Stop Shoplifting – 3 WC Blog 833
EAS Labels – 3
Communication Overload Can Curtail Efforts To Stop Shoplifting
From retail businesses that are trying to stop shoplifting to restaurants advertising for new employees there are some really odd communications and sometimes too much signage in retail. I get a charge out of stores that post signs outside a restroom saying “No Merchandise Beyond This Point”. I look down and expect to see an “X” or a red line I can’t cross. There are signs on entrance doors that say “No Concealed Weapons Allowed”. Now I am not going into the gun debate that is not what this is about. What tickles me is if it is concealed, who is going to see it to tell the customer that they can’t have it? A fast food restaurant near where I live posted on their electronic billboard, “Expanding Staff”. Now c’mon folks, you have to admit that is probably not the best choice of words for trying to hire for a fast food restaurant. Words mean things but they may mean less when they are not communicated well and can even cause confusion. I remember asking one of my Loss Prevention Associates to put electronic article surveillance (EAS labels) on boxes of medicine without further clarifying what I wanted. The Associate did what I asked and later when I happened to look at what he tagged for me the labels were covering up warning labels! This was a big deal and I learned from then on to be clear when I gave directions to my staff members.
There was another instance when I was trying to stop shoplifting and I was following a suspect out of the store. A communication blunder occurred when I asked a member of my team to wait outside as I was getting ready to exit so I would have someone ready to assist. I stopped the suspect and got into a bit of a tussle and the shoplifter ran to her car and got away. As she drove off my assistant came up and I asked where he had gone? He said I told him to wait outside so he went to the far end of the building and waited! I did not think I had to be so specific but clearly I was mistaken…we had a serious discussion when we returned to the office.
Sometimes we can also experience information overload that detracts from our ability to communicate clearly. A good example of this is seen when we walk into a store and the doors are plastered with signage. Have you ever noticed doors plastered with signs that will include sales, store hours, warnings that shirts and shoes must be worn, this store under closed circuit television surveillance and EAS systems in use (they may even mention the specific company such as Sensormatic). Too many signs renders all of the signs ineffective in what they are intended to do. In order to better communicate with customers and improve efforts to reduce shortage I recommend that a door have hours of operation and signage that lets customers know EAS labels are in use. Other signs with holiday specials, holiday hours or sales events can be displayed immediately upon entering the store. Hint: if your store uses Sensormatic equipment some front door towers can be set up to display store signage and still sound the alarm if someone attempts to shoplift.
Although they are not signs stores can impede efforts to stop shoplifting by overusing closed circuit television camera monitors on the salesfloor. I know of a chain store that has a LOT of monitors throughout the store in various aisles. The monitor has a little flashing light and words in red that let you know they are recording. The idea is to dissuade thieves from stealing but there are so many of these monitors that people become immune to and no longer care about them, shoplifters included.
Just as overused signs and equipment can cause information overload and become ineffective, overused and careless placement of EAS labels can be ineffective too. Placing Sensormatic tags and labels on everything including candy and snacks or slapping labels on carelessly can also degrade the impact they have on shoplifters. Avoid misplacement and improper use of Sensormatic labels and tags contact Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. for training that will help reduce shoplifting and improve shortage results.
Need information on EAS labels? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
From retail businesses that are trying to stop shoplifting to restaurants advertising for new employees there are some really odd communications and sometimes too much signage in retail. I get a charge out of stores that post signs outside a restroom saying “No Merchandise Beyond This Point”. I look down and expect to see an “X” or a red line I can’t cross. There are signs on entrance doors that say “No Concealed Weapons Allowed”. Now I am not going into the gun debate that is not what this is about. What tickles me is if it is concealed, who is going to see it to tell the customer that they can’t have it? A fast food restaurant near where I live posted on their electronic billboard, “Expanding Staff”. Now c’mon folks, you have to admit that is probably not the best choice of words for trying to hire for a fast food restaurant. Words mean things but they may mean less when they are not communicated well and can even cause confusion. I remember asking one of my Loss Prevention Associates to put electronic article surveillance (EAS labels) on boxes of medicine without further clarifying what I wanted. The Associate did what I asked and later when I happened to look at what he tagged for me the labels were covering up warning labels! This was a big deal and I learned from then on to be clear when I gave directions to my staff members.
There was another instance when I was trying to stop shoplifting and I was following a suspect out of the store. A communication blunder occurred when I asked a member of my team to wait outside as I was getting ready to exit so I would have someone ready to assist. I stopped the suspect and got into a bit of a tussle and the shoplifter ran to her car and got away. As she drove off my assistant came up and I asked where he had gone? He said I told him to wait outside so he went to the far end of the building and waited! I did not think I had to be so specific but clearly I was mistaken…we had a serious discussion when we returned to the office.
Sometimes we can also experience information overload that detracts from our ability to communicate clearly. A good example of this is seen when we walk into a store and the doors are plastered with signage. Have you ever noticed doors plastered with signs that will include sales, store hours, warnings that shirts and shoes must be worn, this store under closed circuit television surveillance and EAS systems in use (they may even mention the specific company such as Sensormatic). Too many signs renders all of the signs ineffective in what they are intended to do. In order to better communicate with customers and improve efforts to reduce shortage I recommend that a door have hours of operation and signage that lets customers know EAS labels are in use. Other signs with holiday specials, holiday hours or sales events can be displayed immediately upon entering the store. Hint: if your store uses Sensormatic equipment some front door towers can be set up to display store signage and still sound the alarm if someone attempts to shoplift.
Although they are not signs stores can impede efforts to stop shoplifting by overusing closed circuit television camera monitors on the salesfloor. I know of a chain store that has a LOT of monitors throughout the store in various aisles. The monitor has a little flashing light and words in red that let you know they are recording. The idea is to dissuade thieves from stealing but there are so many of these monitors that people become immune to and no longer care about them, shoplifters included.
Just as overused signs and equipment can cause information overload and become ineffective, overused and careless placement of EAS labels can be ineffective too. Placing Sensormatic tags and labels on everything including candy and snacks or slapping labels on carelessly can also degrade the impact they have on shoplifters. Avoid misplacement and improper use of Sensormatic labels and tags contact Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. for training that will help reduce shoplifting and improve shortage results.
Need information on EAS labels? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
People Counting Systems –3 WC Blog 824
Door Counting Sensor – 4
Smarter Business Management With People Counting Systems
It is a good thing we use people counting systems in our college library it helps our planning during exam weeks. It was the use of the device that provided the numbers from last year’s exam weeks to better prepare for this year. I know there may be some readers out there who have not been to college or have been out for quite some time like me. To tell the truth, during my time in college we had exams and that was it, there was no concern about student “stress” or anxiety. Today’s college campuses and universities are cognizant of the pressures on students and try to find means to alleviate some of that. From offering counseling services to providing therapy pets administrators are proactive in the steps they take. Why the concern? I will leave that for others to answer. My opinion is that they are trying to reduce the number of students who do not return for the following semester. If a student feels like they can’t handle the pressure of exams they might get frustrated and forego re-enrollment. Another reason in my opinion is to reduce the risk of violence associated with stress. So, in our library we put out games and puzzles and snacks. We operate 24/7 but during the week before exams throughout exams our overnight shift sees a dramatic increase in patrons. What we have found through the use of a door counting sensor is that there are dynamics that have changed in the days when the most students are in the building. Several years ago Sunday – Thursday of exam week were the busiest times. That was when we took our snack cart through the building. Over the years we continued to offer most of the snacks during those corresponding days but noticed that we were not running out of foods and had to find solutions to get rid of excess. We began looking at door counts and we saw a trend that students were increasing their time in the building the week before exams. We changed how we run our snack cart to be more in line with the new busy days. Now our students are happy and we don’t have to worry about what to do with leftover snacks…there aren’t any!
Now I have you scratching your head wondering what people counting systems, libraries and snack carts have to do with operating a retail store. I get it, it sounds odd but there is a logical explanation. Do you operate your business the same way year in and year out? Do you assume shopping habits are the same and never change? Be careful! Sometimes we don’t recognize when changes occur around us. You can assume people are following the same old routines however it could be the shopping days and hours are shifting and you missed it. A door counting sensor would let you see when people are REALLY coming to your store to shop.
What difference can it really make if you know what days and times customers are coming into the store? I think it would be neat if you used that information to add one more sales person to your crew at that time. That extra employee is busy assisting customers and engaging in suggestive selling. More attention to the needs of the customers equates to more merchandise going through the cash register stand. I know what I am saying is true because I spend time with the customers I work with. I learn what they are looking for and find the right product for them and then try to help them understand why they need the extra items. Don’t let a computer shopper leave without exploring whether they need to use specific computer programs only available with a certain service. Don’t sell a file cabinet without suggesting hanging folders. I have also been in the position of not having enough help on the salesfloor and I have to cut short my time with a customer. A door counting sensor doesn’t help interact with a customer but is does help improve the opportunities for spending more time with shoppers.
You probably are not concerned with tests, stress or snack carts but you are concerned about numbers and you should be concerned when those numbers are in your store. People counting systems give you the advantage of knowing when shoppers are spending time in your building. Take advantage of that knowledge, staff the store appropriately and train your team on how to build sales through improved customer service. That door counting sensor will pay for itself in no time.
A people counting system is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.814.0547 and let’s talk.
It is a good thing we use people counting systems in our college library it helps our planning during exam weeks. It was the use of the device that provided the numbers from last year’s exam weeks to better prepare for this year. I know there may be some readers out there who have not been to college or have been out for quite some time like me. To tell the truth, during my time in college we had exams and that was it, there was no concern about student “stress” or anxiety. Today’s college campuses and universities are cognizant of the pressures on students and try to find means to alleviate some of that. From offering counseling services to providing therapy pets administrators are proactive in the steps they take. Why the concern? I will leave that for others to answer. My opinion is that they are trying to reduce the number of students who do not return for the following semester. If a student feels like they can’t handle the pressure of exams they might get frustrated and forego re-enrollment. Another reason in my opinion is to reduce the risk of violence associated with stress. So, in our library we put out games and puzzles and snacks. We operate 24/7 but during the week before exams throughout exams our overnight shift sees a dramatic increase in patrons. What we have found through the use of a door counting sensor is that there are dynamics that have changed in the days when the most students are in the building. Several years ago Sunday – Thursday of exam week were the busiest times. That was when we took our snack cart through the building. Over the years we continued to offer most of the snacks during those corresponding days but noticed that we were not running out of foods and had to find solutions to get rid of excess. We began looking at door counts and we saw a trend that students were increasing their time in the building the week before exams. We changed how we run our snack cart to be more in line with the new busy days. Now our students are happy and we don’t have to worry about what to do with leftover snacks…there aren’t any!
Now I have you scratching your head wondering what people counting systems, libraries and snack carts have to do with operating a retail store. I get it, it sounds odd but there is a logical explanation. Do you operate your business the same way year in and year out? Do you assume shopping habits are the same and never change? Be careful! Sometimes we don’t recognize when changes occur around us. You can assume people are following the same old routines however it could be the shopping days and hours are shifting and you missed it. A door counting sensor would let you see when people are REALLY coming to your store to shop.
What difference can it really make if you know what days and times customers are coming into the store? I think it would be neat if you used that information to add one more sales person to your crew at that time. That extra employee is busy assisting customers and engaging in suggestive selling. More attention to the needs of the customers equates to more merchandise going through the cash register stand. I know what I am saying is true because I spend time with the customers I work with. I learn what they are looking for and find the right product for them and then try to help them understand why they need the extra items. Don’t let a computer shopper leave without exploring whether they need to use specific computer programs only available with a certain service. Don’t sell a file cabinet without suggesting hanging folders. I have also been in the position of not having enough help on the salesfloor and I have to cut short my time with a customer. A door counting sensor doesn’t help interact with a customer but is does help improve the opportunities for spending more time with shoppers.
You probably are not concerned with tests, stress or snack carts but you are concerned about numbers and you should be concerned when those numbers are in your store. People counting systems give you the advantage of knowing when shoppers are spending time in your building. Take advantage of that knowledge, staff the store appropriately and train your team on how to build sales through improved customer service. That door counting sensor will pay for itself in no time.
A people counting system is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.814.0547 and let’s talk.
WC Blog 826
Stop Shoplifting -3
Sensormatic Security System-3
My Favorite Cases When I Would Stop Shoplifting – Part 2
In Part 1 about my favorite exploits when I worked to stop shoplifting I shared three of my favorite cases but honestly that doesn’t scratch the surface. I had a lot of experiences but like many of my peers there are always those apprehensions that make such an impression they just stay with you. Even when the store uses a Sensormatic security system or other anti-theft system there are always people who are going to try steal from a store and many of the cases involved people trying to get around those systems or security tags.
In continuing my top list I pick up where I left off with number four in my personal favorite shoplifting incidents.
4. Usually any case involving an accusation that race somehow played a part in the apprehension of a shoplifter is concerning. I did have one case where the accusation was laughable. I stopped a young man for stealing a ball cap. It was not protected with a clothing security tag so it was not going to set off a Sensormatic security system tower or any electronic articles surveillance system. Fortunately, in this case I had already been watching him so I was able to stop him and get the merchandise back. The suspect returned to the security office with me and was cooperative until I asked him to empty his pockets and a small bag of marijuana came out with other assorted odds and ends and a pocket knife. At that point he got somewhat belligerent and accused me of stopping him in his words, “Because I am white!” I couldn’t help but laugh, I am caucasion too! He still went to jail for shoplifting and simple possession.
5. Speaking of shoplifters and drugs I had another drug related case that is in my top favorites list. I had a rash of bicycle thefts from our store and had to find a way to stop shoplifting in that department. I had my Loss Prevention team focus all of our attention on that particular area. It didn’t take many days of surveillance before one of my Loss Prevention Associates observed a “shopper” enter the area. He selected a bicycle and walked it all the way to the front of the store then parked it near the shopping carts. We watched our suspect walk around until he felt it was clear then went back and retrieved the merchandise and rolled it to the doors. As he walked it to the electronic article surveillance towers we apprehended our crook. As we neared the security office the suspect decide to fight with us. We eventually got him under control when he suddenly started to have a “seizure”. I am not a medical expert but the drooling and attempt to roll around was not convincing. I told the suspect that I would call an ambulance for him (as I continued to sit on him) but let him know he would be charged $500.00 for the ambulance ride. My suspect made a miraculous recovery and we were able to turn him over to the police for further processing.
6. Theft cases where drugs are involved are not always the safest but they can wind up with a funny ending. In one incident a suspect was stealing clothing. I stopped him at the exit doors and he decided to bolt on me. We ran several blocks until he sat down on the steps of a pancake house and said he was giving up. I stood over him waiting for the police to arrive. While we were waiting he asked if he could get rid of a scale he had in his pocket (for those who may not know, drug dealers use small scales to weigh out drugs they are selling, in this case marijuana). I said that was fine with me. He tossed it under a newspaper vending machine. When the police arrived I made a point of telling them that the suspect had hidden the scale. The crook had a shocked look and said he thought I said he could hide it. I reminded him I DID allow him to get rid of it I never promised him I wouldn’t tell the police about it. Not only did I stop shoplifting I helped to get a drug dealer off the street and I still laugh at the whole incident.
Not every shoplifter is deterred by a Sensormatic security system or anti-theft device. In many cases these shoplifters are involved in other criminal activity such as the use or distribution of drugs. As I mentioned they can be dangerous and I have had my share of such incidents but these are the cases that ended with a certain amount of humor and the only thing hurt were some feelings.
A Sensormatic security system is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
In Part 1 about my favorite exploits when I worked to stop shoplifting I shared three of my favorite cases but honestly that doesn’t scratch the surface. I had a lot of experiences but like many of my peers there are always those apprehensions that make such an impression they just stay with you. Even when the store uses a Sensormatic security system or other anti-theft system there are always people who are going to try steal from a store and many of the cases involved people trying to get around those systems or security tags.
In continuing my top list I pick up where I left off with number four in my personal favorite shoplifting incidents.
4. Usually any case involving an accusation that race somehow played a part in the apprehension of a shoplifter is concerning. I did have one case where the accusation was laughable. I stopped a young man for stealing a ball cap. It was not protected with a clothing security tag so it was not going to set off a Sensormatic security system tower or any electronic articles surveillance system. Fortunately, in this case I had already been watching him so I was able to stop him and get the merchandise back. The suspect returned to the security office with me and was cooperative until I asked him to empty his pockets and a small bag of marijuana came out with other assorted odds and ends and a pocket knife. At that point he got somewhat belligerent and accused me of stopping him in his words, “Because I am white!” I couldn’t help but laugh, I am caucasion too! He still went to jail for shoplifting and simple possession.
5. Speaking of shoplifters and drugs I had another drug related case that is in my top favorites list. I had a rash of bicycle thefts from our store and had to find a way to stop shoplifting in that department. I had my Loss Prevention team focus all of our attention on that particular area. It didn’t take many days of surveillance before one of my Loss Prevention Associates observed a “shopper” enter the area. He selected a bicycle and walked it all the way to the front of the store then parked it near the shopping carts. We watched our suspect walk around until he felt it was clear then went back and retrieved the merchandise and rolled it to the doors. As he walked it to the electronic article surveillance towers we apprehended our crook. As we neared the security office the suspect decide to fight with us. We eventually got him under control when he suddenly started to have a “seizure”. I am not a medical expert but the drooling and attempt to roll around was not convincing. I told the suspect that I would call an ambulance for him (as I continued to sit on him) but let him know he would be charged $500.00 for the ambulance ride. My suspect made a miraculous recovery and we were able to turn him over to the police for further processing.
6. Theft cases where drugs are involved are not always the safest but they can wind up with a funny ending. In one incident a suspect was stealing clothing. I stopped him at the exit doors and he decided to bolt on me. We ran several blocks until he sat down on the steps of a pancake house and said he was giving up. I stood over him waiting for the police to arrive. While we were waiting he asked if he could get rid of a scale he had in his pocket (for those who may not know, drug dealers use small scales to weigh out drugs they are selling, in this case marijuana). I said that was fine with me. He tossed it under a newspaper vending machine. When the police arrived I made a point of telling them that the suspect had hidden the scale. The crook had a shocked look and said he thought I said he could hide it. I reminded him I DID allow him to get rid of it I never promised him I wouldn’t tell the police about it. Not only did I stop shoplifting I helped to get a drug dealer off the street and I still laugh at the whole incident.
Not every shoplifter is deterred by a Sensormatic security system or anti-theft device. In many cases these shoplifters are involved in other criminal activity such as the use or distribution of drugs. As I mentioned they can be dangerous and I have had my share of such incidents but these are the cases that ended with a certain amount of humor and the only thing hurt were some feelings.
A Sensormatic security system is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
