If you recall, last time we talked about how to prevent shoplifting, we talked about customer service. I think we can all agree that providing world class service to our customers is key for any business to stay in the black. There are other ways to combat shoplifting and I think they are just as important to the success of any business. If you are a manager, or own your business, it’s almost a necessity to have a CCTV (close circuit television) system installed. Whether you are trying to catch thieves, or want them for insurance and liability reasons, you should really look into this small investment.
I live in southern Louisiana. My dad owns a restaurant that specializes in Cajun cuisine. This isn’t one of those sit down restaurants, but more of a local hot spot where you can get some of the best tasting boiled seafood in the area. During peak season, you can bet that there is a line ½ mile long out the front door of folks waiting to get their hands on some hot crawfish. With that amount of business, it’s also sure to attract a criminal element that is looking to score some quick cash. Luckily, he’s been there for 15 years and has never been robbed, but over the years he has had a number of break-ins after hours.
One day, a few years ago I got a call phone my dad. He told me the shop had been burglarized again. There wasn’t much they could steal, but were able to make off with a few hundred dollars in cash and some frozen food products. The losses were under $1,000, but I could tell in his voice that this would be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. My dad always believed that people were generally good, and didn’t want to believe that he could be the victim of crime, much less be the victim 4 or 5 times. I asked if he was finally ready to install a camera system. He agreed and we began searching for an inexpensive solution the next day. I remember asking him if he wanted an IP, or analog system. He said, “I want the one that shows on the TV screen”… Simple enough.
It didn’t take long and he settled on a very simple 6 camera set-up. We installed the system ourselves and made sure to make the cameras visible, especially in the areas where the break-ins happened. That was 3 years ago, and to this date, he has not been the victim of a burglary since. There is a deterrent value when installing a camera system. It’s a simple way to prevent burglaries, but also to prevent shoplifting. If a shoplifter comes into your store and sees that there are multiple cameras deployed throughout, they will most likely not attempt their act. Remember when we talked about customer service and I said that a thief doesn’t want to be seen? Well, they don’t want to be recorded either!
While this method to prevent shoplifting will require a small investment, it’s an investment that will pay dividends to your business. Not only will it deter thieves, you can also use them for general liability and workers compensation claims, as well as investigating employee theft and harassment claims. Next up, we will talk about how to further deter shoplifters by using physical security measures throughout your store.
For more information, contact us at Prevent Shoplifting, or call 1.770.426.0547
