The definition of shoplifting is the taking of merchandise offered for sale without paying for it. Shoplifting, according to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, has resulted in more than $25 million worth of merchandise being stolen from retailers every day. This is one of the big causes of retail shrinkage.
Regardless of the size of the retail store, all types of retailers will be susceptible to the growing issue of shoplifting. This is why retailers need to determine how to identify shoplifters and common shoplifting methods. They will also need to create an environment that is less attractive to shoplifters through implementing policies and procedures which protect their stores.
Knowing What To Look For
If you want to stop a shoplifter, you first need to be familiar with the different types of shoplifters, the commonly used methods and what you should be looking for when customers exhibit strange behavior. The main thing that you will need to consider is the visual cues that you get.
According to this NYC shoplifting lawyer, most shoplifters use other items to conceal their theft. Grab and run shoplifting is actually rare and will generally not be what you have to worry about. Most shoplifters will have a plan for how they are going to remove the merchandise from the store. An example of this will be a long coat which provides a great place to conceal merchandise or a female shoplifter who carries more than one purse or handbag.
The use of a handbag or purse is common because it is an item that will generally not cause additional attention. However, the presence of more than one should be noted. Other places that are commonly used by thieves will be strollers, umbrellas and inside bags with items that they have paid for. An example of this will be a shoplifter who buys a pair of shoes and then returns to stuff the bag full of socks and belts.
There are other sides of a shoplifter that you need to be aware of. Shoplifters will often pay more attention to the employees in the store than the merchandise. They will also pick up random items and pretend to be looking at them. Walking in the opposite direction of employees is another sign particularly when they move when the employee moves.
If you run a clothing store, you need to take note of the number of items they take into the dressing room. You should then do a quick count when they exit to ensure the number is the same.
Use Preventative Measures
Good store management is one of the most effective tools when you want to prevent shoplifting. You should look at using the store layout, common security practices, and inventory controls to fight shoplifting. You should look around your store and try to find some of the hidden places that shoplifters will use. These locations will generally be where an employee will not see what the customer is doing. This will not only make it easier for shoplifters, you will also impact your ability to provide a service.
Thinking about service, another way to prevent theft will be to offer a proactive service. If there is an employee actively engaging the customer, they will have a hard time stealing something. They will know that they are being watched and this type of customer service will be the best weapon you have.
Keeping your store shelves organized is also important. Disorganized shelves will make it harder for you to determine if something has been stolen. However, an empty space on the shelf or display table will be a sign that something is wrong. However, this will only help when you are focused on your merchandise.
Stopping Shoplifters
It is important that you have policies and procedures for shoplifting set up early in the business planning process. While you hope this will never happen in your store, the truth is that it is going to happen. When it does, you and your staff will need to be prepared to handle the situation. When you create your shoplifting procedures, you should take some of these points into consideration.
How are you going to approach a customer you suspect of shoplifting?
Will you confront the suspect or will your policy be to not confront them?
Who will you be calling or contacting?
What documentation are you going to need?
You should take some time to role-play the proper procedure with your employees. This is not something that they should try to complete at the time. Train them correctly and everything will go smoothly.
Retailers are being struck by outside influences every day. The truth is that most shoplifters are not professionals and only 3% are estimated to be professional thieves. However, it is possible to control your losses through shoplifting prevention.
