Shoplifters and Your Merchandise, Part 2

In Shoplifters and Your Merchandise, Part 1, we talked about potential shoplifters; what to look for in shoplifting rings and how shoplifters steal merchandise. Today, we’re going to look at how employees can help prevent theft and also shoplifting policies.

 

Using customer service techniques to make theft difficult is another form of prevention. By staffing an adequate number of employees to cover each shift can be a large deterrent. Having your employees greet each customer as they come in lets the customer know that they are noticed. Implementing a policy for backpacks and bags that are brought in by the customers is also an excellent preventive measure that can be used. Also don’t let the store go unattended or allow a customer to distract the cashier while they are waiting on someone else. Cashiers need to watch for price tag switching. If a price seems incorrect, have them ask for a price check immediately. Make sure your store help checks anything that can be opened easily for hidden merchandise when checking out a customer. Another option is to have each bag stapled shut with the receipt attached to the outside of the bag.

 

What should you or your employee do if you suspect a shoplifter is in the store? The first step is to approach the person acting suspiciously and ask if you can help them. Tell them you’ll be close by if they need help or have any question about the merchandise they’re holding. This lets them know that you’ll be watching them closely. If you notice suspicious activity, let the other employees know immediately. You can have a security code to let other employees be aware of what’s going on.

 

How do you stop a shoplifter? If you see someone take an item, tell your co-worker and then approach the person. Ask them politely if you can help them or if they would like you to ring up the item for them. When approaching a person of suspicion, be calm and professional. Some people honestly forget they have something in their hand. Treating the person in a polite yet firm manner will help your store to avoid slander, false arrest or a discrimination lawsuit. Most states also require that one person has to see the person take the item, conceal it and leave the store without paying. You can’t take your eyes off the shoplifter. Only then can you approach and apprehend the person without using force.

 

What is your shoplifting policy? When implementing your shoplifting policy, what should you consider? Here are some issues you may want to consider:

 

* Is it your policy to prosecute or to get the merchandise back?

*Are you going to have a zero tolerance policy for shoplifting?

*Are you going to prosecute shoplifters under 18 or over 65?

*Is there going to be a minimum dollar amount before you prosecute?

*What methods will you use for confronting and detaining a shoplifter?

*What will your policy be if the shoplifter offers to pay for the merchandise or shows remorse?

*Who is going to be responsible for calling the police?

 

Have a shoplifting policy that is fair but firm. If you don’t choose to prosecute shoplifters, your store will become easy pickings. If shoplifters know you mean business, then they will think twice about stealing from you.

 

Next week we’ll be discussing merchandise that is easy to resell and how to protect it.

 

By Linda Lee Ruzicka

 

Linda Lee Ruzicka lives in the mountains of Western PA , happily married and with her 8 cats and three dogs. She has been published in Twilight Times, Dark Krypt, Fables, Writing Village, June Cotner anthology, The Grit, Reminisce , the book, Haunted Encounters: Friends and Family. She also does freelances work for Beyond and for Salesheads. More of her blogs can be found at Salesheads blog.