-
Step 1
First of all the loss-prevention staff must become very familiar with their store, from the loading dock to the front exits. There are many 'quiet' areas a shoplifter will seek out to steal something. Usually he will meander through the store and then began to circle the item(s) he desires and then will pick them up and move them to this quiet zone in order to conceal them. these quiet places are departments or areas in the store that are less frequented by customers or staff. For instance the linen department or the shoe department. Here the thief will feel comfortable enough to attempt to steal. The loss prevention officer should be aware of these zones and watch them accordingly. A large truck driver type carrying a power wrench into the drapery aisle should arouse your suspicion. Watch for people who open packages and try to switch items. Watch for customers who try to switch price tags. Shoplifters don't usually take the whole package. They will tear it open and leave the package behind concealing the stolen object somewhere in their clothing. Another trick is for a customer to take several pants or shirts into a dressing room wear the stolen merchandise under their own clothing as they exit the store.
-
Step 2
Look for suspicious behavior. The shoplifter wants to appear like a regular customer but will do things that should tip security off. They look around quite often and try to avoid staff who are on the floor. They will pick up an item and stash it somewhere and return when they think the coast is clear to shop lift it. Or they will open a box containing something they will buy but put something else in it and then go over to the hardware section and re-tape the box.
-
Step 3
Understand that employees also steal from stores. In fact they cause more loss than shoplifters. A thief working on the loading dock or at the cash register can cause a business to lose incredible amounts of revenue. Plenty of stock would flow out the back door if it were not for loss prevention. Money and merchandise would be ripped off by unscrupulous cashiers who let their friends and family buy things at a great discount or for free.
-
Step 4
Some stores have cat-walks in the ceilings that allow security personnel to view customers as they shop without being detected themselves. This is a great help especially if some of the catwalk is over the quiet zones mentioned before. The use of binoculars greatly enhances the detection of even the most minute effort at shoplifting. Surveillance cameras mounted over each cash register records every transaction and some even correspond with what merchandise is being rung up and what isn't. They can also record a dirty cashier stuffing money into their pocket. Not all stores have catwalks or cameras and the security officer must be on the floor with potential thieves. it is important that he dress in casual clothes so as not to stick out like a sore thumb. Observe people and learn their behaviors and soon it will be easy to spot a potential shoplifter.
-
Step 5
Keep in mind that some shoplifters are professional thieves and can be very crafty. But if you know what to look for, avoid being recognized, and familiarize yourself with some of the tactics these shoplifters use you will apprehend more shoplifters.
