How To Save Your Business From Organized Retail Theft

When we talk about business security shoplifting is a major headache

, especially for the small scale retailers. In fact, it is a growing threat for industries like department stores, grocery shops, apparel and garments retail shops as well as for shops selling gifts and novelties. And this organized retail theft is claimed to be growing in this uncertain economy. In addition, there is another shoplifting trend called opportunistic shoplifting. Such thefts are usually conducted by single, impulsive individual who pockets those items that are poorly protected. It is quite easy to deal with such thefts. All you need to do is make your security presence more and more visible. On the other hand, dealing with organized theft is rather difficult. As the term suggests, such crimes are conducted by gangs and it is not that easy to catch them on spot.

Technology too plays a great role in such crimes. In fact, it has made shoplifting more sophisticated. A number of organized thieves often produce phony cash register receipts as their proof of purchase, or make fraudulent returns of items by using credit card numbers which were again stolen from some body else.

Though it is difficult, large departments stores can still give a better fight to stop such crimes. They have enough budget to install security gates, hidden cameras and close circuit televisions. On the other hand, the small or mid sized retailers who have limited budget and staff face a greater challenge while dealing with such situations. But you can avoid such crimes if you take some simple preventive measures. The first and foremost is to have security guards at the entrance gate who will be responsible to check the bills and count the items of every customer leaving your shop. In addition, do not allow your customers to carry any bags (apart from his/ her purse) while entering the store.

You must understand that shoplifters, whether an individual or gangs, steal because you give them opportunity to do so. Take a look around the store and watch out for the loopholes. Are the shelves of your store covered? Can the customers reach there easily? Do you have too little staff to cater to the needs of your customers? These are some of the situations that can provoke the shoplifters. But you can deal with the situation before it gets out of your hand. Appoint enough staff to acknowledge every customer in some way or other. Make sure that there is at least one staff in every row. Keep the shelves in a way so that you can easily see from one part of the store to another. Items that are expensive and are more vulnerable to theft must be kept in covered and secured shelves. And tell your people to be extra cautious while showing such items like iphone, laptops, jewelries and expensive stones and watches.

It has also been noticed that some your employees are involved in organized thefts. Some of employee thefts include stealing cash and / or goods, forging or hiding receipts, skimming from vendor deliveries and engaging in shipping and billing scams. Thereby you must also handle them carefully. Be very careful while hiring your staff. Background checks including talking to previous employers and verifying references is a must. Also conduct a security check for your people during entrance and exit. Make them u8nderstand that it is a company policy and there is nothing personal. Other measures will include inspecting shipment on a regular basis, checking the registers and other records and installing at least a few surveillance cameras both for your employees and customers.

by: Emily Ralph

How To Save Your Business From Organized Retail Theft

When we talk about business security shoplifting is a major headache

Contact

www.yloan.com

Products

Our Solutions

Press Room

Resources