Due To Shoplifting, No Large Bags Allowed!

This was a sign I saw emblazoned on the front door of a local business just a couple days ago. It’s a new addition; I guess even our small town is not immune to theft. Of course, their answer to how to stop shoplifting– a sign banning large bags, isn’t exactly what I would call the best option. This is an antique store, not really the type of business that comes to my mind when I think of stores that need help with loss prevention measures. I work for a small retail pharmacy and we deal with rampant theft on a daily basis, so I definitely know their frustrations. Women carrying those “big shoplifter bags” are the arch nemesis for all of us I suppose!

The big difference in all the businesses that suffer from theft issues is what they do about it. I’ve been in stores that have these big threatening signs. “Smile, you’re on camera” “Shoplifters will be prosecuted” “No large bags”. Those are some of the more common ones that are at least professionally worded. Some stores go way over board, making idle ridiculous threats. In my store, we only post the required signs alerting people that we do have cameras in use. Signs sell stuff, but they don’t really do a lot to stop shoplifting. Checkpoint Systems does, however, actually get the job done. Deterrence is the biggest key in putting thieves in their place.

Some people are going to steal no matter what. That is a small percentage of the population though. Most theft occurs when normal people walk in and see an opportunity. It is generally a basic example of greed, not need. With Checkpoint Systems, you take that opportunity away from them. The tools that work with the system, Checkpoint Labels and Checkpoint Tags, are the best ways to stop people from getting out the door with unpaid merchandise. Even the blogs that specialize in giving advice on how to get away with stealing tell people to steer clear of stores that utilize the tags. They tell them not to take the chance, because they will more than likely be caught and arrested. The tags can be hidden inside seams and pockets, and are not easily detected.  When people come in the front door and see the Checkpoint Systems pedestals up there, they know that they can possibly be caught. I’ve dealt with all kinds of thieves. I’ve had the minors stealing junk, that I have had to detain and release to their parents. I’ve had the little old lady putting things in her purse, gets caught, and sends her preacher up to the store later to try and talk me out of a court date. I even caught another business owner from our town stealing over the counter sleep medications. When I confronted him at the front door, I made sure his wife was standing there with him. At first he tried denying it, but I showed him the picture I had just taken with my phone right off my camera monitors. That shut him up fast, and his wife was outraged! She yelled at him and told me they were a good family, and how sorry she was. I didn’t even call the police on that guy; I figured he would pay enough when he got home.

Checkpoint Systems puts a stop to so many thieves taking a chance on stealing from us, that it makes me wonder why more businesses don’t make that investment. The return is immediate, and Checkpoint Labels are easy to use. It takes little to no training and empowers your employees to make a real difference in your bottom line. The whole system is so much more effective than those pesky signs.

For more information on Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 or Antishoplifting.net