Every year, shoplifting costs businesses billions of dollars. Actually, the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP) reported more than $13 billion worth of merchandise is stolen from retailers each year, an average of more than $35 million per day. How can Oklahoma City and Tulsa companies prevent shoplifting? Understanding why many people shoplift may be a start to prevention.
First, any store can be a target for shoplifters, and the NASP says that there is no profile for a typical shoplifter. So shoplifters may be of any age, ethnicity, gender, and even economic status. “The vast majority of shoplifters are “non-professionals” who steal, not out of criminal intent, financial need or greed, but as a response to social and personal pressures in their life,” NASP noted.
So what makes many shoplifters steal? For these non-professionals, who often have the money to pay for the item and likely don’t plan their theft in advance, it’s the “rush” or “high” feeling of thinking they’re “getting away with it” that makes them want to steal, the NASP said.
What can help Oklahoma companies prevent shoplifting?
Keep Things Visible
Use security cameras that are visible to your customers. Thieves do not want to be caught on CCTVs and surveillance systems that can be used by police to identify them. Knowing they are on camera may help to prevent these impulse shoplifters from trying to steal.
Keep aisles clear and displays low so that employees can easily see customers. Install mirrors to help employees see people throughout the store and eliminate blind spots. Post signs warning that you will prosecute shoplifters.
Organize Merchandise
Keeping your store neat and organized will not only help employees watch customers easier but also make it easier for them to detect missing items. This could also help deter thieves who see an unorganized store as an easy target.
Thieves often try to grab a bunch of clothes by the entrance and run out before employees even notice. One way to help prevent this is to alternate the direction of the hangers on a rack, making it more difficult for them to grab and run. Keep expensive and small items locked in a display case. Keep larger, expensive items away from store exits.
Monitor dressing rooms, and limit the number of items allowed in a dressing room. Require receipts for returned merchandise, especially items returned for cash, or provide a store-voucher or exchange-only for goods returned without a receipt. Keep an inventory of expensive items and check the inventory regularly.
Train Employees
Good customer service can go a long way in preventing shoplifting. Greeting every customer and offering help often can let would-be shoplifters know you’ll be watching them throughout the shopping process.
Train employees to watch for specific shoplifter traits like aimlessly walking up and down aisles, loitering, nervously watching cameras, employees, or other customers, loose or baggy clothing, clothing that does not match the weather outside, or large bags or items that could easily hide merchandise.
The Seattle Police Department advised employees who are suspicious of a customer to ask if they can help the customer find something or ask a question like “I saw you looking at the (item). Did you find what you wanted?” or “Will that (item) be cash or charge?”
Train employees to recognize group distraction techniques by thieves such as knocking over items in one area to distract employees from watching the real shoplifter. Be extra careful when the store is busy; this is when shoplifters may see a prime opportunity.
Alert and watchful employees can be a great deterrent against shoplifting.
Thus, while shoplifters may not fit into a particular profile and may steal for a variety of reasons, a few simple techniques and skills can greatly help to prevent both the “professional” and “non-professional” shoplifter from stealing valuable merchandise.
Mac Systems Tulsa & OKC Fire Safety and Security Systems 