If EVER there was a department that posed more headaches and frustrations for me as an Assets Protection Manager it had to be the jewelry department. I cannot begin to count the number of shoplifters I apprehended who had stolen jewelry. That number multiplies significantly when I take into account the stops by my Assets Protection Team Members. I also know the inherent risk in stopping a shoplifter who steals such small items. The Alpha Jewel Lok is one of those retail anti-theft devices that can help prevent shoplifting while allowing store security or management to focus attention on shortage control to other departments.
Jewelry is so small that it can be easily concealed in the palm of a hand, in a pocket, in a purse or just about anywhere a person can imagine. It can often be easily removed from packaging and worn on the body. It is easy to drop when a loss prevention associate is about to make an apprehension. I recall one instance when I apprehended a shoplifter with a pair of earrings she had removed from the backing. She concealed the earrings in her pants pocket and proceeded to the front exit. As she walked out of the store, I stopped her, escorted her back to the security office and asked for the earrings I knew she had in her pocket. The would-be thief reached in, pulled out the pair of earrings, promptly placing them, not on the desk, but in her mouth! Already chewing a piece of gum, she mixed the earrings in the gum and swallowed them. Yes, she did go to jail and no, I did not ask for the return of the evidence. The point is, jewelry is very small, but, for the size of the merchandise, it can often carry a significant price tag. It can also be an area in which it is difficult to prevent shoplifting.
An Alpha Jewel Lok is a small, retail anti-theft device that can free up a lot of resources for not only a security department but for store management as well. The device attaches directly on the jewelry via a small hook and clips together in a plastic casing, allowing it to be removed only at the register. Should a shoplifter attempt to remove the device, the jewelry will be more likely to break than the device, rendering the jewelry valueless. The hardware works with the store EAS system and will sound the alarm if someone attempts to leave the store with the tagged jewelry. From a loss prevention point of view, the risk in the department drops dramatically and efforts to prevent shoplifting can be shifted areas that may be high risk, but are not as difficult to impact. For store management, more merchandise can be taken out of lock up cases thereby reducing the need to have a key carrying employee restricted to one small area. It allows management to reallocate some of the store payroll where it may be more impactful. The benefit for the customer is that these retail anti-theft devices allow stores to have more open displays. Customers can look at jewelry and handle it without feeling like someone is hovering over them. They also benefit by not having to wait for a salesperson with a display case key to unlock a showcase. Oh, and did I mention, while it may be called an Alpha Jewel Lok, it can be used on other merchandise such as wallets, purses or any merchandise that has a small loop or strap the device can close around?
Consider the options that an Alpha Jewel Lok could open to a business. More merchandise could be removed from locking display cases, reducing the amount of time an associate has to spend in the area. Customers would experience the freedom to view jewelry and make a selection and continue shopping. Loss prevention teams could devote less time and energy trying to deter or catch shoplifters in jewelry and minimize the chances of a bad stop.
For more information about Alpha Jewel Lok, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
20 USES FOR ALPHA KEEPERS – PART 2
As I’ve said before, I’m a huge fan of Alpha Keepers. With so many different shapes and sizes, I can always find a solution to any theft problem I run into. I’ve compiled some of the most commonly stolen goods, which I find to also be the best candidates for use in the keepers. We’ll continue with items #6-10 below!
6. CDs
Yes, there are some people who still purchase CDs. While digital music is growing in popularity month by month, CDs are still a popular purchase, especially for the consumer who wants to physically touch/own the songs. Theft in this category is also pretty steady across the retail spectrum. Alpha Keepers have a dedicated line of product specifically designed to help protect these items.
7. DVDs
If you’re going to prevent shoplifting of CDs, you may as well include the DVD line as well. There are obviously not much difference in the packages, however most retailers like to merchandise the two differently. The vast line of Alpha Keepers also have several options that include hang tabs, which allow you a wide range of options for display.
8. Gaming Consoles
Why lock up your gaming consoles in a showcase, where your customer’s can’t access them? I personally hate having to wait for an employee to open a locked case. As a retailer myself, I absolutely understand the need to do so, however there are so many other options on the market to prevent shoplifting. The best method is using an Alpha Keeper. You can prominently display the units in a manner that allows simple and quick checkout/service to your customer, without having the added worry of a shoplifting incident.
9. Gaming Accessories
While we’re talking about game consoles, let’s also talk about the copious amounts of accessories that go along with them. You have the controllers, cables, games, remotes, memory cards and wireless accessories. While it wouldn’t be practical to secure all of these items, I would recommend securing the more commonly stolen items. I can bet that you will find a keeper to meet any size or shape.
10. Smart Phones
Now this is one that I haven’t seen too often, however it’s a great solution to prevent shoplifting here. If you don’t want to spend the capital to install an elaborate security system, or you don’t want to keep your entire stock of phones in your warehouse, the keepers are a great solution. This allows you to minimize on labor (having an employee go to the back to get a phone each time a customer wants one) and allows your customers to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible.
With over 30 different sizes and shapes, you are almost guaranteed to find an Alpha keeper that will meet the needs of your store. With thieves becoming bolder and the ability to resell stolen goods becomes increasingly easier, boosters and professional thieves will continue to target this type of merchandise. A strong product protection program will help deter this activity in your store and help you to maximize your profits.
For more information about Alpha Keepers contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
As I’ve said before, I’m a huge fan of Alpha Keepers. With so many different shapes and sizes, I can always find a solution to any theft problem I run into. I’ve compiled some of the most commonly stolen goods, which I find to also be the best candidates for use in the keepers. We’ll continue with items #6-10 below!
6. CDs
Yes, there are some people who still purchase CDs. While digital music is growing in popularity month by month, CDs are still a popular purchase, especially for the consumer who wants to physically touch/own the songs. Theft in this category is also pretty steady across the retail spectrum. Alpha Keepers have a dedicated line of product specifically designed to help protect these items.
7. DVDs
If you’re going to prevent shoplifting of CDs, you may as well include the DVD line as well. There are obviously not much difference in the packages, however most retailers like to merchandise the two differently. The vast line of Alpha Keepers also have several options that include hang tabs, which allow you a wide range of options for display.
8. Gaming Consoles
Why lock up your gaming consoles in a showcase, where your customer’s can’t access them? I personally hate having to wait for an employee to open a locked case. As a retailer myself, I absolutely understand the need to do so, however there are so many other options on the market to prevent shoplifting. The best method is using an Alpha Keeper. You can prominently display the units in a manner that allows simple and quick checkout/service to your customer, without having the added worry of a shoplifting incident.
9. Gaming Accessories
While we’re talking about game consoles, let’s also talk about the copious amounts of accessories that go along with them. You have the controllers, cables, games, remotes, memory cards and wireless accessories. While it wouldn’t be practical to secure all of these items, I would recommend securing the more commonly stolen items. I can bet that you will find a keeper to meet any size or shape.
10. Smart Phones
Now this is one that I haven’t seen too often, however it’s a great solution to prevent shoplifting here. If you don’t want to spend the capital to install an elaborate security system, or you don’t want to keep your entire stock of phones in your warehouse, the keepers are a great solution. This allows you to minimize on labor (having an employee go to the back to get a phone each time a customer wants one) and allows your customers to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible.
With over 30 different sizes and shapes, you are almost guaranteed to find an Alpha keeper that will meet the needs of your store. With thieves becoming bolder and the ability to resell stolen goods becomes increasingly easier, boosters and professional thieves will continue to target this type of merchandise. A strong product protection program will help deter this activity in your store and help you to maximize your profits.
For more information about Alpha Keepers contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
Fighting a battle against clothing thieves can be difficult, merchandise may be hidden in purses or bags or it may go into a fitting room and worn out of the store. How many times do you find stray price tags, hang tags, etc. lying on the floor of your fitting room. Add to the effort to prevent shoplifting, the fight against return fraud and a clothing retailer can feel like they are fighting a lost cause. Now, what if you could fight both battles with ONE solution? The Alpha ink tag could be the weapon you need in your arsenal to fight theft AND fraud.
The Alpha ink tag is designed for items such as denims, jackets and sportswear, but you may find they can be used for a wide variety of clothing lines. The tags are alarmed so attempts to leave the store with the merchandise will activate EAS antennas. The built in ink capsules ensure that if someone attempts to force the tag off the ink will spill onto the merchandise and ruin it, making it useless for return fraud.
In the first department store I worked at we had a major problem with ball cap theft and we needed to take steps to prevent shoplifting in that department. Baseball hats were a prestige item and one issue we encountered with traditional EAS soft tagging on the hang tags was that teenagers were leaving tags on even if the hats were purchased. We could not risk stopping someone leaving the store with a hat on just because tags were hanging off. If the EAS alarm sounded, that seemed to make the wearer even happier. When we implemented an ink tag program we saw an immediate reduction in the theft of ball caps which ran around $20 each at the time. The ink tags were apparently NOT cool to have on a hat and much of the theft stopped.
In that same store we also saw a lot of clothing return fraud. We did not ink tag everything, since ink tags were a new item and we wanted to see the impact, but we did tag a number of higher priced jackets and denim items. I clearly remember “customers” attempting to return clothing items with spots of dye on them. It was apparent they had tampered with the ink and tried to protect the garment and their efforts had failed. Excuses ranged from, “I don’t know how that got on there” to “They forgot to take the tag off when I bought it so I tried to take it off myself.” The return would be denied and the “customer” left with a useless piece of clothing.
The tags we were using in my first store were a first generation product and designed only to deter theft and prevent fraudulent returns, they were not capable of working with an EAS alarm. The Alpha ink tags are a superior device because they provide visual deterrence, being large enough to stand out when placed in a conspicuous location on a garment. They will sound the EAS alarm if someone attempts to walk out of the store without having the device removed from the clothing at the point of sale. Of course if someone were to get the tagged clothing out of the store somehow, if they attempt to remove the tag they will, in all probability stain the clothing, rendering it useless for wear OR return.
Whether your store specializes in selling sporting goods clothing or you sell blue jeans, you can benefit from Alpha ink tags. You may find that you can prevent shoplifting and fraud with one easy solution. Reap the rewards of investing in ink tags.
For more information on Alpha Ink Tags contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Alpha Security-4 WC blog 34
Prevent Shoplifting-4
Retail anti-theft devices-5
Need An Answer To Shortage And Shrink? Alpha Security Is Your Solution
I had the privilege recently to sit in on a webinar discussing the results of the 2014-2015 Global Threat Barometer and the findings from that report. As I listened to the presentation, there were several key facts that stood out to me, especially with the knowledge that soon stores will be preparing for inventories. According to the report, employee theft and shoplifting account for almost 75% of all store shrinkage. It was estimated in the report that the cost of retail crime in the U.S. was approximately 79.32 billion dollars! Even more incredible, for the retailers which participated in the survey, representing 24 countries around the world, total shortage was estimated to be 123.4 BILLION dollars (U.S. dollars). These numbers cannot be ignored. There is theft happening within the walls of your store. You may not be able to stop ALL theft, but by investing in Alpha Security products you can dramatically reduce that theft and improve profitability.
There is a wide array of retail anti-theft devices on the market today that can prevent shoplifting of almost any product on the market. Assuming you don’t have an electronic article surveillance system in place, I would recommend you first invest in one. An EAS system is a strong visual deterrent to anyone entering your store with the intent to steal from you. Once you have determined to purchase a system, selecting the right retail anti-theft devices for the products you carry is the next step. Alpha security carries devices that can protect everything from jewelry to laundry detergent. Do you sell coats? Alpha cable locks can work for you. Are tools your specialty? Alpha VersaLok may be the answer to prevent shoplifting in your store. The point is, if your store is not protected by using retail anti-theft devices, like it or not, you are the target of shoplifters. If you are a large enough business to have any staff working for you, there is a strong possibility you are incurring some losses due to employee theft.
Do you think the investment in retail anti-theft devices to prevent shoplifting is too costly an expense? Do you think you can mark up your products to cover any losses you may experience? Before you reach this conclusion, here is another factoid from the Global Threat Barometer webinar, the cost of retail crime in the U.S. equated to approximately $615.07 per household a year. Households are already stretching budget dollars to make ends meet. Adding to the $615.07 that thieves are already costing the average consumer with price increases is going to drive business away from your stores. Stores that HAVE invested in Alpha security devices and other retail anti-theft devices are driving their shoplifters to your location(s). Put all these factors together and you can see how your profits can plummet.
Inventory control is not out of reach. Investing in the right deterrence systems, such as Alpha security products is a step in the right direction. According to the Global Threat Barometer webinar, additional “Best Practices” that can help you drive down shortage include leveraging internal data more effectively to understand shrinkage results. Invest in employee training. Knowledgeable employees who understand how they can prevent shortage and why it is important can make a significant difference for your operations. Finally, budget effectively. Managing how and where you invest to prevent shoplifting can pay greater dividends than trying to “secure everything”.
Don’t let your inventory results control you, invest time and resources in the right ways and you can control your inventory. Alpha Technology can help you analyze your business to find the right solutions to fit your needs.
For more information on Alpha Security contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
I had the privilege recently to sit in on a webinar discussing the results of the 2014-2015 Global Threat Barometer and the findings from that report. As I listened to the presentation, there were several key facts that stood out to me, especially with the knowledge that soon stores will be preparing for inventories. According to the report, employee theft and shoplifting account for almost 75% of all store shrinkage. It was estimated in the report that the cost of retail crime in the U.S. was approximately 79.32 billion dollars! Even more incredible, for the retailers which participated in the survey, representing 24 countries around the world, total shortage was estimated to be 123.4 BILLION dollars (U.S. dollars). These numbers cannot be ignored. There is theft happening within the walls of your store. You may not be able to stop ALL theft, but by investing in Alpha Security products you can dramatically reduce that theft and improve profitability.
There is a wide array of retail anti-theft devices on the market today that can prevent shoplifting of almost any product on the market. Assuming you don’t have an electronic article surveillance system in place, I would recommend you first invest in one. An EAS system is a strong visual deterrent to anyone entering your store with the intent to steal from you. Once you have determined to purchase a system, selecting the right retail anti-theft devices for the products you carry is the next step. Alpha security carries devices that can protect everything from jewelry to laundry detergent. Do you sell coats? Alpha cable locks can work for you. Are tools your specialty? Alpha VersaLok may be the answer to prevent shoplifting in your store. The point is, if your store is not protected by using retail anti-theft devices, like it or not, you are the target of shoplifters. If you are a large enough business to have any staff working for you, there is a strong possibility you are incurring some losses due to employee theft.
Do you think the investment in retail anti-theft devices to prevent shoplifting is too costly an expense? Do you think you can mark up your products to cover any losses you may experience? Before you reach this conclusion, here is another factoid from the Global Threat Barometer webinar, the cost of retail crime in the U.S. equated to approximately $615.07 per household a year. Households are already stretching budget dollars to make ends meet. Adding to the $615.07 that thieves are already costing the average consumer with price increases is going to drive business away from your stores. Stores that HAVE invested in Alpha security devices and other retail anti-theft devices are driving their shoplifters to your location(s). Put all these factors together and you can see how your profits can plummet.
Inventory control is not out of reach. Investing in the right deterrence systems, such as Alpha security products is a step in the right direction. According to the Global Threat Barometer webinar, additional “Best Practices” that can help you drive down shortage include leveraging internal data more effectively to understand shrinkage results. Invest in employee training. Knowledgeable employees who understand how they can prevent shortage and why it is important can make a significant difference for your operations. Finally, budget effectively. Managing how and where you invest to prevent shoplifting can pay greater dividends than trying to “secure everything”.
Don’t let your inventory results control you, invest time and resources in the right ways and you can control your inventory. Alpha Technology can help you analyze your business to find the right solutions to fit your needs.
For more information on Alpha Security contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
20 USES FOR ALPHA KEEPERS – PART 1
I’ve not run into a product more versatile than the line of Alpha Keepers. There are dozens upon dozens of sizes, shapes, and styles that will fit just about any product out there. I’ve combed through and compiled a list of 20 products that your store should be protecting in this 4 part series.
1. Razor Blades
Razors and razor blades come in at #1 on the list. These are an incredible hot item across the spectrum of retail stores. It doesn’t matter if you are a large chain, a small pharmacy or somewhere in-between. Blades are expensive, which opens up a large “black market” for them. Boosters are able to easily resell them through fences, flea markets, and online sites such as Craigslist or eBay. The best solution to this problem is the use of an Alpha Keeper, hands down. By securing your goods here, you can almost bet that thieves will move on to a less secured store.
2. Cologne and perfume
This category is a close 2nd to razor blades, but proves to be a bit more difficult for the retailer. You almost certainly need prevent shoplifting, as there are an endless supply of high theft/high in-demand products. Again, due to the ease of resell, and how easily concealable the product is, it becomes a prime target for boosters. Securing the product in a keeper allows you to fully merchandise the product, all while protecting your inventory.
3. Shampoo
While there aren’t that many bottles of shampoo out there that retail over $10, you’d probably be surprised just how commonly it’s stolen. This is one of the highest shrinking categories for dollar stores and convenience stores. It falls back on the ease of resale. Using an Alpha Keeper may sound a bit silly, however it you are truly going to prevent shoplifting, shampoo protection should be a part of that strategy.
4. Deodorant
I’ve had cases where boosters would literally, empty out my entire shelf of deodorant and run out the front door. The market for this product is huge! Common theme today… but the ease of resale makes this another prime target for thieves; and a great candidate for Alpha Keepers.
5. Electronic Toothbrushes
No, a thief isn’t too concerned with proper hygiene, but they are concerned with stealing your inventory. These items have steadily grown in popularity over the past few years. There high retail price coupled with a demand for the product has opened up a huge market for criminal to resell their stolen goods. If not protected, these items will most certainly be carted out of your store.
Over the past year, I’ve worked theft cases where information led us to resellers. Most of these individuals would mask their illicit activities behind a computer and keyboard, but there was on case where I found a store, in the most un-suspecting place; a suburban home. The homeowner was recruiting boosters to steal the 5 items above (in addition to several others). There was a bedroom in the house that was converted to a mini-shopping center, complete with racks and peg hooks. Everyone from the neighborhood would come “shop”. Boosters were able to steal this product from local stores, as they were not secured in any way. That should be a firm reminder that to prevent shoplifting, Alpha Keepers should be a part of your store’s product protection strategy.
For more information about Alpha Keepers contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
I’ve not run into a product more versatile than the line of Alpha Keepers. There are dozens upon dozens of sizes, shapes, and styles that will fit just about any product out there. I’ve combed through and compiled a list of 20 products that your store should be protecting in this 4 part series.
1. Razor Blades
Razors and razor blades come in at #1 on the list. These are an incredible hot item across the spectrum of retail stores. It doesn’t matter if you are a large chain, a small pharmacy or somewhere in-between. Blades are expensive, which opens up a large “black market” for them. Boosters are able to easily resell them through fences, flea markets, and online sites such as Craigslist or eBay. The best solution to this problem is the use of an Alpha Keeper, hands down. By securing your goods here, you can almost bet that thieves will move on to a less secured store.
2. Cologne and perfume
This category is a close 2nd to razor blades, but proves to be a bit more difficult for the retailer. You almost certainly need prevent shoplifting, as there are an endless supply of high theft/high in-demand products. Again, due to the ease of resell, and how easily concealable the product is, it becomes a prime target for boosters. Securing the product in a keeper allows you to fully merchandise the product, all while protecting your inventory.
3. Shampoo
While there aren’t that many bottles of shampoo out there that retail over $10, you’d probably be surprised just how commonly it’s stolen. This is one of the highest shrinking categories for dollar stores and convenience stores. It falls back on the ease of resale. Using an Alpha Keeper may sound a bit silly, however it you are truly going to prevent shoplifting, shampoo protection should be a part of that strategy.
4. Deodorant
I’ve had cases where boosters would literally, empty out my entire shelf of deodorant and run out the front door. The market for this product is huge! Common theme today… but the ease of resale makes this another prime target for thieves; and a great candidate for Alpha Keepers.
5. Electronic Toothbrushes
No, a thief isn’t too concerned with proper hygiene, but they are concerned with stealing your inventory. These items have steadily grown in popularity over the past few years. There high retail price coupled with a demand for the product has opened up a huge market for criminal to resell their stolen goods. If not protected, these items will most certainly be carted out of your store.
Over the past year, I’ve worked theft cases where information led us to resellers. Most of these individuals would mask their illicit activities behind a computer and keyboard, but there was on case where I found a store, in the most un-suspecting place; a suburban home. The homeowner was recruiting boosters to steal the 5 items above (in addition to several others). There was a bedroom in the house that was converted to a mini-shopping center, complete with racks and peg hooks. Everyone from the neighborhood would come “shop”. Boosters were able to steal this product from local stores, as they were not secured in any way. That should be a firm reminder that to prevent shoplifting, Alpha Keepers should be a part of your store’s product protection strategy.
For more information about Alpha Keepers contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
