In my opinion, you should look at loss prevention initiates as a way to help you succeed. If your programs work, your sales increase, losses decrease, you’re more profitable and customers will shop your store because you are in stock. I think there are plenty of small business owners and managers out there who are having problems with theft, who may have the solutions already in place, but maybe lack the eye that put the puzzle pieces together. Well, I’d like to be that last puzzle piece and highlight 10 ways you can maximize the effectiveness of your Checkpoint tags.


  1. Denim Jeans –These are a popular item for shoplifters. Whether a teenage girl, or a coast to coast booster who walks out with 25 pairs, jeans attract thieves. Having a good clothing security device, such as an ink tag through the front of the jeans in a visible area will deter any and all criminal activity.
  2. Footwear – This is one area that a lot of smaller stores often overlook. Shoes are easy to conceal in a purse, or if you have even bolder thieves, they can simple trade out their old shoes for a new pair. One very effective way to protect this merchandise is using a checkpoint tag right through the tongue of the shoe.
  3. Accessories- Winter is here and that means you’ll see an increase in winter gloves, scarves, beanies and knit caps in store. These are a shoplifter’s favorite items, as most stores lack any clothing security devices here. By simply using a Checkpoint tag in a prominent location of the item, you can help keep more of those items available to your legitimate customers.
  4. Hats – This is especially true for licensed hats. I find myself in stores pretty regularly and see that they have a huge assortment of these hats, which aren’t cheap, completely void of any type of clothing security device. A hard tag through one of the eye holes at the top of the cap prevents damage to the item and provides a great visible deterrent to a would-be thief.
  5. Belts – These are a bit tricky. It’s difficult to use a hard tag without damaging the product. I’ve used some soft tags in the past with some success. The more experienced shoplifter will just remove the sensor; however, depending on the size of the belt and the buckle, there are several varieties of soft tags that will work quite well.
  6. Socks – Every single day, my agents catch someone stealing socks. It’s a bit ridiculous really… Again, with a simple hard tag through the top of the packaging, you can really make a dent in hosiery losses.
  7. Outerwear – Winter is here. That means your store has the seasons newest jackets, coats and sweaters. What I’ve find most beneficial is a checkpoint tag on the back of the collar. This placement lets the tag stay hidden on those high end pieces that need to be prominently merchandised, all while giving you the full protection of a solid clothing security device.
  8. Swimwear –To prevent swimwear theft, I’ve always used a hard tag in the arm seam of the garment. This prevents any damage and again, gives you that strong visible deterrent to any thief.
  9. Undergarments – High dollar and little fabric. Makes concealing incredibly easy. A simple hard tag on the rear can cut down your losses in an instant.
  10. Purses – If you carry designer handbags, then you know that these are a huge target for thieves. What I find works best and is the most effective is a simple ink tag through the seam on the strap. Thieves are not willing to tamper with the ink tag as it will completely ruin their haul.

 

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