Shoplifting Is A Common Concern for Retailers
Shoplifting, theft, and fraud are major headaches for store owners. Did you know that inventory shrinkage, including theft, cost retailers an estimated £112.1 billion in losses in 2022? As a store owner, it’s important to recognise a shoplifter and stop them without putting off genuine customers. In this guide, I’ll share practical tips and techniques to help you tackle shoplifting and keep your business secure.
How People Tend To Shoplift In The UK?
Shoplifting, or retail fraud, is taking merchandise from a store without paying for it. Even intending to steal counts as shoplifting. Shoplifters use various tricks, and knowing these can help you and your staff stay alert.
Changing a Price Tag
One common tactic is swapping price tags to pay less for an item. A customer might take a tag from a cheaper product and place it on a pricier one. This is still theft and can be tough to spot without sharp-eyed staff.
Removing Security Tags or Other Theft-Prevention Devices
Shoplifters often try to remove security tags or other devices meant to prevent theft. They might use tools like wire cutters, magnets, or small blades. Once these tags are off, they can leave the store without setting off alarms.
Hiding Merchandise in Pockets or Bags
Concealing items in pockets, bags, or under clothing is a classic method of shoplifting. Thieves might use oversized clothing or specially designed bags to hide stolen goods. They might also carry large shopping bags from other stores to avoid suspicion.
Concealing Items by Taking Them Out of Their Packaging
Another method involves taking items out of their packaging and hiding them. Shoplifters might remove an item from its box or blister pack and hide it on themselves or in a bag. This trick is often used for smaller, high-value items like electronics or jewellery.
Training Staff to Identify These Behaviours
- Regular Training Sessions: Run regular training sessions to teach your staff about common shoplifting tactics. Use real-life scenarios to help them spot suspicious behaviour.
- Clear Communication Channels: Encourage open communication among your staff. They should feel comfortable reporting any suspicious activity to management without worrying about repercussions.
- Use Technology: Equip your store with surveillance cameras and electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems. Train your staff to use these tools effectively to monitor and prevent theft.
- Customer Service: Often, simply greeting customers and offering help can deter potential shoplifters. Engaged and attentive staff can make it harder for thieves to operate unnoticed.
By understanding these tactics and giving your staff proper retail security training, you can help prevent shoplifting and protect your store’s stock.
Recognising the Signs of a Shoplifter
Recognising the Signs of a Shoplifter
Shoplifters can be anyone, regardless of race, gender, or background. While there’s no standard profile, certain red flags can help you spot potential shoplifters. Remember, these signs do not imply guilt, and most customers have no intention of stealing.
Unusual Behaviour
Frequent Store Visits Without Purchase
Oversized Clothing Or Bags
Grouping Tactics
Avoiding Staff Assistance
Spending A Long Time In One Area
Keeps Visiting A Particular Area
Suspicious Handling of Merchandise
Loitering Near Exits
Carrying Foil Lined Bags
Changes In Behaviour When Noticed
Not Dressed For The Season
Erratic Movements Around The Store
They Are Watching You
By being aware of these signs of a shoplifter and training your staff accordingly, you can significantly reduce the risk of shoplifting in your store. Always balance vigilance with good customer service to ensure that genuine shoppers feel welcome and valued.
How To Stop Repeat Offenders?
1. Look Back At Security Camera Footage: Regularly review security footage to identify any suspicious activities. Use this footage to capture clear images of shoplifters and recognize any patterns. If using an external security guard company make sure the officer also holds a CCTV license.
2. Maintain an Offender Database: Create a confidential database with photos and descriptions of known shoplifters, accessible only to authorized staff. This helps your team recognize potential threats. Make sure to comply with GDPR.
3. Display Images for Staff: Post images of known shoplifters in the staff room to keep your team alert. Update these images frequently, again make sure to comply with GDPR.
4. Collaborate with Local Businesses: Share information about known shoplifters with nearby businesses. This network can help you spot repeat offenders across different locations.
5. Train Staff to Recognize Offenders: Conduct regular training and role-playing exercises to help staff identify and monitor known shoplifters discreetly. Encourage them to report sightings immediately.
6. Adopt a Watchful Eye Policy: Encourage staff to be observant when recognized shoplifters are in the store. Engaging politely with these customers can act as a deterrent without causing confrontation.
7. Review Store Security Policies: Ensure your store security procedures on handling known offenders are clear and understood by all staff. Clarify the steps to take when a shoplifter is recognised.
What Tools Do Shoplifters Use?
Professional shoplifters often use advanced tricks to outsmart security measures. Being aware of these tools and techniques can help you stay one step ahead. Here are some common tools of the trade and how to counter them:
Razor Blades
Shoplifters sometimes carry thin, sharp blades, like razor blades, to remove alarm tags discreetly. They often use changing rooms or other secluded areas to perform this task without being noticed. Removing tags with razor blades allows them to exit the store without triggering alarms.
Booster Bags
Booster bags are another favourite tool for seasoned shoplifters. These bags are lined with materials such as tin foil to prevent security tags from setting off detectors at the store’s exits. They enable thieves to load up on merchandise and leave undetected.
Magnet Detachers
Some shoplifters use strong magnets to detach security tags from items. These magnets can be hidden in pockets or bags, making it easy to remove tags quickly without drawing attention.
Jammers and Signal Blockers
More sophisticated shoplifters might use electronic jammers or signal blockers to interfere with security systems. These devices can disrupt the signals from security tags, rendering them ineffective and allowing the shoplifter to leave undetected.
Deactivation Devices
Some shoplifters carry portable deactivation devices that can turn off security tags. These devices can be as small as a keychain and are used to disable the tags’ alarms before exiting the store.
What Can You Do To Stop Shoplifters?
Merchandising Security
High-value products should be secured with merchandising security equipment, such as security stands and lockable displays. These devices allow customers to test products while keeping them tethered to the display.
Anti-Theft Signage
Informing customers that they are being watched and the consequences of shoplifting through signage can deter potential thieves.
Cameras and Video Analytics
Surveillance cameras and video analytics software can identify suspicious movements and alert you instantly. Facial recognition technology can help identify known thieves.
Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)
Attaching security tags to products can trigger an alarm if a shoplifter walks through the electronic sensors at the exit gates.
Increase Floor Staff Presence
Having enough sales associates on the floor is one of the most effective deterrents against shoplifting. A visible staff presence can make shoplifters think twice before attempting to steal. Ensure that your staff are well-distributed throughout the store, especially in high-risk areas such as changing rooms and near exits.
Monitor Changing Rooms Closely
Changing rooms are a common spot for shoplifters to use tools like razor blades to remove security tags. Implement a system where staff count the number of items a customer takes into the changing room and check them again when they leave. This helps ensure that no items are being concealed or tampered with.
Secure High-Value Items
For expensive products, consider using additional security measures such as locked cabinets, display cases, or security cables. These measures make it more difficult for shoplifters to access and steal high-value items. You can also use electronic locks that staff can open with a key or code, providing another layer of security.
Regular Staff Training
Train your staff to recognise the signs of shoplifters using advanced tools. Educate them on how to spot unusual behaviour and what to look for, such as customers lingering in one area for too long or acting nervously. Regular training sessions can keep your team updated on the latest shoplifting tactics and how to counter them.
Use Signage as a Deterrent
Place clear signage around your store indicating that security measures are in place, such as CCTV surveillance and anti-theft tags. Visible warnings can deter potential shoplifters by making them aware that they are being watched and that the store takes security seriously.
Encourage Customer Interaction
Encourage your staff to interact with customers regularly. A simple greeting or offer of assistance can disrupt a shoplifter’s plan and make them feel watched. Engaged and attentive staff can make it much harder for thieves to operate unnoticed.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the most common method of shoplifting?
The most common method is hiding merchandise in bags, pockets, or under clothing.
How can I train my employees to spot shoplifters?
Provide regular training sessions that focus on recognising suspicious behaviours and appropriate responses.
What should I do if I catch someone shoplifting?
Follow your store’s protocol, which typically involves notifying security or management and avoiding direct confrontation.
How can technology help in preventing shoplifting?
Technology such as surveillance cameras, EAS tags, and inventory management systems can significantly reduce theft.
Is employee theft common in retail?
Yes, employee theft can be a significant issue, often costing retailers more than customer theft.
What are booster bags, and how do they work?
Booster bags are lined with materials like tin foil to prevent security tags from triggering alarms at store exits.
How T-Class Security Can Help
T-Class Security offers comprehensive retail security guarding and loss prevention services that can significantly reduce shoplifting in your store. Our experienced security personnel are trained to spot suspicious behaviour and act quickly to prevent theft, ensuring your store remains safe and secure.
Related posts:
- What Are The Causes and How To Prevent Shoplifting In Retail
- SIA Top Up Training
- UK Retail Security Challenges and How to Overcome Them
