must protect infant formula from theft. The second major cause of theft of infant formula is Organized Retail Crime and the black market for stolen formula. It is this element I want to address in part 2 of this series and how Alpha Keepers can prevent shoplifting of infant formula by these criminals.
Infant formula Alpha Keepers are retail anti-theft devices designed specifically to protect canned powdered baby foods. The Keepers are solid, polycarbonate boxes with a locking hinged lid created to prevent shoplifting of baby formula. The box is see through so customers can see the merchandise and read all the important information they need regarding the product. In order to get to the contents, the Keeper has to be opened with a special detachment tool, usually maintained at the store point of sale. They are built to cause electronic article surveillance antennas to alarm when they come into the vicinity of the antenna, thereby deterring even the most determined of shoplifters. Unlike a display case, there is no wait time incurred by the customer who wants to purchase a can of formula but has to wait for an employee with a key to unlock the cabinet. This leads to increased sales for the store. Often customers will leave a store without making a purchase if they are forced to wait for service. Alpha Keepers prevent shoplifting while providing access to product for shoppers.
I mentioned there is another driving force behind the need to protect infant formula, and that is the threat from the black market. People are stealing infant formula and then selling it over the internet or they are selling to small “Mom and Pop” shops which pay for stolen merchandise at ridiculously low prices. Those stores resell it at a profit, though lower than the price in a larger retail establishment. In a report on wate.com, on 6/11/2015, “3 Knox County consignment shops raided for selling stolen baby formula; 5 people charged” the station reported on three businesses that were purchasing stolen baby formula and selling it on the black market. The lead investigator Captain George Edlund was interviewed and spoke of how the businesses were purchasing the stolen cans of formula valued at roughly $25-$40 on the retail market, paying $7-$8 a can and reselling it at about twice that price. The theft and resale on the black market makes it difficult for legitimate retailers to compete. It also supports criminal shoplifting activity. http://wate.com/2015/06/11/knox-county-deputies-hold-news-conference-at-wee-care-shop/
Even worse than the illicit resale market of infant formula is the possibility terrorists are being funded by Organized Retail Theft of the merchandise. In a 5/13/2014 report, “8 on Your Side: Baby formula rings may fund terrorist groups”, on 8LasVegasNow.com, writer Michelle Mortenson reported on how groups stealing infant formula are funneling money overseas to people or groups with possible links to terrorism. Quoting Organized Retail Theft Investigator Darin Fredrickson, “Some of the baby formula theft has funded terrorism efforts overseas”. Her report goes on to say, “In 2005, federal authorities busted a terrorist ring that was selling formula on the black market. The ring had potential links to HAMAS and Hezbollah.” http://www.lasvegasnow.com/news/8-on-your-side-baby-formula-rings-may-fund-terrorist-groups This isn’t simply a family trying to feed a child, this activity has life and death consequences and reinforces the need for stores to protect infant formula from shoplifting.
As a store owner your concern is to sell merchandise and do it profitably. The threats to your business are real. Whether it is Organized Retail Theft rings or small time shoplifters that are stealing, the theft of infant formula from your store can dramatically hurt profits. Use Alpha Keepers to prevent shoplifting and protect infant formula. Your store will benefit and who knows, so may the world.
Need information on Alpha Keepers? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547.
JM Blog 8 Background checkes
Key words KW – Employee background checks 5
KW- Pre employment Screening 5
Pre Employment Screening; Preventing Losses Before They Happen
I remember a time when an employer could and did, ask tough questions of prospective employees. My first interview when I was 16 was for a pizza cook job and I remember sweating each question, not knowing if my answer was good enough and I certainly was in no position to fabricate anything. Fast forward 20 years and most entry level interview consist of four, totally non thought provoking, non-fact finding, non- informative questions that that everyone can easily prepare for, especially those planning on committing dishonest acts. Pre employment Screening is now an essential task to protect your business.
Employee background checks used to be a precaution only for the highest level of jobs but, in today’s workplace, with the endless hurdles of HR, legal and government concerns any employee, at any level can be a disaster for your bottom line. Pre employment screening isn’t an option, it is a necessity. We wouldn’t dream of conducting business with vendors and suppliers we didn’t have any information on so why gamble with our biggest investment and area of risk?
On the simplest level, hiring without Employee background checks exposes you to the waste. Waste of time, waste of money and waste of resources. it takes to bring on and train a new hire. Pre employment screening can give you vital information to avoid making a bad hire. With the average cost of hiring a retail cashier being at least a few thousand dollars can anyone’s bottom line afford to burn that cash on an associate who doesn’t make it. It’s a big loss when they just quit, whatever the reason, let alone have to be terminated.
I have worked for employers who have “selective” or “Random” Employee background checks. Iin every instance I run into some unpleasant surprises. More than a few times I have had new hires in orientation let slip their run ins with Law enforcement. It’s a short journey from that information to a full investigation and eventual integrity interview and termination. Each time that comes up the lack of Pre employment screening burns the precious resources of HR, LP and management. The cost in time alone, time where we could be growing top line sales or servicing our customers is no different than burning cash.
I have even had the pleasure of interviewing an associate for theft who, when asked about a gap of employment prior to working at my company, casually informed me of his 23-year stint in prison for murder. Here I am, nose to nose with an individual, who I intend to prosecute for theft, and I have to wonder what he could potentially do when he finds out the outcome of our chat. It was not a great situation. A simple Employee background check would have saved my company thousands in losses from theft alone.
Now I accept that there is the potential for risk in my line of work but what about our non-security associates? You may have stock clerks, cashiers, nurses, volunteers, the young, the old and the vulnerable working in your facility. Employing a booster, a professional thief, could cost you hundreds or thousands potentially from theft but how much do you risk if you hired a violent offender?
How much would it cost if they assaulted another associate? An Employee background check is a tool in your arsenal to prevent loss. Why not use it to protect yourself? Hiring will always have an element of risk and the history of an individual is not always a guarantee of future action but Pre employment screening can alert you to the potential risks. Why make decisions with less than all the facts? Gain the knowledge and use that information to make the best hiring decision possible.
Need information on Pre employment Screening? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547.
I remember a time when an employer could and did, ask tough questions of prospective employees. My first interview when I was 16 was for a pizza cook job and I remember sweating each question, not knowing if my answer was good enough and I certainly was in no position to fabricate anything. Fast forward 20 years and most entry level interview consist of four, totally non thought provoking, non-fact finding, non- informative questions that that everyone can easily prepare for, especially those planning on committing dishonest acts. Pre-employment Screening is now an essential task to protect your business.
Employee background checks used to be a precaution only for the highest level of jobs but, in today’s workplace, with the endless hurdles of HR, legal and government concerns any employee, at any level can be a disaster for your bottom line. Pre employment screening isn’t an option, it is a necessity. We wouldn’t dream of conducting business with vendors and suppliers we didn’t have any information on so why gamble with our biggest investment and area of risk?
On the simplest level, hiring without employee background checks exposes you to the waste. Waste of time, waste of money and waste of resources. it takes to bring on and train a new hire. Pre employment screening can give you vital information to avoid making a bad hire. With the average cost of hiring a retail cashier being at least a few thousand dollars can anyone’s bottom line afford to burn that cash on an associate who doesn’t make it. It’s a big loss when they just quit, whatever the reason, let alone have to be terminated.
I have worked for employers who have “selective” or “Random” Employee background checks. In every instance I run into some unpleasant surprises. More than a few times I have had new hires in orientation let slip their run ins with Law enforcement. It’s a short journey from that information to a full investigation and eventual integrity interview and termination. Each time that comes up the lack of Pre employment screening burns the precious resources of HR, LP and management. The cost in time alone, time where we could be growing top line sales or servicing our customers is no different than burning cash.
I have even had the pleasure of interviewing an associate for theft who, when asked about a gap of employment prior to working at my company, casually informed me of his 23-year stint in prison for murder. Here I am, nose to nose with an individual, who I intend to prosecute for theft, and I have to wonder what he could potentially do when he finds out the outcome of our chat. It was not a great situation. A simple employee background check would have saved my company thousands in losses from theft alone.
Now I accept that there is the potential for risk in my line of work but what about our non-security associates? You may have stock clerks, cashiers, nurses, volunteers, the young, the old and the vulnerable working in your facility. Employing a booster, a professional thief, could cost you hundreds or thousands potentially from theft but how much do you risk if you hired a violent offender?
How much would it cost if they assaulted another associate? An Employee background check is a tool in your arsenal to prevent loss. Why not use it to protect yourself? Hiring will always have an element of risk and the history of an individual is not always a guarantee of future action but Pre employment screening can alert you to the potential risks. Why make decisions with less than all the facts? Gain the knowledge and use that information to make the best hiring decision possible.
Need information on Pre employment Screening? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547.
