How to Spot a Potential Shoplifter

Spotting potential shoplifters can be difficult as there is no one type of behavior that defines a thief. However, by paying attention to details and concentrating on the shopper's actions, you'll be able to spot a possible theft.

Instructions

Mannerisms and Behaviors

1. When the customer first enters the store, assess her belongings. Most shoplifters, especially females, will carry a bulky bag or purse in which to stash items. Assess the size and shape of the bag. Often, if her intent is to steal from you, the shape of the bag will begin to change as she "shops" in your store.

2. A potential shoplifter will often wear over-sized clothing or a bulky jacket to make it easier to stash items.

3. Note how the customer behaves when she enters your store. Most often, a potential shoplifter will act jittery or nervous. This can present itself in one of two ways. If the customer you greet is scoping out the store, she will either try to get by you in a rush without making eye contact, or will smile in an overly dramatic manner, be ultra friendly and engage you in hurried conversation. Both behaviors should be enough to raise a red flag.

4. Notice which areas of the store she visits. Statistically, health and beauty sections are the most hit by shoplifters. They will take items from these sections and proceed to a place in the store out of sight, where they can open the package and stash the item away. If you see someone repeatedly going back and forth between two sections of the store, you may have a shoplifter on your hands.

   In addition to visiting the same section over and over, the shoplifter will also linger throughout the store, scoping out opportune times to swipe accessible items.

5. When you near the customer, do they take notice of you? Potential shoplifters are aware of their surroundings. They know the camera locations and where employees are. If you near a customer and she keeps glancing in your direction and moving away, they may be shoplifting.

Tips & Warnings

• Unless you are absolutely sure, never accuse a customer of shoplifting. Instead, commit her face to memory and watch her diligently every time she enters the store. Shoplifters seize upon the success of stealing and will often revisit the same store to try again. She will eventually get more confident, which leads to them being caught.

• When you see a shoplifter, call the police and let them take care of the situation. It is dangerous to approach the shoplifter to try to stop her on your own.