CP Hard Tags-3 , EAS-2 , Stop Shoplifting-1 , CP Tags-4
Security Guard Vs. Checkpoint Systems
There are a few retailers that I have seen lately using loss prevention associates dressed as security guards, instead of the undercover approach. I get the deterrence factor of using these people, and I’m not against this as a way to stop shoplifting. If you can find the right people to do the job, train them according to all your policies and local regulations, your store can benefit from their presence. If nothing else, they can make some customers and even the staff feel more safe and secure. However, I think in order to really make a difference and reduce shrink in your store, you should take a look at the additional assistance you can get by introducing an electronic article surveillance system, like Checkpoint. Especially if you have the kind of staff and “security” personnel the store I went to this weekend employs.
I took my daughter shopping for a tie dye kit for her birthday, and the best locally owned place I knew to go was this crazy mix of gift shop and smoke shop that sells everything you can think of. We were greeted and offered help as soon as we walked in the door. My daughter was immediately mesmerized by all the band t-shirts and black light room decorations, so I just wondered around aimlessly, doing what I usually do: figuring out if a store has loss prevention tools in place. First of all, there are two clerks in the middle of this weird round checkout counter. There was a guy walking around the store with a black t-shirt on that said “security” on the back of it. Honestly, I kinda thought he could have actually been the store’s security, but there is the off chance that was just one of the novelty shirts they sell there. I accidentally (on purpose) took a pair of sunglasses I was “looking at” too close to the front door and activated their electronic article surveillance system. One of the clerks looked up from pricing merchandise, the security guy turned around but didn’t come closer, and the other clerk never budged. Now, I’ll admit I don’t look like much of a threat or a typical theft issue for a store like this, so I won’t crack on them too hard. As I really looked around, I could see that all the t-shirts had Checkpoint hard tags on them. All the beanie caps, bandanas, and scarves and more had some form of Checkpoint tags as well.
The store’s staff can’t see everything that happens. They get busy with other customers and things happen that draw their attention away. That’s why it’s so important to utilize Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint hard tags on any merchandise that may be targeted for theft. Clothing and accessories get stolen often because people conceal unpaid items beneath their own clothing when the staff gets distracted. Sometimes these people come in groups in order to create the distractions themselves. Checkpoint tags will alert the staff of the theft attempt as soon as the criminal gets too close to the door and activates the alarm. Also, the thief can’t just pry off Checkpoint hard tags. They can see they will damage the shirt or other item they are trying to steal if they try to tamper with the hard tag that is pinned through, so they will be more likely to just put it back. It might be worth it to some to find out if that’s a real security guard, but they know for sure they’ll be caught if they mess with Checkpoint tags!
Need more information on Checkpoint Hard Tags? Contact us or give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
There are a few retailers that I have seen lately using loss prevention associates dressed as security guards, instead of the undercover approach. I get the deterrence factor of using these people, and I’m not against this as a way to stop shoplifting. If you can find the right people to do the job, train them according to all your policies and local regulations, your store can benefit from their presence. If nothing else, they can make some customers and even the staff feel more safe and secure. However, I think in order to really make a difference and reduce shrink in your store, you should take a look at the additional assistance you can get by introducing an electronic article surveillance system, like Checkpoint. Especially if you have the kind of staff and “security” personnel the store I went to this weekend employs.
I took my daughter shopping for a tie dye kit for her birthday, and the best locally owned place I knew to go was this crazy mix of gift shop and smoke shop that sells everything you can think of. We were greeted and offered help as soon as we walked in the door. My daughter was immediately mesmerized by all the band t-shirts and black light room decorations, so I just wondered around aimlessly, doing what I usually do: figuring out if a store has loss prevention tools in place. First of all, there are two clerks in the middle of this weird round checkout counter. There was a guy walking around the store with a black t-shirt on that said “security” on the back of it. Honestly, I kinda thought he could have actually been the store’s security, but there is the off chance that was just one of the novelty shirts they sell there. I accidentally (on purpose) took a pair of sunglasses I was “looking at” too close to the front door and activated their electronic article surveillance system. One of the clerks looked up from pricing merchandise, the security guy turned around but didn’t come closer, and the other clerk never budged. Now, I’ll admit I don’t look like much of a threat or a typical theft issue for a store like this, so I won’t crack on them too hard. As I really looked around, I could see that all the t-shirts had Checkpoint hard tags on them. All the beanie caps, bandanas, and scarves and more had some form of Checkpoint tags as well.
The store’s staff can’t see everything that happens. They get busy with other customers and things happen that draw their attention away. That’s why it’s so important to utilize Checkpoint tags and Checkpoint hard tags on any merchandise that may be targeted for theft. Clothing and accessories get stolen often because people conceal unpaid items beneath their own clothing when the staff gets distracted. Sometimes these people come in groups in order to create the distractions themselves. Checkpoint tags will alert the staff of the theft attempt as soon as the criminal gets too close to the door and activates the alarm. Also, the thief can’t just pry off Checkpoint hard tags. They can see they will damage the shirt or other item they are trying to steal if they try to tamper with the hard tag that is pinned through, so they will be more likely to just put it back. It might be worth it to some to find out if that’s a real security guard, but they know for sure they’ll be caught if they mess with Checkpoint tags!
Need more information on Checkpoint Hard Tags? Contact us or give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Background Checks-5 WC blog 105
Background Check Company-5
A Background Check Could Have Prevented Stolen Checks
When I worked as a Loss Prevention Manager for a big box retailer I had a number of cases I investigated that involved credit card and check fraud. Our store was located in a resort area with many hotels and tourist attractions. Several of the cases of financial transaction fraud involved theft from hotel patrons. So who did I often find were the guilty parties involved in these cases? Hotel room attendants who were party to the crimes in several cases, either using the stolen cards or check information themselves or providing it to a third party who, in turn, used the items. I would suspect that had I been able to investigate, I would learn that in these cases there were no background checks conducted. Often, especially in the summer months, hotels ramp up their hiring to meet the needs of the peak tourist season. Mass hiring tends to mean there are few if any background checks conducted because the need is so great.
Why would background checks make a difference in the cases I dealt with? A Background check company can dig into the history of potential new employees. They can check multiple state or local criminal histories, driving records, even education background if the employer requests it. A Background check company can help an employer know more about an applicant than just the questions on an application or what a personality screening supposedly scores a candidate. Had the hotels that employed the housekeepers made the effort to have thorough background checks completed, they may have learned that the people stealing from their guests had prior convictions for crimes.
I recall one specific case I worked in which our store had a customer report that a check had been written at our location from his account, but he insisted he had not been the person who wrote it. He said he had not written any checks at our store when he was visiting our town. I reviewed purchase information and was able to verify we had closed circuit television video recording available. Video review confirmed that the customer making the complaint was not the subject I had on camera. I asked the customer to contact our local police department to file a report, while I made contact with some investigators I knew on the department. After showing detectives the video we had and after they did some investigation at the hotel where the guest had stayed, police arrested a hotel housekeeper. It turned out that while the guest and family were at the beach, the housekeeper rifled through the complainant’s belongings, found the checkbook and removed several checks from the middle of the checkbook.
There is no guarantee that this particular employee had a criminal record and that was not information I sought or was offered. If she did have a record and a background check company had been hired to conduct a screening there is a strong probability it would have been discovered and she may not have been hired. I would also like to add a point here. I understand people need a second chance, and it can be difficult for those with criminal histories to obtain that second chance. That second chance may require the applicant to accept a job that does not place them in a position that may jeopardize the safety and security of others, especially in a job that may leave them alone with little oversight. An employer can use the results received from a background check company to still hire someone, but they may be placed in a different position.
Background checks protect the employer and can protect the clientele of a business. Hiring the wrong people can ruin a company’s brand and reputation. Let a background check company help you know who you are hiring and place people in the right job, it makes good business sense.
For more information on Background Checks, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
When I worked as a Loss Prevention Manager for a big box retailer I had a number of cases I investigated that involved credit card and check fraud. Our store was located in a resort area with many hotels and tourist attractions. Several of the cases of financial transaction fraud involved theft from hotel patrons. So who did I often find were the guilty parties involved in these cases? Hotel room attendants who were party to the crimes in several cases, either using the stolen cards or check information themselves or providing it to a third party who, in turn, used the items. I would suspect that had I been able to investigate, I would learn that in these cases there were no background checks conducted. Often, especially in the summer months, hotels ramp up their hiring to meet the needs of the peak tourist season. Mass hiring tends to mean there are few if any background checks conducted because the need is so great.
Why would background checks make a difference in the cases I dealt with? A Background check company can dig into the history of potential new employees. They can check multiple state or local criminal histories, driving records, even education background if the employer requests it. A Background check company can help an employer know more about an applicant than just the questions on an application or what a personality screening supposedly scores a candidate. Had the hotels that employed the housekeepers made the effort to have thorough background checks completed, they may have learned that the people stealing from their guests had prior convictions for crimes.
I recall one specific case I worked in which our store had a customer report that a check had been written at our location from his account, but he insisted he had not been the person who wrote it. He said he had not written any checks at our store when he was visiting our town. I reviewed purchase information and was able to verify we had closed circuit television video recording available. Video review confirmed that the customer making the complaint was not the subject I had on camera. I asked the customer to contact our local police department to file a report, while I made contact with some investigators I knew on the department. After showing detectives the video we had and after they did some investigation at the hotel where the guest had stayed, police arrested a hotel housekeeper. It turned out that while the guest and family were at the beach, the housekeeper rifled through the complainant’s belongings, found the checkbook and removed several checks from the middle of the checkbook.
There is no guarantee that this particular employee had a criminal record and that was not information I sought or was offered. If she did have a record and a background check company had been hired to conduct a screening there is a strong probability it would have been discovered and she may not have been hired. I would also like to add a point here. I understand people need a second chance, and it can be difficult for those with criminal histories to obtain that second chance. That second chance may require the applicant to accept a job that does not place them in a position that may jeopardize the safety and security of others, especially in a job that may leave them alone with little oversight. An employer can use the results received from a background check company to still hire someone, but they may be placed in a different position.
Background checks protect the employer and can protect the clientele of a business. Hiring the wrong people can ruin a company’s brand and reputation. Let a background check company help you know who you are hiring and place people in the right job, it makes good business sense.
For more information on Background Checks, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
Alpha Spider Wrap-1 , Alpha Hang Tag-2 , Retail Anti Theft Devices-2 , Prevent Shoplifting-3
Don’t Let Shoplifters Steal The Show
There is no typical thief or shoplifter. They range in age, gender, and race. Ten million people have been caught in just the last five years. Shoplifting affects more than just the store and the criminal. The store has to call the local authorities, so there is the added burden to the police. They have to take their attention and focus off of other potentially harmful people and situations to come deal with the thief. Sometimes the police get there in time to catch and haul the criminal away; other times they just come to take the report. When too much theft occurs, there are the additional costs to make up for those losses and those are usually passed on to the consumer. There is also the loss of sales taxes to the local community. If store managers and their staff are going to prevent shoplifting, they have got to have the retail anti-theft devices they need to get the job done. That is where Alpha Technology comes into play to help stores secure the valuable inventory on their shelves.
Shoplifters are a problem for drug stores, discount stores, grocers, specialty shops, clothing boutiques and more. No matter what your business sells, deterrence is the key to prevent shoplifting. There are many choices when it comes to retail anti-theft devices, and your best security option depends on what you sell. I work for a small retail pharmacy and dealt with two thefts in the last week. Do you realize that many shoplifters will buy something as well as steal from your store in the same visit? I had a guy come in to get a prescription for his young daughter. He turned it in at the pharmacy and walked around the store while he waited for it to be filled. I noticed him in our baby care section, but I assumed he was just killing time. I watched him for a bit, and then went back to working on some other things. A little while later, I found two empty packages over there. So, he bought that medication for his child, but he stole a thermometer and a nasal aspirator. It’s cough and cold season, and to tell the truth, we should have known better than to merchandise those back there unprotected. Now I have those items protected with Alpha Hang Tags. They clip right onto the package, and they can still be hung right on the peg as they had been. Alpha Hang Tags are easily removed by the staff and they are 100% recyclable.
I just dismantled a glass security case about a month ago in our diet and nutrition section. Then I discovered we had some diet pills getting stolen. I could give in and put that big heavy case back up, but I know how to fix the problem without that unsightly thing. Today when that replacement box of diet pills arrived with the delivery, I attached an Alpha Spider Wrap. Try to get that box open now; I dare you. Your fingers will break before that cable will. Depending on the size of the package and how you display it for sale, there are many tools like the Alpha Spider Wrap to protect your merchandise. Don’t let the shoplifters win. You’ve got too much to lose. Prevent shoplifting with these tools and many more.
For more information on Alpha Technology, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
There is no typical thief or shoplifter. They range in age, gender, and race. Ten million people have been caught in just the last five years. Shoplifting affects more than just the store and the criminal. The store has to call the local authorities, so there is the added burden to the police. They have to take their attention and focus off of other potentially harmful people and situations to come deal with the thief. Sometimes the police get there in time to catch and haul the criminal away; other times they just come to take the report. When too much theft occurs, there are the additional costs to make up for those losses and those are usually passed on to the consumer. There is also the loss of sales taxes to the local community. If store managers and their staff are going to prevent shoplifting, they have got to have the retail anti-theft devices they need to get the job done. That is where Alpha Technology comes into play to help stores secure the valuable inventory on their shelves.
Shoplifters are a problem for drug stores, discount stores, grocers, specialty shops, clothing boutiques and more. No matter what your business sells, deterrence is the key to prevent shoplifting. There are many choices when it comes to retail anti-theft devices, and your best security option depends on what you sell. I work for a small retail pharmacy and dealt with two thefts in the last week. Do you realize that many shoplifters will buy something as well as steal from your store in the same visit? I had a guy come in to get a prescription for his young daughter. He turned it in at the pharmacy and walked around the store while he waited for it to be filled. I noticed him in our baby care section, but I assumed he was just killing time. I watched him for a bit, and then went back to working on some other things. A little while later, I found two empty packages over there. So, he bought that medication for his child, but he stole a thermometer and a nasal aspirator. It’s cough and cold season, and to tell the truth, we should have known better than to merchandise those back there unprotected. Now I have those items protected with Alpha Hang Tags. They clip right onto the package, and they can still be hung right on the peg as they had been. Alpha Hang Tags are easily removed by the staff and they are 100% recyclable.
I just dismantled a glass security case about a month ago in our diet and nutrition section. Then I discovered we had some diet pills getting stolen. I could give in and put that big heavy case back up, but I know how to fix the problem without that unsightly thing. Today when that replacement box of diet pills arrived with the delivery, I attached an Alpha Spider Wrap. Try to get that box open now; I dare you. Your fingers will break before that cable will. Depending on the size of the package and how you display it for sale, there are many tools like the Alpha Spider Wrap to protect your merchandise. Don’t let the shoplifters win. You’ve got too much to lose. Prevent shoplifting with these tools and many more.
For more information on Alpha Technology, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
