Alpha Spider Wrap-3 WC Blog 347
Retail anti-theft devices-3
Prevent shoplifting-3
Let Go Of My Lego! Toy Thieves Aren’t Playing Around And Neither Should You; Use Retail Anti-Theft Devices To Stop Shoplifting
I’m a big kid at heart and I still like walking through the toy aisles of stores to see what’s new and what continues to thrive on the market all these years later. It tickles me to see some of my favorite toys and games repackaged in order to pique the interest of today’s generation who are geared towards electronic gadgets. One all-time favorite of mine that continues to fascinate kids today are the Lego toys. They come in very small sets that sell for a few dollars to huge collector editions that sell in the hundreds of dollars. Add to the mix the cute Lego movies and video games and it’s no wonder they have been so successful. Unfortunately when something is popular with consumers, thieves see another market and it becomes a target for them. These items were popular when I was a Loss Prevention Manager trying to prevent shoplifting of them by small time crooks. Today there are theft rings targeting Lego toys and we are talking about some major dollars! I saw an online article headline on the subject and started surfing around the internet and came across several stories involving theft of Legos and not just in the U.S.:
• June 11, 2015, The Guardian.com reported police had foiled a $100,000 Lego Crime Ring
• Nov 5, 2005 Fox News website reported a Reno, Nevada man had been arrested for stealing $200,000 of Lego toys.
• August 26, 2016 King5.com reported a ring had been stealing sets valued at more than $300 each.
• Jan 19, 2017 stuff.co.nz headline: Lego crime wave hits Melbourne: Police ask for help to catch brick obsessed thief.
• March 22,2017 wrg.com: Hundreds of dollars’ worth of Legos stolen from Arlington specialty shop
Obviously Legos aren’t just for kids anymore, but trying to prevent shoplifting of these toys isn’t an easy task. When I was in the field we were limited in what we could do to protect the merchandise aside from limiting floor quantities. If I had to find a solution today my preference would be to use some type of retail anti-theft devices such as Alpha Spider Wrap to stop thieves.
There are several reasons I would lean towards the Alpha Spider Wrap for this particular product. First is that this retail anti-theft device is secured around all sides of a box. It hinders the thief from getting to the contents and removing parts and pieces from a set. A second benefit is the electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology contained in each Spider Wrap. The EAS part of the device allows it to be detected by EAS pedestals near entry/exit doors in the event anyone was to try to shoplift a box. Finally, the devices are tamper proof meaning that if a criminal attempts to cut a wire, the device sounds an alarm alerting associates to the activity.
Someone may wonder why a lock up showcase wouldn’t be a better option to prevent shoplifting. The use of showcases allows stores to fill their shelves and keeps the bad guys from getting access to merchandise you want to control. These are legitimate points but there are two major drawbacks to using showcases. First, a store has to have enough people readily available with a set of keys to respond and open a case up and that may be just so the customer can browse. If you don’t make a sale from the time spent do you think that was the best use of your employee’s time? Second and sort of related to the first, failure to respond to a customer request in a timely manner impacts the customer’s perception of your service. If people don’t feel like they are receiving great service they may not return to shop at your store. The other issue is that if someone doesn’t get immediate service at a showcase they may walk off and the opportunity for the sale is lost. Yes, showcases may keep product secure but they can hamper sales and customer service.
Using retail anti-theft devices gives retailers the flexibility to keep toy shelves full and drive up sales. Legos and other high theft merchandise are protected to prevent shoplifting and shoppers have access to goods without the requirement of a salesperson to open a case or stand with them while they browse. It is a win-win solution for store owners/managers.
Don’t let Lego lifters empty your shelves and your pockets. Try using Alpha Spider Wrap to deter thieves and watch how much your in-stock percent improves and sales increase.
Get more information on Alpha Spider Wraps, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
I’m a big kid at heart and I still like walking through the toy aisles of stores to see what’s new and what continues to thrive on the market all these years later. It tickles me to see some of my favorite toys and games repackaged in order to pique the interest of today’s generation who are geared towards electronic gadgets. One all-time favorite of mine that continues to fascinate kids today are the Lego toys. They come in very small sets that sell for a few dollars to huge collector editions that sell in the hundreds of dollars. Add to the mix the cute Lego movies and video games and it’s no wonder they have been so successful. Unfortunately when something is popular with consumers, thieves see another market and it becomes a target for them. These items were popular when I was a Loss Prevention Manager trying to prevent shoplifting of them by small time crooks. Today there are theft rings targeting Lego toys and we are talking about some major dollars! I saw an online article headline on the subject and started surfing around the internet and came across several stories involving theft of Legos and not just in the U.S.:
• June 11, 2015, The Guardian.com reported police had foiled a $100,000 Lego Crime Ring
• Nov 5, 2005 Fox News website reported a Reno, Nevada man had been arrested for stealing $200,000 of Lego toys.
• August 26, 2016 King5.com reported a ring had been stealing sets valued at more than $300 each.
• Jan 19, 2017 stuff.co.nz headline: Lego crime wave hits Melbourne: Police ask for help to catch brick obsessed thief.
• March 22,2017 wrg.com: Hundreds of dollars’ worth of Legos stolen from Arlington specialty shop
Obviously Legos aren’t just for kids anymore, but trying to prevent shoplifting of these toys isn’t an easy task. When I was in the field we were limited in what we could do to protect the merchandise aside from limiting floor quantities. If I had to find a solution today my preference would be to use some type of retail anti-theft devices such as Alpha Spider Wrap to stop thieves.
There are several reasons I would lean towards the Alpha Spider Wrap for this particular product. First is this retail anti-theft device is secured around all sides of a box. It hinders the thief from getting to the contents and removing parts and pieces from a set. A second benefit is the electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology contained in each Spider Wrap. The EAS part of the device allows it to be detected by EAS pedestals near entry/exit doors in the event anyone was to try to shoplift a box. Finally, the devices are tamper proof meaning that if a criminal attempts to cut a wire, the device sounds an alarm alerting associates to the activity.
Someone may wonder why a lock up showcase wouldn’t be a better option to prevent shoplifting. The use of showcases allows stores to fill their shelves and keeps the bad guys from getting access to merchandise you want to control. These are legitimate points but there are two major drawbacks to using showcases. First, a store has to have enough people readily available with a set of keys to respond and open a case up and that may be just so the customer can browse. If you don’t make a sale from the time spent do you think that was the best use of your employee’s time? Second and sort of related to the first, failure to respond to a customer request in a timely manner impacts the customer’s perception of your service. If people don’t feel like they are receiving great service they may not return to shop at your store. The other issue is that if someone doesn’t get immediate service at a showcase they may walk off and the opportunity for the sale is lost. Yes, showcases may keep product secure but they can hamper sales and customer service.
Using retail anti-theft devices gives retailers the flexibility to keep toy shelves full and drive up sales. Legos and other high theft merchandise are protected to prevent shoplifting and shoppers have access to goods without the requirement of a salesperson to open a case or stand with them while they browse. It is a win-win solution for store owners/managers.
Don’t let Lego lifters empty your shelves and your pockets. Try using Alpha Spider Wrap to deter thieves and watch how much your in-stock percent improves and sales increase.
Get more information on Alpha Spider Wraps, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
Retail Anti-theft Devices-3 WC blog 279
Alpha Keepers-4
Gaming Keepers-5
prevent shoplifting-3
Display Case Dilemma; A Loss Prevention Manager’s Discourse On Why He Prefers Gaming Keepers To Prevent Shoplifting Part 2
In part 2 of my article on the pros of using gaming keepers versus display cases in order to prevent shoplifting, I want to visit some of less obvious issues that can and do arise when showcases are the primary means to deter theft. I am suggesting there are much better retail anti-theft devices called Alpha Keepers that can stop merchandise shrinkage AND improve other aspects of your business. I am also going to provide some suggestions for improving the customer’s shopping experience in your store which can drive up sales. The basis for these articles came from a recent shopping trip I made to a big box store and two big faux Pas I would like to see other stores avoid. The trip was made so that my son could purchase a video game for a game system he owns. The game he wanted was in a display case and required us to wait for help, until the game was removed from the showcase, handed to my son and the employee walked off. When my son said, “Thank You” the reply was “No problem”.
Display cases do prevent shoplifting but they can also impede sales. Customers have to wait or seek help in an effort just to LOOK at something in a case. People rarely look at something in a showcase without browsing other items before making a buying decision. Alpha Keepers, and specifically in this case, gaming keepers are designed of clear polycarbonate material that makes it easy for a shopper to see all of the packaging information. It’s sort of like having a mini display case in the palms of your hands. All Alpha Keepers lock so shoplifters can’t get to the product but honest customers can pick up the item, continue shopping and take it to the checkout line at their convenience. Alpha Keepers are also created so they will cause electronic article surveillance (EAS) antennas to sound if protected merchandise is carried too close to the antennas. The deterrence value of the gaming keepers and the potential of the EAS alarm serve to shift criminal activity to other stores and away from yours.
So how are you going to improve the shopping experience for your customers by going away from display cases in favor of Alpha retail anti-theft devices? I mentioned that the keepers are like a mini display case. What if I did not have to wait at that showcase for a sales person to open it? My son could have picked up the game he wanted and we could have continued shopping. While the delay was somewhat aggravating, having a long retail background helps me be a little more patient with such things. As a Manager On Duty, I had the fun experience of dealing with customers who do not have that same patience and will let you know it. There is also the potential for missed sales when a customer does not want to wait any longer for help and walks away. How much money have your display cases cost you?
How about showcase key security? As a Loss Prevention Manager I had to be concerned every time display keys were lost or missing. Sometimes it was a salesperson leaving with them for the day. Sometimes the keys were put down while in the process of helping a customer and then there were the times I would find keys still in the lock of the case. If keys are lost, security is compromised and locks have to be re-cored, a headache and a needless expense (take it from someone who has had to do it). Gaming keepers require only a detachment key, secured at the cash register. No need to carry them around and risk loss.
Another issue with display cases is the training of personnel on how to handle lock up merchandise. As in my situation, the employee simply removed the game from the case and handed it to my son. If it is locked up, it should only make sense it was not to be handed to the customer. Training and follow-up still does not ensure procedures are going to be followed.
Finally, a word on customer service. I would like to encourage store owners and managers, train your staff not to say, “No problem” to a customer. It may seem small but your customers were not a problem to begin with. Set expectations that you want from them. Be sure to treat customers with respect.
You can prevent shoplifting and improve the customer experience by using gaming keepers for your high value merchandise. Consider all the advantages you could have over your competition with new retail anti-theft devices.
Gaming keepers are important and we can help you with them. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
In part 2 of my article on the pros of using gaming keepers versus display cases in order to prevent shoplifting, I want to visit some of less obvious issues that can and do arise when showcases are the primary means to deter theft. I am suggesting there are much better retail anti-theft devices called Alpha Keepers that can stop merchandise shrinkage AND improve other aspects of your business. I am also going to provide some suggestions for improving the customer’s shopping experience in your store which can drive up sales. The basis for these articles came from a recent shopping trip I made to a big box store and two big faux Pas I would like to see other stores avoid. The trip was made so that my son could purchase a video game for a game system he owns. The game he wanted was in a display case and required us to wait for help, until the game was removed from the showcase, handed to my son and the employee walked off. When my son said, “Thank You” the reply was “No problem”.
Display cases do prevent shoplifting but they can also impede sales. Customers have to wait or seek help in an effort just to LOOK at something in a case. People rarely look at something in a showcase without browsing other items before making a buying decision. Alpha Keepers, and specifically in this case, gaming keepers are designed of clear polycarbonate material that makes it easy for a shopper to see all of the packaging information. It’s sort of like having a mini display case in the palms of your hands. All Alpha Keepers lock so shoplifters can’t get to the product but honest customers can pick up the item, continue shopping and take it to the checkout line at their convenience. Alpha Keepers are also created so they will cause electronic article surveillance (EAS) antennas to sound if protected merchandise is carried too close to the antennas. The deterrence value of the gaming keepers and the potential of the EAS alarm serve to shift criminal activity to other stores and away from yours.
So how are you going to improve the shopping experience for your customers by going away from display cases in favor of Alpha retail anti-theft devices? I mentioned that the keepers are like a mini display case. What if I did not have to wait at that showcase for a sales person to open it? My son could have picked up the game he wanted and we could have continued shopping. While the delay was somewhat aggravating, having a long retail background helps me be a little more patient with such things. As a Manager On Duty, I had the fun experience of dealing with customers who do not have that same patience and will let you know it. There is also the potential for missed sales when a customer does not want to wait any longer for help and walks away. How much money have your display cases cost you?
How about showcase key security? As a Loss Prevention Manager I had to be concerned every time display keys were lost or missing. Sometimes it was a salesperson leaving with them for the day. Sometimes the keys were put down while in the process of helping a customer and then there were the times I would find keys still in the lock of the case. If keys are lost, security is compromised and locks have to be re-cored, a headache and a needless expense (take it from someone who has had to do it). Gaming keepers require only a detachment key, secured at the cash register. No need to carry them around and risk loss.
Another issue with display cases is the training of personnel on how to handle lock up merchandise. As in my situation, the employee simply removed the game from the case and handed it to my son. If it is locked up, it should only make sense it was not to be handed to the customer. Training and follow-up still does not ensure procedures are going to be followed.
Finally, a word on customer service. I would like to encourage store owners and managers, train your staff not to say, “No problem” to a customer. It may seem small but your customers were not a problem to begin with. Set expectations that you want from them. Be sure to treat customers with respect.
You can prevent shoplifting and improve the customer experience by using gaming keepers for your high value merchandise. Consider all the advantages you could have over your competition with new retail anti-theft devices.
Gaming keepers are important and we can help you with them. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
Training to reduce employee theft-3 WC Blog 320
Stop shoplifting-4
Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. Provides Training To Stop Shoplifting And Reduce Employee Theft And Keep Your Employees Safe In The Process
Before I get too far into this article about the importance of training to stop shoplifting and training to reduce employee theft, I would ask you to take a few minutes to take a look at some of these headlines:
• Walmart loss prevention officer killed pursuing suspected shoplifter, WSB-TV, Apr 12,2016 http://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/gwinnett-county/loss-prevention-officer-killed-at-lilburn-walmart/207995435
• Loss prevention officers stabbed at JC Penney, Jan 24, 2013 http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/20700570/loss-prevention-officers-stabbed-at-jcpenney
• Kmart loss prevention officer killed by shoplifters, Jan 18, 2010, http://www.nbc-2.com/story/11839243/kmart-loss-prevention-officer-killed-by-shoplifters
• Police: Margate Walmart Employee Killed By Fleeing Thief, Sep 21, 2012 http://miami.cbslocal.com/2012/09/21/police-margate-walmart-employee-killed-by-fleeing-thief/
• Man wanted for fatally stabbing worker at Va. Burlington Coat Factory, March 4, 2017 http://wtvr.com/2017/03/04/burlington-coat-factory-employee-fatally-stabbed-potomac-mills/
• Police: Employee attacks manager, co-workers while being fired, Friday, November 8, 2013 http://komonews.com/news/local/police-employee-attacks-manager-coworkers-while-being-fired
• Prescott Walmart employee arrested after attempting to harm co-workers, December 05, 2016 http://www.12news.com/news/local/arizona/prescott-wal-mart-employee-arrested-after-attempting-to-harm-co-workers/362586930
What is my point in showing you these headlines? In the first 5 reports, trained Loss Prevention employees were injured or killed in their attempts to do their jobs and prevent criminals from stealing merchandise. Let me repeat that, they were attempting to stop shoplifting and preventing criminals from getting away. In the last 2 instance employees posed a danger and/or harmed co-workers and managers. Shoplifting is not a game and many of the people who perpetrate the crimes are dangerous. Employees who steal can be just as dangerous. How prepared are you to handle a shoplifting situation? Are you or your managers truly prepared for events that could get out of hand?
Training to reduce employee theft and stop shoplifting is important for all managers, especially those in stores with no Loss Prevention personnel available to prevent theft and help deter dishonest employees. Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. offers training sessions that can help you prevent shoplifting by teaching you about who it is that is stealing from your business, how to develop programs to deter criminals and how to approach them SAFELY. You will learn about anti-theft devices that make your store less appealing to thieves and send them elsewhere. Training programs are also available to help you with the methods of identifying employee theft and the various methods they use to steal. Were you aware that employee theft may include theft from your customers as well as your business? Employees may steal credit cards, gift cards, even receipts from your customers and in the process damage the reputation of your business. How do you repair that? Sometimes the best prevention is weeding out bad apples before they get a foot in the door. To that end, Loss Prevention Systems also has training available for teaching about pre-employment hiring and background checks. The potentially violent or dishonest employee can often be identified in a proper screening and avoided altogether.
If the stories I linked to do not persuade you of the real danger shoplifters can pose or that there are dangerous employees out there, then let me tell you about my personal experiences. I have nearly 20 years of Loss Prevention experience and 27 years of total retail experience. As a Loss Prevention manager for a major chain we went through training on how to properly approach shoplifters, how to detain them and if necessary physically restrain them. All of our L.P. personnel attended these sessions. While the training did prevent some dangerous situations my team and I still experienced being pushed, bitten, punched and verbal threats from thieves that they were in possession of a weapon. In some cases this was simply when we approached the suspect and hadn’t yet fully engaged in a stop. There are proper ways to try to approach shoplifters or deter them. Loss Prevention Systems Trainers can help keep you and your team safe.
Dangers from employees can be just as real. I have had an employee who was going to be fired and he threatened to kill himself. I have had employees who were terminated from their job and threatened to meet our Human Resources Manager in the parking lot when they got off of work. I have responded to the store in the early morning hours when a freight team member pulled a box cutter on a cleaning crew employee. Background checks, pre-employment screening and training on how to be ready for these situations should be required for your managers.
Don’t let criminals rip you off or employees steal your money and reputation. Let Loss prevention Systems, Inc. give your managers training to reduce employee theft and stop shoplifting.
Before I get too far into this article about the importance of training to stop shoplifting and training to reduce employee theft, I would ask you to take a few minutes to take a look at some of these headlines:
• Walmart loss prevention officer killed pursuing suspected shoplifter, WSB-TV, Apr 12,2016 http://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/gwinnett-county/loss-prevention-officer-killed-at-lilburn-walmart/207995435
• Loss prevention officers stabbed at JC Penney, Jan 24, 2013 http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/20700570/loss-prevention-officers-stabbed-at-jcpenney
• Kmart loss prevention officer killed by shoplifters, Jan 18, 2010, http://www.nbc-2.com/story/11839243/kmart-loss-prevention-officer-killed-by-shoplifters
• Police: Margate Walmart Employee Killed By Fleeing Thief, Sep 21, 2012 http://miami.cbslocal.com/2012/09/21/police-margate-walmart-employee-killed-by-fleeing-thief/
• Man wanted for fatally stabbing worker at Va. Burlington Coat Factory, March 4, 2017 http://wtvr.com/2017/03/04/burlington-coat-factory-employee-fatally-stabbed-potomac-mills/
• Police: Employee attacks manager, co-workers while being fired, Friday, November 8, 2013 http://komonews.com/news/local/police-employee-attacks-manager-coworkers-while-being-fired
• Prescott Walmart employee arrested after attempting to harm co-workers, December 05, 2016 http://www.12news.com/news/local/arizona/prescott-wal-mart-employee-arrested-after-attempting-to-harm-co-workers/362586930
What is my point in showing you these headlines? In the first 5 reports, trained Loss Prevention employees were injured or killed in their attempts to do their jobs and prevent criminals from stealing merchandise. Let me repeat that, they were attempting to stop shoplifting and preventing criminals from getting away. In the last 2 instance employees posed a danger and/or harmed co-workers and managers. Shoplifting is not a game and many of the people who perpetrate the crimes are dangerous. Employees who steal can be just as dangerous. How prepared are you to handle a shoplifting situation? Are you or your managers truly prepared for events that could get out of hand?
Training to reduce employee theft and stop shoplifting is important for all managers, especially those in stores with no Loss Prevention personnel available to prevent theft and help deter dishonest employees. Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. offers training sessions that can help you prevent shoplifting by teaching you about who it is that is stealing from your business, how to develop programs to deter criminals and how to approach them SAFELY. You will learn about anti-theft devices that make your store less appealing to thieves and send them elsewhere. Training programs are also available to help you with the methods of identifying employee theft and the various methods they use to steal. Were you aware that employee theft may include theft from your customers as well as your business? Employees may steal credit cards, gift cards, even receipts from your customers and in the process damage the reputation of your business. How do you repair that? Sometimes the best prevention is weeding out bad apples before they get a foot in the door. To that end, Loss Prevention Systems also has training available for teaching about pre-employment hiring and background checks. The potentially violent or dishonest employee can often be identified in a proper screening and avoided altogether.
If the stories I linked to do not persuade you of the real danger shoplifters can pose or that there are dangerous employees out there, then let me tell you about my personal experiences. I have nearly 20 years of Loss Prevention experience and 27 years of total retail experience. As a Loss Prevention manager for a major chain we went through training on how to properly approach shoplifters, how to detain them and if necessary physically restrain them. All of our L.P. personnel attended these sessions. While the training did prevent some dangerous situations my team and I still experienced being pushed, bitten, punched and verbal threats from thieves that they were in possession of a weapon. In some cases this was simply when we approached the suspect and hadn’t yet fully engaged in a stop. There are proper ways to try to approach shoplifters or deter them. Loss Prevention Systems Trainers can help keep you and your team safe.
Dangers from employees can be just as real. I have had an employee who was going to be fired and he threatened to kill himself. I have had employees who were terminated from their job and threatened to meet our Human Resources Manager in the parking lot when they got off of work. I have responded to the store in the early morning hours when a freight team member pulled a box cutter on a cleaning crew employee. Background checks, pre-employment screening and training on how to be ready for these situations should be required for your managers.
Don’t let criminals rip you off or employees steal your money and reputation. Let Loss prevention Systems, Inc. give your managers training to reduce employee theft and stop shoplifting.
Need information on training to reduce employee theft? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now
Alpha Bug Tag 2 -4 WC Blog 322
Retail Anti-Theft Devices-5
Prevent shoplifting-3
ORC Groups Are Becoming More Sophisticated But So Are Retail Anti-Theft Devices That Prevent Shoplifting
Organized Retail Crime rings seem to be a growing problem. While they used to be limited to selling out of flea markets, pawn shops and “mom and pop” stores, these criminals now also sell over the internet. Of course this adds a new wrinkle in the effort to catch the perpetrators and shut down their operations. On top of the difficulty of tracking online activity there is an added sophistication in the technologies these groups are using to steal from retailers. Those of us in Loss Prevention used to see the occasional foil lined booster bags or coats with extra pockets sewn on the inside and once in a while someone would have a portable electronic article surveillance detachment device with them. Today, more than ever it is imperative that retailers are doing all they can to prevent shoplifting by using retail anti-theft devices such as the Alpha Bug Tag 2 on merchandise.
Retail anti-theft devices make shoplifting more difficult. First, many of them have the ability to self-activate if tampered with, the Alpha Bug Tag 2 being one of them. They all work with electronic article surveillance (EAS) towers to create an alarm if a breach takes place. The Bug Tag is also an improvement over some devices because they are designed with smooth, rounded edges which allow them to sit flush against the packaging. This improvement makes them more difficult to pry apart from the item they are protecting. Some devices come in a 3 alarm style that has an extended range alarm that sounds in the tag itself if the tagged merchandise is carried out in spite of the pedestal alarm. The professional shoplifter would prefer not to have to risk an alarm if possible and will take time to look for merchandise that is not protected reducing the risk of being caught. Even when booster bags are used there have been improvements in many EAS towers to such an extent that certain towers can even detect foil lined bags and discreetly alert store employees.
In the course of preparing for this article I came across stories of theft rings using stolen two-way radios or short wave radios to intercept store security calls. In one story it was reported, “When departing stores, the crews used “kryptonite” devices to deactivate security alarms at store exits…”, “ Staten Island woman, 28, busted in organized retail theft ring”, silive.com, by Mira Wassef, March 15, 2017, http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/03/staten_island_woman_28_busted.html
The same story also reported the location where a search warrant was executed had retail anti-theft devices such as Alpha Keys, and Spider Wraps that were found by investigators.
This begs the question, if ORC groups can jam towers, gain access to detachment keys or use foil lined bags can I really prevent shoplifting by using protective devices? The answer is a resounding YES! Bear in mind, not all shoplifters are part of organized crime rings. In fact the majority of your shoplifters are the opportunists. They come in and decide to steal for the thrill of it, some may say for the addiction of it and a few out of a perceived need (I am thinking of food theft and perhaps some clothing). Most people would recognize an Alpha Bug Tag 2 or other retail anti-theft device for what they are and are deterred by them. They may like the “thrill” associated with stealing but not the consequences and would rather avoid riskier actions. I would also refer back to the point I made about advances in EAS systems. Towers are available that detect metals and foil lined bags, software exists that can identify jammers used by thieves to interfere with radio frequency tags and pedestals, and 3 alarm tags all create a barrier to professional thieves. Yes, you can prevent shoplifting and deter internal theft with the use of retail anti-theft devices including the Alpha Bug Tag 2.
Need information on Alpha Bug Tag 2? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Organized Retail Crime rings seem to be a growing problem. While they used to be limited to selling out of flea markets, pawn shops and “mom and pop” stores, these criminals now also sell over the internet. Of course this adds a new wrinkle in the effort to catch the perpetrators and shut down their operations. On top of the difficulty of tracking online activity there is an added sophistication in the technologies these groups are using to steal from retailers. Those of us in Loss Prevention used to see the occasional foil lined booster bags or coats with extra pockets sewn on the inside and once in a while someone would have a portable electronic article surveillance detachment device with them. Today, more than ever it is imperative that retailers are doing all they can to prevent shoplifting by using retail anti-theft devices such as the Alpha Bug Tag 2 on merchandise.
Retail anti-theft devices make shoplifting more difficult. First, many of them have the ability to self-activate if tampered with, the Alpha Bug Tag 2 being one of them. They all work with electronic article surveillance (EAS) towers to create an alarm if a breach takes place. The Bug Tag is also an improvement over some devices because they are designed with smooth, rounded edges which allow them to sit flush against the packaging. This improvement makes them more difficult to pry apart from the item they are protecting. Some devices come in a 3 alarm style that has an extended range alarm that sounds in the tag itself if the tagged merchandise is carried out in spite of the pedestal alarm. The professional shoplifter would prefer not to have to risk an alarm if possible and will take time to look for merchandise that is not protected reducing the risk of being caught. Even when booster bags are used there have been improvements in many EAS towers to such an extent that certain towers can even detect foil lined bags and discreetly alert store employees.
In the course of preparing for this article I came across stories of theft rings using stolen two-way radios or short wave radios to intercept store security calls. In one story it was reported, “When departing stores, the crews used “kryptonite” devices to deactivate security alarms at store exits…”, “ Staten Island woman, 28, busted in organized retail theft ring”, silive.com, by Mira Wassef, March 15, 2017, http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/03/staten_island_woman_28_busted.html The same story also reported the location where a search warrant was executed had retail anti-theft devices such as Alpha Keys, and Spider Wraps that were found by investigators.
This begs the question, if ORC groups can jam towers, gain access to detachment keys or use foil lined bags can I really prevent shoplifting by using protective devices? The answer is a resounding YES! Bear in mind, not all shoplifters are part of organized crime rings. In fact the majority of your shoplifters are the opportunists. They come in and decide to steal for the thrill of it, some may say for the addiction of it and a few out of a perceived need (I am thinking of food theft and perhaps some clothing). Most people would recognize an Alpha Bug Tag 2 or other retail anti-theft device for what they are and are deterred by them. They may like the “thrill” associated with stealing but not the consequences and would rather avoid riskier actions. I would also refer back to the point I made about advances in EAS systems. Towers are available that detect metals and foil lined bags, software exists that can identify jammers used by thieves to interfere with radio frequency tags and pedestals, and 3 alarm tags all create a barrier to professional thieves. Yes, you can prevent shoplifting and deter internal theft with the use of retail anti-theft devices including the Alpha Bug Tag 2.
Need information on Alpha Bug Tag 2? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Alpha 3 Alarm-3 WC Blog 333
Retail Anti-Theft Devices-3
Alpha Security-3
Childhood Antics Can Lead To Young Adult Shoplifters; Clamp Down On The Crime Of Shoplifting With Alpha 3 Alarm Tags
I was reflecting on some of my oddest encounters with shoplifters and one came to mind that bothers me and I wasn’t even working that day. It involved an encounter with a young man about 10 years old in a grocery store. I wasn’t working there, and had no affiliation with the store, I just happened to be shopping with my wife. We were in the fruits and vegetables department and the boy was standing near his mother. He looked at a bunch of grapes and pulled one off and ate it. He then looked at me and grinned and grabbed another one. I wasn’t grinning, I gave the young man a stern look and shook my head. He smiled and reached for more. I continued to glare at him but he wasn’t bothered, he plucked some more and continued to eat even though he knew it was wrong. How do you prevent shoplifting when kids at that age are not afraid of adults or apparently their own parents? Often when children are able to get away with taking little things they go on to other theft. I have dealt with the children that became little monsters. I would catch the child stealing toys, cd’s or videogames and call the parent who would come to the store and tell me the kid was just a child and didn’t understand. I would have to remind the parent their precious little angel understood enough to remove the wrap or hide the item under their clothes. Need reasons to use retail anti-theft devices in your store? There you go. Grapes may not be able to be protected by Alpha Security products, but other things can be.
As these young people grow up into teenagers one of the popular categories of merchandise I have caught many of these “youths” stealing are clothes. This has included everything from underwear to pants, shirts and accessories like hats, scarves and purses. Today there are outstanding tools to deter the theft of these products from Alpha Security. Alpha 3 alarm hard tags can be attached to any garment or accessory making the item nearly impossible to steal. The tags are attached in an easy to notice location, alerting the would-be thief that protection is in place. If a shoplifter decides to try to steal the merchandise anyways there are several barriers they have to get past. First, a special detachment tool is needed to remove the tags and those are controlled by the store. If the bad guy tries to force a tag off they damage the merchandise, rendering it useless. There is also a tamper alarm that is activated when an attempt is made to forcibly remove these retail anti-theft devices. Stores that use the Alpha 3 alarm tags also have electronic article surveillance (EAS) pedestals at the front doors and these sound an audible alert and flash lights if someone tries to walk out with tagged product. Finally, for the Pièce de résistance, should a shoplifter ignore the alarm from the EAS towers, a self-alarm sounds in the device as the culprit exits, screeching even in the parking lot.
You may be thinking that I am a exaggerating a bit, that grazing on a few pieces of fruit does not equate to someone eventually shoplifting clothing. You may be correct since I don’t have empirical data to back up my claim. What I do have is experience in dealing with shoplifting youth. I have caught teenagers stealing bathing suits, jeans, and other clothing items. I have responded to EAS pedestal alarm activations and recovered merchandise that was tagged with a retail anti-theft device. I have caught pre-teen boys trying to wear a new pair of sneakers out of the store without paying for them. I can’t begin to count the number of times I heard the excuses, “I thought I put it back”, “I didn’t know” (of course I didn’t know what it was they didn’t know) or “My friends made me do it”. Then there was the best non-excuse excuse, “I’ll just pay for it”, how was that going to work if they had gotten away? Alpha Security products work at deterring and preventing shoplifting but there are always those who are going to try anyways. I do believe in many cases properly addressing even the smallest incidents of theft and making children aware there are penalties can prevent the behavior when they grow into young adults.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor. There’s no need for sour grapes over merchandise shortage. Regardless of their age; prevent shoplifters from stealing from you by using Alpha 3 Alarm tags on all of your clothing goods and protect your profits.
Get more information on Alpha 3 Alarm, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
I was reflecting on some of my oddest encounters with shoplifters and one came to mind that bothers me and I wasn’t even working that day. It involved an encounter with a young man about 10 years old in a grocery store. I wasn’t working there, and had no affiliation with the store, I just happened to be shopping with my wife. We were in the fruits and vegetables department and the boy was standing near his mother. He looked at a bunch of grapes and pulled one off and ate it. He then looked at me and grinned and grabbed another one. I wasn’t grinning, I gave the young man a stern look and shook my head. He smiled and reached for more. I continued to glare at him but he wasn’t bothered, he plucked some more and continued to eat even though he knew it was wrong. How do you prevent shoplifting when kids at that age are not afraid of adults or apparently their own parents? Often when children are able to get away with taking little things they go on to other theft. I have dealt with the children that became little monsters. I would catch the child stealing toys, cd’s or videogames and call the parent who would come to the store and tell me the kid was just a child and didn’t understand. I would have to remind the parent their precious little angel understood enough to remove the wrap or hide the item under their clothes. Need reasons to use retail anti-theft devices in your store? There you go. Grapes may not be able to be protected by Alpha Security products, but other things can be.
As these young people grow up into teenagers one of the popular categories of merchandise I have caught many of these “youths” stealing are clothes. This has included everything from underwear to pants, shirts and accessories like hats, scarves and purses. Today there are outstanding tools to deter the theft of these products from Alpha Security. Alpha 3 alarm hard tags can be attached to any garment or accessory making the item nearly impossible to steal. The tags are attached in an easy to notice location, alerting the would-be thief that protection is in place. If a shoplifter decides to try to steal the merchandise anyways there are several barriers they have to get past. First, a special detachment tool is needed to remove the tags and those are controlled by the store. If the bad guy tries to force a tag off they damage the merchandise, rendering it useless. There is also a tamper alarm that is activated when an attempt is made to forcibly remove these retail anti-theft devices. Stores that use the Alpha 3 alarm tags also have electronic article surveillance (EAS) pedestals at the front doors and these sound an audible alert and flash lights if someone tries to walk out with tagged product. Finally, for the Pièce de résistance, should a shoplifter ignore the alarm from the EAS towers, a self-alarm sounds in the device as the culprit exits, screeching even in the parking lot.
You may be thinking that I am a exaggerating a bit, that grazing on a few pieces of fruit does not equate to someone eventually shoplifting clothing. You may be correct since I don’t have empirical data to back up my claim. What I do have is experience in dealing with shoplifting youth. I have caught teenagers stealing bathing suits, jeans, and other clothing items. I have responded to EAS pedestal alarm activations and recovered merchandise that was tagged with a retail anti-theft device. I have caught pre-teen boys trying to wear a new pair of sneakers out of the store without paying for them. I can’t begin to count the number of times I heard the excuses, “I thought I put it back”, “I didn’t know” (of course I didn’t know what it was they didn’t know) or “My friends made me do it”. Then there was the best non-excuse excuse, “I’ll just pay for it”, how was that going to work if they had gotten away? Alpha Security products work at deterring and preventing shoplifting but there are always those who are going to try anyways. I do believe in many cases properly addressing even the smallest incidents of theft and making children aware there are penalties can prevent the behavior when they grow into young adults.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor. There’s no need for sour grapes over merchandise shortage. Regardless of their age; prevent shoplifters from stealing from you by using Alpha 3 Alarm tags on all of your clothing goods and protect your profits.
Get more information on Alpha 3 Alarm, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
