Liquor store theft is a problem and if a store owner fails to use Sensormatic hard tags on products they could end up with situations like these:
- “Foursome sought in theft of liquor at a Cape Coral Publix”, WFTX Digital Team, May 09,2019. This group was believed to have stolen, “…six bottles of Jonnie Walker Black Label, five bottles of Belvedere Vodka, and two bottles of Hennessey.” I did some research and it appears that a total value of $500 would be a middle of the road estimate for the stolen merchandise.
- “Man walks out of Costco with 24 bottles of Hennessey liquor, police say”, May, 06, 2019 wisn.com. According to this story the suspect took the alcohol and “Officers said he also took a Lorex brand home security system. The goods were worth about $1,500.” The Lorex system could be as much as $999. If this is the unit stolen that means the alcohol was valued at approximately $500.
Interestingly enough while reviewing news articles I also happened upon one titled, “23% drop in thefts show strategy to curb shoplifting working: Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries”, cbc.ca, May 30, 2019. I was curious as to what strategies this business has employed to make such an impact. According to the article several strategies are now being used which include adding new Loss Prevention Officers, “checking customers’ ID at the doors of Liquor Marts, using bottle locks (added emphasis mine) and lockable shelf cases, and requiring customers to ask sales staff for high-value bottles.” While I am not a fan of locking showcases or making merchandise inaccessible I AM in favor of using the Sensormatic systems Bottle Cap Tag to prevent theft.
In my opinion it only makes sense to use alternatives to locking showcases whenever possible. Showcases require too much attention on the part of store employees to assist patrons who want to get something out of lock-up. Employees could be ringing up other transactions, upselling or suggestive selling merchandise to new customers or even be completing tasks. To stop what you are doing simply to unlock merchandise you have locked up to stop shoplifting is poor use of resources. Sensormatic hard tags are an alternative to locking showcases. Shoppers can select what they want and continue to browse a store (which often leads to more sales) without waiting on an employee who may not be able to assist for several minutes. Not only does the patron begin to look at their watch as the minutes tick by they may feel pressured to hurry up and leave. The risk of losing the sales increases and the more time that goes by the less inclined they will be to look around and perhaps add to their shopping basket.
Locking up merchandise may stop shoplifting but it also hinders sales. Those stores that use a Sensormatic systems and Sensormatic hard tags have nearly the same level of security as stores that use the display cases but also have better opportunities to increase sales. But you may be wondering how a Bottle Cap Tag on a bottle of Hennessey can be better protection than that lock-up case. The Bottle Cap Tag has electronic article surveillance built in so if a crook attempts to walk out with a stolen bottle the alarm pedestals will alert store employees to the criminal activity. The vast majority of shoplifters are not anxious to set off alarms and be seen. They know that most stores have security cameras and will review them and then contact police. The other thing is the bottle tag covers the top of the bottle. The cap of the bottle cannot be removed without breaking the bottle defeating the purpose of stealing in the first place.
In my Loss Prevention experiences I have worked extensively with Sensormatic systems so I am keenly familiar with how much of a deterrent effect they have on shoplifters. I have recovered merchandise dropped by shoplifters when they have set off alarm pedestals. I have also observed potential thieves look at merchandise and then put it back on a shelf when they find it has an anti-shoplifting tag on it. Tagging merchandise is a tactic proven over time to stop shoplifting where it is implemented.
Alcohol theft continues to be a major concern for grocery and alcohol and beverage stores. Failing to protect merchandise only leads to more theft as criminals learn which businesses are easiest to target. That in turn can lead to more serious criminal activity such as robberies and assaults. Using Sensormatic hard tags is the optimum solution for addressing theft and improving sales in the long term.
For more information about Sensormatic hard tags contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Free Loss Prevention Calculator – 3 WC Blog 840
Loss Prevention ROI Calculator -3
The Loss Prevention Calculator Can’t Calculate Negative ROI Due To Poor Customer Service
A free Loss Prevention Calculator can show you the positive return on investment should you purchase a new Sensormatic security system. After an experience I recently went through helping both of my sons purchase cars I realized there can also be a negative return on investment if you do business the wrong way. This article is about how our interactions in a customer service environment can impact the ROI of a product we sell or equipment we use in retail.
Here is what I mean. If I purchase a Sensormatic security system for my store to prevent shoplifting I expect it is going to result in some kind of financial return. I know this because the Loss Prevention ROI Calculator available from Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. (LPSI) shows me. The result I get is a close estimate of how much that system would save me in merchandise shortage each year and how long it would take for those savings to pay for the new system. That is fantastic. But there can be a catch. If I purchase that system but do not train my employees on how to properly use it or respond to alarm activations I can alienate customers. If an alarm activates because my cashier did not remove a clothing security tag from a shirt a customer will be upset. THAT would be a negative return on my Sensormatic investment.
What does this have to do with my car shopping experience? After doing some research on vehicles and looking at reviews of cars I took my son to a used car dealer. We were greeted and told we could look at any of the cars and the salesman said if we wanted to take a test drive it would not be a problem. We got keys to several and my son test drove one he was interested in. Interestingly, as opposed to other dealers I have been to in the past no one was hovering over me like a vulture. We were able to take our time and could find the salesman if we had a question. It was a great experience and my son made a purchase.
The next day I took my younger son to a dealership. They had some used cars online we were interested in looking at. We were definitely not in the market for a new car. I know there was no free Loss Prevention Calculator to help us in the decision process but there was a free car check report to use on their website and these cars looked clean. We got to the dealership and immediately a salesman came to the car and greeted us. I told him exactly what we were there for and had my list. He asked if I knew where the cars were on the lot!? He was the salesman why was he asking me? We looked at the three or four cars on my list and he had an excuse for each why it would be a bad choice. He took us to a car outside the price range I told him we were interested in. I allowed him to take my son for a test drive (he rode along unlike the dealer the day before). He tried to convince my son to buy this car and I told him no, we were only looking. To cut a longer story short we left and I did not go back. He and the dealership lost a sale. The inventory was there and had any effort been made on his part we could have walked out with a car. Two different dealers with two different results.
The Loss Prevention ROI calculator can give good information on how a system can help your business but your people can make it a negative return without proper training. The good news is if you purchase a Sensormatic system with LPSI you get that training for free! That is an incredible deal. Think about it for a moment. The Free Loss Prevention Calculator is free to use. The system can pay for itself over a relatively short period of time making it virtually a free system and you get free training from experienced Loss Prevention trainers. I don’t know how an offer can get any better. I suppose it can if I tell you that when you use the Loss Prevention ROI Calculator no one knows you are using it and no car salesman is hovering over you pushing you into something you don’t need or want.
People can make or break your business or the effectiveness of equipment or products. Training them on proper customer service techniques will enhance your reputation with your shoppers. By the way, my younger son did end up getting his car the following day…at the place where my elder son bought his.
Need information on the Free Loss Prevention Calculator? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
A free Loss Prevention Calculator can show you the positive return on investment should you purchase a new Sensormatic security system. After an experience I recently went through helping both of my sons purchase cars I realized there can also be a negative return on investment if you do business the wrong way. This article is about how our interactions in a customer service environment can impact the ROI of a product we sell or equipment we use in retail.
Here is what I mean. If I purchase a Sensormatic security system for my store to prevent shoplifting I expect it is going to result in some kind of financial return. I know this because the Loss Prevention ROI Calculator available from Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. (LPSI) shows me. The result I get is a close estimate of how much that system would save me in merchandise shortage each year and how long it would take for those savings to pay for the new system. That is fantastic. But there can be a catch. If I purchase that system but do not train my employees on how to properly use it or respond to alarm activations I can alienate customers. If an alarm activates because my cashier did not remove a clothing security tag from a shirt a customer will be upset. THAT would be a negative return on my Sensormatic investment.
What does this have to do with my car shopping experience? After doing some research on vehicles and looking at reviews of cars I took my son to a used car dealer. We were greeted and told we could look at any of the cars and the salesman said if we wanted to take a test drive it would not be a problem. We got keys to several and my son test drove one he was interested in. Interestingly, as opposed to other dealers I have been to in the past no one was hovering over me like a vulture. We were able to take our time and could find the salesman if we had a question. It was a great experience and my son made a purchase.
The next day I took my younger son to a dealership. They had some used cars online we were interested in looking at. We were definitely not in the market for a new car. I know there was no free Loss Prevention Calculator to help us in the decision process but there was a free car check report to use on their website and these cars looked clean. We got to the dealership and immediately a salesman came to the car and greeted us. I told him exactly what we were there for and had my list. He asked if I knew where the cars were on the lot!? He was the salesman why was he asking me? We looked at the three or four cars on my list and he had an excuse for each why it would be a bad choice. He took us to a car outside the price range I told him we were interested in. I allowed him to take my son for a test drive (he rode along unlike the dealer the day before). He tried to convince my son to buy this car and I told him no, we were only looking. To cut a longer story short we left and I did not go back. He and the dealership lost a sale. The inventory was there and had any effort been made on his part we could have walked out with a car. Two different dealers with two different results.
The Loss Prevention ROI calculator can give good information on how a system can help your business but your people can make it a negative return without proper training. The good news is if you purchase a Sensormatic system with LPSI you get that training for free! That is an incredible deal. Think about it for a moment. The Free Loss Prevention Calculator is free to use. The system can pay for itself over a relatively short period of time making it virtually a free system and you get free training from experienced Loss Prevention trainers. I don’t know how an offer can get any better. I suppose it can if I tell you that when you use the Loss Prevention ROI Calculator no one knows you are using it and no car salesman is hovering over you pushing you into something you don’t need or want.
People can make or break your business or the effectiveness of equipment or products. Training them on proper customer service techniques will enhance your reputation with your shoppers. By the way, my younger son did end up getting his car the following day…at the place where my elder son bought his.
Need information on the Free Loss Prevention Calculator? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
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.
Training To Reduce Employee Theft – 3 WC Blog 834
Employee Theft -3
Training To Reduce Employee Theft May Show You Already Have Some Skills To Deter Theft
I am currently going through a leadership training course at the college where I work and I am struck by how similar some of the tools I used in an employee theft interview match with what we are discussing. I guess it comes down to how people respond to other people in an interaction. In Retail Loss Prevention many of us in management positions are trained on how to identify and investigate suspected theft cases. We also receive training on how to conduct interviews with the dishonest employee when we are ready to finalize our investigation and prosecute. The interviewer must have the ability to control how they speak and even be aware of body language signals of the suspect and their own body language. A keen Loss Prevention Manager can pick up on non-verbal cues during the interview process. These cues can help us discern if the suspect is trying to hide something from us or if they are being open and forthright.
Since many independent store owners will not have a Loss Prevention department they may encounter suspected employee theft but without the proper training they won’t have any idea how to be sure. Still worse, if they do confront the suspected employee but do not have the proper skills or information they could find themselves in a pickle with a smart crook. From all of my interviews I can tell you it was rare for someone to come out and freely admit to what they had done even when all the evidence was presented to them. It took training and preparation before I was ready to confront suspected dishonest workers. I even had to learn about how MY body language could affect an interview in additional to learning non-verbal cues from the interviewee. I am not suggesting store managers should become Loss Prevention Investigators at all. I am saying it is important to go through training to reduce employee theft by someone who has been in the Retail Loss Prevention Field and Investigations and has the experience to teach what you need to know.
Were you aware that your body posture can have an impact on others when you are talking with them? Cross your arms and you give a signal that can be interpreted that you are closed off or unapproachable. Sitting across from someone with legs uncrossed and arms relaxed signals you are approachable and can be talked to. These are signals that we are careful about how we use them in an investigation interview and can also be applied to leadership principles. Appear closed off in an interview and it makes it harder to establish trust with the worker you are trying to get an admission from for suspected employee theft (if you know for certain they were engaged in dishonest activity). Appear to be closed off to employees in a work situation and they will be afraid to speak to you or offer opinions and suggestions. It is also harder to lead people who don’t want to follow a leader they believe to be aloof or standoffish.
Training to reduce employee theft isn’t going to include those cues but you may learn tricks such as how an employee who used to be talkative and suddenly becomes introverted may be a candidate to engage in theft. Employees who avoid eye contact with you or are defensive when having conversations with you may be participants in theft or fraud. Just as active listening is an important skill for successful leaders it is also an important tool when trying to identify potential internal theft concerns. The employee who starts talking about money problems or the inability to pay bills may be prone to engaging in cash or merchandise theft. I started several investigations based on some low dollar cash register shortages and overhearing bits of conversations in the breakroom by using active listening.
Skills can often carry over from one area to another. You may already have leadership skills you did not know could be useful in the identification of or deterrence of criminal activity. Training to reduce employee theft will teach you how to minimize the opportunities for any staff member to steal. You might also find you have a knack for it because of those leadership skills you also possess.
For more information about training to reduce employee theft contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
I am currently going through a leadership training course at the college where I work and I am struck by how similar some of the tools I used in an employee theft interview match with what we are discussing. I guess it comes down to how people respond to other people in an interaction. In Retail Loss Prevention many of us in management positions are trained on how to identify and investigate suspected theft cases. We also receive training on how to conduct interviews with the dishonest employee when we are ready to finalize our investigation and prosecute. The interviewer must have the ability to control how they speak and even be aware of body language signals of the suspect and their own body language. A keen Loss Prevention Manager can pick up on non-verbal cues during the interview process. These cues can help us discern if the suspect is trying to hide something from us or if they are being open and forthright.
Since many independent store owners will not have a Loss Prevention department they may encounter suspected employee theft but without the proper training they won’t have any idea how to be sure. Still worse, if they do confront the suspected employee but do not have the proper skills or information they could find themselves in a pickle with a smart crook. From all of my interviews I can tell you it was rare for someone to come out and freely admit to what they had done even when all the evidence was presented to them. It took training and preparation before I was ready to confront suspected dishonest workers. I even had to learn about how MY body language could affect an interview in additional to learning non-verbal cues from the interviewee. I am not suggesting store managers should become Loss Prevention Investigators at all. I am saying it is important to go through training to reduce employee theft by someone who has been in the Retail Loss Prevention Field and Investigations and has the experience to teach what you need to know.
Were you aware that your body posture can have an impact on others when you are talking with them? Cross your arms and you give a signal that can be interpreted that you are closed off or unapproachable. Sitting across from someone with legs uncrossed and arms relaxed signals you are approachable and can be talked to. These are signals that we are careful about how we use them in an investigation interview and can also be applied to leadership principles. Appear closed off in an interview and it makes it harder to establish trust with the worker you are trying to get an admission from for suspected employee theft (if you know for certain they were engaged in dishonest activity). Appear to be closed off to employees in a work situation and they will be afraid to speak to you or offer opinions and suggestions. It is also harder to lead people who don’t want to follow a leader they believe to be aloof or standoffish.
Training to reduce employee theft isn’t going to include those cues but you may learn tricks such as how an employee who used to be talkative and suddenly becomes introverted may be a candidate to engage in theft. Employees who avoid eye contact with you or are defensive when having conversations with you may be participants in theft or fraud. Just as active listening is an important skill for successful leaders it is also an important tool when trying to identify potential internal theft concerns. The employee who starts talking about money problems or the inability to pay bills may be prone to engaging in cash or merchandise theft. I started several investigations based on some low dollar cash register shortages and overhearing bits of conversations in the breakroom by using active listening.
Skills can often carry over from one area to another. You may already have leadership skills you did not know could be useful in the identification of or deterrence of criminal activity. Training to reduce employee theft will teach you how to minimize the opportunities for any staff member to steal. You might also find you have a knack for it because of those leadership skills you also possess.
For more information about training to reduce employee theft, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
