Shoplifting

The following guidelines should be used as they apply to your business needs:

• Train employees how to reduce shoplifting opportunities and safely detain shoplifters.
• Provide adequate floor coverage for all areas accessible to customers. A phone by the register can help maintain coverage during business hours.
• Attentive salespeople should greet all customers and monitor their activities, especially in dressing rooms and restrooms. Be on guard for distractions.
• Keep small valuable items locked in display cases; limit the number of items removed for customer inspection.
• Keep valuables away from exits to prevent grab-and-run tactics. Anchor valuable display items to counters.
• Maximize visibility with low counters and proper aisle layout. Enhance visibility by raising the cash register area, using convex or one-way mirrors and acquiring security surveillance cameras.
• Keep the store neat and orderly. Pattern displays and keep them filled so you can tell at a glance if something is missing.
• Cash registers should be inaccessible to customers and monitored at all times.
• Give every customer a sales receipt and staple every bag shut with the receipt.
• Monitor shipping and receiving areas and delivery persons. Stock rooms should be off limits to all but employees.
• Design checkout lanes so everyone can be scrutinized by a cashier or other employee when leaving.
• Watch for large purses and shopping bags brought in by customers. Check items sold that could conceal other merchandise. Some clothing being worn may conceal hidden pockets.
• Check/control price tags, refund slips, etc. Watch for price tag switching.
• Notify management immediately of any suspicious activities.
• In order to improve security, keep accurate records of all shoplifting incidents, assign special security personnel to monitor customers and openly advertise your aggressive anti-shoplifting policy.