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.
