Canine Crooks And Other Criminal Capers Can Be Prevented With Alpha Keepers

As I have been spending time on the internet looking for the latest crime trends I came across a recent trend that has me very concerned as a Loss Prevention professional…animal theft. You read that correctly animal theft, specifically dogs and birds gone bad. I had no idea that it was taking place but it is happening in stores world-wide and I have to “paws” and wonder, what happens to birds that steal, instead of going to the big house do they go to the bird house? If given bail, would they take flight? When dogs try to get away are they “fleaing” the scene of the crime? Does the store owner call the pawlice when they suspect there are cat burglars? How do you prevent shoplifting by these furry friends? I’m not sure if they would prove to be deterrents to critter criminals, but I do know that Alpha Keepers can stop human shoplifters. By now you’re wondering if I’m kidding about all of these stories of corrupt canines and birds preying on store owners. I will let you decide for yourself:

• January 10, 2017, Washingtonpost.com, “’Sneaky’ squirrels have stolen dozens of candy bars from this convenience store”, by Karen Brulliard

• September 11, 2015, mirror.co.uk, “Shoplifting seagull is chased around store by furious owner after pinching packet of peanuts”, by Alexander Lerche

• May 19,2017, nbcnews.com, “Dog Caught on Camera Stealing Bread From Store”

• December 6, 2013, HUFFPOST, “Shoplifting Dog Caught Stealing Bones From Store, Burying Them Out Back”, by Ryan Grenoble

There are more such stories you would go ape over like the monkey in India stealing cash from a jewelry store, time.com, June 6, 2016, by Cady Lang, but no more horsing around. It is a serious problem and though it is hard to prevent shoplifting, it is not impossible.
     

The first thing store owners can do to deter and stop criminals from stealing is to use Alpha Keepers to keep merchandise safe. Keepers are locking, see-through boxes that hold a varied array of products and still give shoppers the convenience of viewing and carrying items around the store. When Keepers are used, in many instances locking showcases can be eliminated. This frees up employees from having to spend time locking and unlocking cases and they can provide more valuable customer service elsewhere. Keepers also work with electronic article surveillance (EAS) pedestals. When an Alpha Keeper box is too close to an EAS pedestal it causes alarms and flashing lights in the pedestal to turn on and nearby store staff members respond and recover merchandise before it is taken out of the building. Keepers prevent shoplifting through deterrence. Shoplifters don’t want to attempt to forcibly remove merchandise from the box and risk someone hearing them and they are bulky making it harder to hide if they are thinking about stealing.
     

While this article started by sharing criminal animal antics on a more serious note there are human criminals victimizing pet stores and other retailers and cleaning them out. For example a story in Yahoo News, March 15, 2017, “’Sticky Fingers’ busts US Retail Theft Ring”, the article reports that, “While electronics goods were most favored, they also ran a sideline in expensive flea collars pinched from pet stores”. In a May 17, 2017 story in nwi.com, by Lauren Cross, “Police: Hobart Petco theft suspect stole ‘thousands of dollars’ in flea meds”, a suspect was reported, “…allegedly stealing “several hundred dollars-worth” of Frontline flea and tick prevention medication…” If these stores resort to using Alpha Keepers in the future, there is a good chance they can prevent shoplifting from taking place again.
     

Retailer owners don’t get “ticked” off by shoplifters stealing from you. Whether it is a flea collar or a DVD there are Alpha Keepers that will probably suit your needs to reduce theft and in turn boost sales.

Alpha Keepers are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
     

Is A Resume Good Enough To Show An Employer How Your Knowledge Of Alpha Keepers Translates To Inventory Control When Trying To Change Careers?

I was conversing with a co-worker the other day about resumes versus C.V.’s (curriculum vitae). The discussion was in reference to providing information on ourselves for a new boss in our academic library. I was suggesting I would update my resume, my co-worker was saying he was going to update his C.V. I was only familiar with a C.V. for academic positions and did not think it was applicable to our positions as staff members. My friend then made a strong point. To someone with no knowledge of retail or Loss Prevention, would my former position as a Retail Loss Prevention Manager mean anything to an academic Dean? A C.V. would offer more of a description of what my work entailed than identifying me as someone who investigated employee theft or worked to prevent shoplifting. A resume is a brief history of work experience, education and background. A C.V. has more detail in it. For the purpose of informing my new Dean of what my skill sets really are does he/she need to know about my knowledge of Alpha Keepers or does he/she need to know about my knowledge of inventory control and the impact it has on library resources such as books, music, videos, etc.?
     

It is appropriate at this point to discuss Alpha Keepers and inventory control for those who may not be familiar with them and how they work together. Alpha Keepers are clear, solid boxes with a hinged, locking lid. The Keepers come in a variety of sizes to accommodate a wide selection of items, from batteries to baby formula cans. There are sizes that are sure to please almost every retailer. From an inventory control perspective Keepers provide flexibility in terms of how much “lock-up” merchandise a store manager has to keep in a locking display case. The reason for this is that Keepers are basically portable lock-up display cases. They can’t be opened without a special detachment key usually secured at the point of sale. Tampering with the lid activates a tamper alarm allowing employees to prevent shoplifting of the contents. The boxes also have electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology built in that allows the box itself to be detected by EAS towers. Thieves trying to smuggle merchandise in Alpha Keepers out of a store are in for a surprise when the tower sounds a screeching alarm that alerts employees to the attempted shoplifting. When Keepers are used there is less need for display cases and manpower to supervise and unlock them. Inventory control is less burdensome on the store owner.
     

Getting back to the resume vs. C.V. comparison, is there a significant difference when I am attempting to highlight my experience or translate how my experience works from one job to the other? Is it important for someone to be able to make such clarifications? For example, when I interviewed for my position to work in a library, I was able to explain how my retail customer service experience would be useful in assisting library patrons. I was also able to translate my experience as a Loss Prevention Manager responsible for emergency preparedness and planning would be beneficial to crisis response in an academic library. My role as Loss Prevention Manager required me to be responsible for the security of merchandise, prevent shoplifting and look out for the safety of patrons and the shoplifter when conducting apprehensions. One of the library job requirements when I first applied was being able to keep patrons safe during late night hours. I was already prepared before my interview to explain how my experience was similar to what the job ad was seeking. Had I gone into the interview with only my resume I would probably not be working where I am. A C.V. can do sort of the same thing, show someone who may not have the experience how much you can contribute. 
     

I tell you this because many of you store managers and owners may interview people who only present you with a resume. It might be beneficial if you are able to translate skills listed in one occupation to the job you are trying to fill. As you prepare to interview candidates ask questions so they can tell you how they are prepared to do the job you need done. Can that library staffer really be useful to your store? They can, as much as that Loss Prevention Manager can exchange knowledge of how to prevent shoplifting to preventing the theft of library materials.  Managers do yourself a favor and review those resumes carefully, you might be missing a gem of a hire if you are too focused on key words and not skill sets. 

For more information about how to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
     

ALPHA KEEPERS STOP FAKE SIDEBURNS FRAUDSTER FROM STEALING HIGH VALUE MERCHANDISE!

As a Loss Prevention expert, I’ve seen it ALL. I’ve caught grandmas loading up empty bags, to teachers concealing high dollar products. I’ve even caught people who like to wear funny costumes, thinking it will disguise themselves stealing. When you are on CCTV cameras all day, you truly never know what you will see next. No matter what funny or nonsensical incident you observe, it is important to know what merchandise protection will deter ANY shoplifter incident you may experience. Most stores will place spider wraps and large tags on their products for theft prevention purposes. But what can you do about your high dollar merchandise that cannot be spider wrapped or tagged? Alpha Keepers can be used for a majority of product to prevent shoplifting in retailers. 
       

I frequently watch my CCTV cameras to analyze high theft trends, and to look for shoplifters to catch. I was watching cameras one afternoon, and noticed a subject acting suspicious and selected an expensive tactical bag. The subject was wearing a camo hoodie, a greenish satchel bag, and was clean shaven. The Manager on duty also noticed the behavior, so asked if the subject needed any help. The subject got nervous, left the merchandise, and exited the store. I obtained several face shots of the subject on camera, in case he decided to come back to my location at a later time. The following day, the same subject came back into the store wearing the exact same hoodie, greenish satchel, but this time something was VERY different. The subject placed massive, party style fake sideburns & a goatee on his face. It was very obvious & easy to see they were fake, stick on facial hair. Immediately I started receiving calls from associates to see if I was watching the subject. He must have thought this was disguising himself, but instead it brought attention to himself. I could not believe he did that, especially since he did not go through the trouble to change out his clothes or bag. Next, the subject selected 2 high dollar knives, secured by Alpha Keepers. The subject went to a corner of the store, which he thought did not have cameras. He tries to pry the security devices open, but failed miserably. He pulls out his own knife and tries cutting through them, but cannot. He tried for a total of 15 minutes, then finally gave up. His ultimate plans failed, and he left all the merchandise. My store lost nothing in this incident, but could have lost 2 high dollar products, not including the return trips that would have followed. After showing the video of both incidents to my team members, we could not believe that the subject actually came into the store clean shaven one evening, and the next with party style fake facial hair. After this incident, I have not seen him back in my location! This showed my store team the importance of ensuring we are utilizing the Alpha Keepers to prevent shoplifting.              

There is never a dull moment working in Loss Prevention, and you never know what you will see! It’s moments like this that make us not only laugh, but realize the importance of keeping our merchandise protection standards updated at the highest level possible. Alpha Keepers are available in different sizes and can be used in many different departments.  The customer can also see the product information through the keepers, so it does not inhibit your sales. Due to the success rate, we decided to invest in these devices at all my locations. Utilizing the best security devices prevent shoplifting, no matter what strange situation may arise in your building.        

Need information on the Alpha Keepers? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now. 

Retail Anti-Theft Devices; The Decisions Stores Make That Drive Me Crazy! Part 1

From time to time I see retail Loss Prevention initiatives that make me go crazy. Sometimes the initiative goes too far in reducing security measures. I have seen Loss Prevention payroll cuts in an effort to save money. I have seen merchandise such as video games removed from lock-up cases (which I might add I am not necessarily opposed to) but then no security measure is added to prevent shoplifting, by using Alpha Keepers or even soft electronic article surveillance tags. I have seen high priced items removed from “security grids” that direct what items get retail anti-theft devices placed on them. For example, I am aware of a company that sells laminators. No, not really a high sales item but there was a time when a certain price point of the item required them to be protected with a security device and now they are no longer protected. Certain ink jet cartridges in one store are stored in Alpha Keepers while other brands are not protected. News flash! Shoplifters are not necessarily concerned with the brand or price points sometimes they just want the merchandise in order to trade it for whatever cash they can get or for drugs. 
     

I want to briefly clarify for readers who may not be familiar with them, what Alpha Keepers are. Keepers are clear, solid, plastic boxes with hinged, locking lids that allows merchants to display merchandise on the salesfloor while protecting the merchandise from theft. The boxes require special detachment keys in order to open them adding an additional level of security. The boxes are also built with electronic article surveillance technology (EAS) that makes the Keepers detectable by EAS towers when stores have them installed. This makes sure that if a shoplifter tries to carry secured merchandise out of the store tower alarms and lights activate and warn store employees that an attempted theft is taking place. Employees respond to the doors and recover merchandise and prevent shoplifting or get the patron to purchase the item.
     

The beauty of retail anti-theft devices is that it allows retailers to take merchandise from the showcases and place them in the reach of the customer. This gives customers the ability to handle merchandise, read package information and carry it around the store while they continue to shop. Likewise, the Keepers give flexibility to store owners and managers to not tie an employee down to the showcases waiting to help customers or standing at the showcase taking out merchandise and putting it back while the customer browses merchandise. So YES, remove merchandise from showcases, make it accessible and sales will inevitably climb. People will buy products when they don’t have to wait for assistance. 
     

My irritation is NOT at the removal of product from security lock-ups, my irritation is when merchandise is put on the floor and not secured with retail anti-theft devices. Furthermore, DON’T have a policy of securing product with anti-theft devices and then removing the devices or not placing them on new shipments anymore. Is the policy in place because there is no longer evidence that the merchandise is being stolen…WELL DUH! The merchandise not being stolen because the protections did what they were designed to do, prevent shoplifting! Is the decision based on the lack of sales of a product? That has nothing to do with the security device or the ability of customers to access them, it may be due to product placement, price point, lack of customer service or simply the item is not in demand. As long as it is being carried in the store all merchandise should be protected.
     

Removing merchandise from lock-up cases can certainly improve sales. Placing merchandise on the floor without protecting it is an invitation to increased theft and shortage. Make products available to your customers but use Alpha Keepers and retail anti-theft devices on all the things you sell to prevent shoplifting.

For more information about Alpha Keepers, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.