Month: February 2019

History of EAS security tags

A brief history of EAS security tags

For as long as there have been products to sell, retailers have been battling the five-finger discount, and along the way they’ve employed all sorts of methods to combat the crime.

In this constantly evolving battleground, one of the most effective strategies developed was Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS), allowing retailers to protect individual products with security tags and be alerted to an incident of theft.

Since they first hit the shop floor in the 1960s, EAS and security tags have become one of the most popular loss prevention tools available, and in the five decades that have ensued they’ve also come a very long way.

Here’s a brief history of EAS and security tags and how they came to be one of the top methods employed in the battle against retail shrink.

Not so humble beginnings

Electronic Article Surveillance had its origins in 1964 when a store manager in Ohio became frustrated with the ongoing problem of shoplifting. After chasing a man who had pilfered bottles of spirits, he reportedly remarked that anyone who could figure out a way to deter such thieves was destined to make a fortune.

Overhearing the comment, his cousin, Jack Welch, enthusiastically embraced the challenge, returning to the store weeks later with a tag taped to a piece of cardboard and a box of electrical components. The creation was rough and ready but demonstrated that if you tried to leave the store with the tag, an alarm would sound.

The super tag 60s

History of EAS security tags

Fast forward two years and the official honour of inventing EAS security tags actually goes to Arthur J. Minasy. He is the inventor credited with creating and patenting a security device that could be attached to items for sale. Manasy’s system was based on Radio Frequency (RF) technology and became the basis for his company Knogo.

By the end of that year, security tags were widely marketed to retailers.

Swept RF and the small label 70s

The 1970s saw major innovations in the world of EAS. By the early 1970s Swept RF technology had been developed, followed by electro-magnetic technology and the ability to create small labels.

The acousto magnetic 80s

Further innovation continued throughout the 1980s with acousto-magnetic technology joining the EAS line-up.

Operating on a lower frequency, it allowed retailers to thwart shoplifters who tried to get around tag security by using foil booster bags.

Then in 1986 Ink tags arrived, featuring a dye pack that would release ink when thieves tampered with the tag. The first incarnation of the technology wasn’t a huge success, but it would go on to be developed into a highly effective benefit denial strategy that now also harnesses the power of EAS.

The source tag 90s

The 1990s saw the rollout of source tagging where retailers now enjoyed the convenience of tags being applied at the point of manufacture. It was quickly embraced by major US retailers like Home Depot and JC Penney.

Beyond 2000

The past two decades have seen the constant improvement and refinement of EAS.

Security tags and security labels now offer a higher quality solution in a range of sizes that do not impede consumer interaction. They are also more readily integrated with packaging, are more reliable, and are easier to deactivate at the point of sale.

Much of this innovation has been driven by the availability of new technology and smaller components, but it has also been in response to the improved talents of thieves.

As a result, EAS, security labels and tags continue to improve and evolve, and the method remains the most popular form of loss prevention. Employed by 68 per cent of retailers in the US and 73 per cent of retailers globally, it also ranks as one of the most effective strategies, curbing loss by up to 80 per cent.

You can learn more about EAS and selecting the right security tags here.

Retail Loss Prevention

Top store-level loss prevention strategies

In the ongoing battle against shoplifting and retail loss, there are two levels of protection available – product-level security which protects individual items, and store-level protection strategies, which safeguard the retail outlet as a whole. After previously examining product level security techniques like Electronic Article Surveillance and security tags, in this article attention turns to retail store loss prevention strategies that protect the store as a whole.

Store-level protection

Store-level protection strategies look at the outlet wholistically. Some are used just while the store is open, while others combat crime that might also occur outside of hours. According to the most recent Global Retail Theft Barometer, the top strategies used by US retailers are:

CCTV/DVR

Used by 83 per cent of retailers, this helps deter and combat shoplifting during opening hours and burglaries that might occur after hours

Alarm Monitoring

Mainly used when the retail outlet is closed or to monitor entry points other than the customer entry during opening hours, alarm monitoring is employed by 78 per cent of US retailers.

POS EBR (exception-based reporting)

POS EBR allows retailers to understand what’s happening at the point of sale. Used by 68 per cent of retailers, it helps identify fraudulent transactions.

Security Guards

One of the more traditional loss prevention strategies, security guards remain popular and are utilized by 63 per cent of retailers.

Logistics-related Solutions (GPS, truck seal program, etc.)

This strategy tends to combat shrink, including cash theft, during the delivery and transport phase. It’s used by 59 per cent of retailers.

Foot Traffic Counters

Foot traffic counters can be incorporated into EAS systems and allow an insight into when the retail outlet is likely to be busy so loss prevention measures can be improved. It’s used by 46 per cent of retailers.

Door Seals/MAG

Used by 46 per cent of retailers, door seals and mag stripping allow retailers to limit access to their building and reduce potential break-in points.

Parking Lot Protection Present

44 per cent of retailers have security in the parking lot in a bid to reduce potential crimes inside and outside of trading hours.

Advanced Data Analytics

Advanced data analytics allow retailers to better understand where and when theft is likely to occur and take measures to reduce it. 37 per cent of retailers employ this technology.

Advanced Access Control (key card, biometric technologies, etc.)

This strategy sees access limited to the retail outlet either at the back of the house or at all entrances after hours. It also works to prevent employee theft by indicating who has been in the building, when. 29 per cent of retailers utilise advanced access control.

Motion Detection Alerts

Often used in conjunction with alarm monitoring, 27 per cent of retailers have motion detection alerts to indicate when someone has entered their retail outlet after hours.

Facial/Customer Recognition Technology

Although only used by five per cent of retailers according to the Theft Barometer, this technology is on the increase. It allows retailers to identify customers so they can better serve them, but also helps flag shoplifters who may have previously stolen from the outlet.

All these methods utilize technology and services to help reduce the risk of shoplifting in retail environments, and many retailers use numerous strategies in a bid to minimize their risk.

Meanwhile, staff screening, training and store layout all play a vital role.

In the end, the best loss prevention comes down to identifying where your store and stock are most vulnerable to shrink and using the techniques that best combat this threat.

If you’re looking to understand the product security strategies available for your store or gain an insight into which security tags or labels are best suited to your retail environment, our staff are available to assist and can be contacted here.

Theft Prevention

From store layout to security tags position equals theft prevention

In the ever-changing playing field of loss prevention, positioning of security systems and products plays a major role. From where you position your antenna to how you position security labels and lay out your displays, it all adds up to create an environment designed to thwart the would-be shoplifter.

Not only does correct positioning help deter shoplifting and minimise loss, it also works to improve in-store efficiency and the customer experience.

So, here’s an insight into the role position plays in theft prevention.

A bit about position and theft prevention

When it comes to product protection, electronic article surveillance consistently ranks as one of the most effective ways to deter, identify and reduce shoplifting. Involving the components of security tags, security labels and detection antenna, it sees an alarm sound when a product is illicitly leaving the store.

The effectiveness of this system all comes down to positioning – of the antenna, the security tags and labels, and the equipment that detaches tags and deactivates labels to minimize false alarms.

Meanwhile, the physical layout of your store also helps to reduce theft, with the correct positioning of lighting and displays both working to provide an environment that is less conducive to theft.

So, what’s the best practice?

EAS antenna position

EAS antenna are usually positioned in the entry way to a store, although recent developments mean antenna can now also be built into the doorway, concealed beneath the floor or installed overhead.

Depending on whether the system is RF or AM, antenna will have different detection ranges, meaning some are more suited to wide entrances, while others will require the installation of additional antenna to adequately cover an expansive opening.

Product positioning around antenna

The area between and in the immediate vicinity of EAS antennas should be kept free of product displays, clothing racks and even decorations. (Some decorations, especially those with foil or metal have been known to trigger an EAS alarm).

The “No Tag” zone is generally within seven feet of the EAS system.

As a simple check, stretch your arms out, like you are doing a star jump, and make sure there are no security tags within, or just out of your reach, all around each pedestal.

In over 90 per cent of reported cases of false alarming, alarms are caused by a tag within the vicinity.

Security tag position

Used for apparel and high value items like accessories, footwear and handbags, security tags should be positioned so as not to interfere with the customer’s experience of a product, but in a place where they are easy for staff to detach.

At the same time, tags should also be situated in an obvious enough place to deter theft and ensure anyone attempting to pull them off will cause significant damage to a product, rendering it useless.

Many retailers have store guides and policies regarding tag positioning. This ensures they are consistently positioned uniformly and correctly in a bid to maintain the aesthetic appeal of store displays, while deterring shoplifting.

Security label position

The ideal position for a security label is near the barcode. This position allows for quick deactivation and maximum efficiency at the Point of Sale.

However, it’s important to ensure the security label does not obscure that barcode or essential information on the product packaging.

Detacher and deactivator position

Security tag detachers and label deactivators are best positioned at the Point of Sale, allowing for easy tag removal and label deactivation.

Tag detachers can be built into the countertop or affixed to it, while deactivators can be mounted to the counter, concealed beneath it or incorporated into barcode scanning equipment.

Retailers should ensure these detachers and deactivators are easily accessible to staff, and there are enough to service all Points of Sale.

Store layout

Proper store layout and staff positioning plays a critical role in the reduction of shoplifting and theft. All areas of the floor should be visible to staff members monitoring it, and the retail environment should be adequately lit so there are no dark spaces for shoplifters to lurk and conceal items.

A staff member should monitor the fitting rooms or additional EAS security like the Fitting Room Guard should be installed. Where possible staff should meet and greet customers at the entry of a large retail outlet, or on the floor of a smaller one.

Meanwhile, high value items like electronics should be securely displayed or enclosed in lockable cabinets, and excess stock should be locked in draws or cabinets.

The final position

It’s the little things that really add up when it comes to preventing shoplifting, and how and where you position your products, security systems and tags all play a role. Importantly correct positioning also allows staff to complete their tasks more effectively while better servicing the shopper and offering an improved customer experience.

 

5 reasons to upgrade your security tags

Five reasons to upgrade your security tags

It’s human nature to stay in the comfort zone, go with what we know and believe if it’s worked before, likelihood is it will work again. But when it comes to combating shoplifting, the reality is the playing field constantly shifts.

What worked a decade ago or even two years prior may no longer suffice in the ongoing war against an increasingly savvy thief.

Loss prevention, like cyber-security, requires a commitment to regular reassessment and the occasional upgrade.

With that in mind, here are five reasons to upgrade your security tags.

Better locking mechanisms

Not so long ago, standard strength magnetic locking mechanisms were enough to deter a shoplifter looking to illicitly remove product security tags.

In many cases, standard is no longer enough. In a world where “security tag removal” is but a Google search away, and shoplifters can purchase standard strength detachers on the internet, retailers need to be more proactive when it comes to thwarting thieves.

One of the first areas store management should look to upgrade is the magnetic strength of their security tag’s locking mechanism. Superlock is the minimum recommended strength, with anything above that, like Hyperlock or Multipolar, offering increased security.

Larger pin sizes

When it comes to apparel and some soft furnishings, tags are secured to merchandise via a pin that passes through the item. The pinhead size of these fixtures varies, and increasing the size can improve the effectiveness of the tag.

Larger pinhead sizes make it harder to force the pinhead through an item without causing significant damage to the product. This acts as both a deterrent and a benefit denial strategy.

The good news is, shifting to a larger pinhead size does not require the purchase of new security tags. security pins are available with a range of pinhead sizes to accommodate the most commonly used tags.

Improved tag shape

By nature, some tag shapes afford less risk of illicit removal, with round and shell among the styles that offer increased security.

In the case of shell tags, the back and the front of the tag are the same size and feature a rounded shape. This makes it harder for thieves to get a purchase on the tag to lever it apart.

Product specific tags

In years gone by security tags were larger, more likely to interfere with the customer experience of the product and were not specifically designed for the product being protected. Now there is an array of small, discrete tags for apparel, and a host of other purpose-designed tags to suit other products.

When considering EAS and security tags, it’s imperative retailers factor in the specific item being protected and look for the right security tag to assist.

Security tags are available to suit a wide variety of products including liquor bottles, eyewear, and fashion accessories.

New features

Security tag technology and design consistently evolves. Now EAS can also incorporate RFID to allow for better supply chain accuracy and up to the minute inventory counting.

Meanwhile, one of the most recent additions to the security tag lineup is alligator tags. These tags are an all-in-one solution that effectively allows the tag to clip onto the product and secure when the pin enters the inbuilt locking mechanism.

They enable retailers to do away with pins all together, to simply and affordably affix their EAS security tags to a product.

The final word

Retail security and loss prevention is an ongoing commitment and investment for every retailer. But the return on that investment can be far greater than many expect. Simple strategies like upgrading security tags to stay ahead of shoplifters minimizes loss and deters future theft attempts.

If you’re looking to understand which security tags or labels are best suited to your retail environment, our staff are available to assist, and can be contacted here.

Top 10 retail loss prevention strategies

The top retail loss prevention strategies

Let’s be blunt – shoplifting and shrink costs US retailers big time, setting the industry back $46.8 billion in 2017 alone, according to the latest National Retail Federation survey.

Those figures don’t even take into account the cost of the time and effort involved in combatting the problem. Nor the price of implementing loss prevention strategies, which set the industry back a further $44.90 billion, according to the latest Global Retail Theft Barometer.

If you’re among the many retailers looking to curb the cost of shoplifting while ensuring maximum return on your loss prevention investment, here’s an insight into the top loss prevention strategies available.

The two levels

When it comes to loss prevention, strategies are broadly broken into two levels:

  • Product level – which sees individual items protected, and
  • Store level – which sees the entire store monitored and protected

As good loss prevention is about employing multiple strategies, most retailers tend to use techniques from both categories.

Here’s an insight into the most popular loss prevention strategies used at a product-based level…

Top product level loss prevention strategies

Electronic article surveillance

Comprising security tags, security labels and detection antenna, EAS remains the most popular technique for protecting individual items. Used by 68 per cent of retailers, it also ranks as one of the most effective strategies, curbing loss by up to 80 per cent.

However, when it comes to EAS implementation, the US falls below the international average. Globally, the Theft Barometer notes 73 per cent of retailers utilize EAS.

Spider wraps and security keepers

Similar to security tags and security labels, spider wraps and security keepers see merchandise fitted with a transmitter that activates an EAS alarm when a thief tries to remove an item from a store.

Unlike labels and tags, which are physically attached to the product, wraps and keepers go around the product as a plastic box (keeper) or a wrap (that resembles a spider web).

This strategy is utilised by 41 per cent of US retailers.

Shelving Solutions and Delayed Fixtures

Whether it’s lockable glass cabinets that secure merchandise, stop locks which restrict product access, or time-delayed locks which minimize how many products can be removed at a time, shelving solutions and delayed fixtures are the third most popular product-based loss prevention strategy used by US retailers, with 29 per cent of stores utilizing these methods.

Tethered cables

A further option many retailers employ is to physically tether their products to in-store displays. Broadly described as an advanced inventory control tactic, it’s a strategy used by 27 per cent of retailers and is particularly suited to electronics like mobile phones, tablets and computers.

EAS Pedestal Analytic Data Tools

In addition to immediately alerting retailers to a theft, EAS also enables store management to better understand shoplifting trends via data analytics so they can take further loss prevention measures in the future. This technique is used by 15 per cent of retailers.

RFID-based EAS

Although the Theft Barometer indicates RFID is employed by 12 per cent of retailers, the likelihood is this figure has increased in recent years as more and more retailers embrace the new technology.

RFID sees products fitted with small chips that can contain highly detailed information. It allows for inventory tracking and up-to-the-minute inventory counting. According to recent research, it can offer near-perfect supply chain accuracy of 99.9 per cent.

All these loss prevention strategies work to protect and safeguard individual merchandise at a product-based level.

In a future post, we uncover the top loss prevention strategies for protecting the entire store, inside and outside of trading hours.

If you’re looking to understand the best product security strategies for your store, or gain an insight into which security tags or labels are best suited to your retail environment, our staff are available to assist and can be contacted here.

Employee Theft

Employee theft – More common than you think in retail

Shoplifting might steal the limelight, but in the US, the cold hard reality is that employee theft accounts for almost half of all retail loss.

According to the latest Global Retail Theft Barometer, employee theft is the main contributor to retail shrink, accounting for 45 per cent of loss each year.

So why do employees steal and what can be done to combat the loss?

The Cost

The trouble with employee theft is the hit is often higher than everyday shoplifting.

The New York Times notes a global study found dishonest employees averaged USD$1890 in theft, compared with USD$438 for shoplifters.

But it’s not just the financial cost, employee theft takes a very real emotional toll as well, as CNBC explains:

“Often, the employees who embezzle are trusted members of a company’s team…It can be incredibly devastating to find out they have been ripping you off.”

Why employees steal

While there are varied reasons why an employee may steal, there are often common themes and factors at play.

Motivations may include:

  • Need: To support family or lifestyle
  • Revenge: Bitterness about their situation or anger toward management, often emotionally driven.
  • Thrills: The adrenaline rush brought on by the risk of getting caught (often there is no financial need to steal).

But opportunity also plays an important role. The Theft Barometer found the following factors contributed to employee theft:

  • Weak pre-employment screening procedures
  • Reduced associate supervision
  • Increasing part-time workforce (especially during peak winters); and
  • Easy sale of stolen merchandise.

Meanwhile, some store types are more prone to theft than others. Verticals witnessing the most employee theft were:

  • non-grocery retailers (81% of the total shrinkage)
  • department stores (59% of the total shrinkage); and
  • supermarkets/grocery retailers (50% of the total shrinkage).

How employees steal

In many cases employee theft comes down to opportunity, meaning as much attention should be paid to internal security as to general shoplifting prevention strategies. Common methods that retailers report are:

Under ringing – In this scenario the cashier uses the Point of Sale to ring up an item at less than its listed price, collects the full amount and pockets the difference.

Product theft – This is just the straight theft of a product.

Skimming – An oldie, but still prevalent, skimming involves pocketing a small amount of money from the till in the hope it will go unnoticed or won’t matter when the till is counted at the close of day.

Sweet hearting – Sweet hearting can involve a series of strategies but sees employees fail to ring up or discount items for the benefit of friends.

Gift card theft – Typically difficult to detect, gift card theft involves an employee issuing fake refunds for gift cards that they keep. It also involves handing a customer a blank gift card while they keep the loaded one.

Refunds – In this case the cashier rings up a false refund and keeps the cash.

How to combat employee theft

Like all areas of loss prevention, tackling employee theft requires a multi-faceted approach. It is part technology and part education, but it starts with the employees you choose.

Employee screening – Ensure all new employees are effectively vetted and screened by conducting interviews, checking them on the internet and contacting previous employers along with referees.

Clear policy – Create a clear policy regarding employee theft and fraud. Educate your staff as to the internal controls used to prevent theft and the disciplinary implications. A strategy that encourages anonymous reporting of theft assists with this, along with educating staff about the signs and effects of theft.

The Point of Sale – The Point of Sale is where many cases of theft occur, so look to POS software which requires staff to log in with unique access codes so you can see who is at the register, when. Use reporting features to track gift card sales and examine all discounts and returns.

Use technology – There is a host of technology that allows greater visibility of staff and products. This includes smart locks that offer the convenience of a single type key which can be programmed to limit the access staff have to specific cabinets or their department. Importantly these keys can track which staff members access what cabinet, drawer or spider wrap and when they do it.

RFID allows the constant monitoring of products so management can understand what items are available at any point in time. This increases accuracy of stock monitoring which in the long run helps to reduce theft. When applied at the point of manufacture, RFID tags also offer an understanding of where exactly items are in the supply chain.

Meanwhile EAS security tags and security labels ensure items can’t simply be pocketed.

Monitoring – Staff monitoring, whether via CCTV or supervision acts to deter employees from theft. Monitoring can also involve regular locker and bag checks or employing security staff to watch the entire store.

The environment – The culture and environment of a retail outlet plays a huge role in the deterrence of theft. Foster a positive working environment where employees are treated fairly and with respect and there will be fewer or no incidents of stealing out of revenge.

 

 

Security Tags and Pins

Size matters – some pointers on security tags and pins

When talk turns to security tags and electronic article surveillance, the focus is often on their technology.

But what’s frequently overlooked is a very simple component of each security tag – the pin. The pin is the element that secures an electronic security tag to an item, and it’s a major consideration when determining how effective that tag will be in the bid to combat shoplifting.

Here’s an insight into why shape, style and size matters when it comes to security tag pins.

Security Tag elements

Every security tag comprises a series of essential elements:

The tag – The tag is the hard, plastic component which houses an EAS transmitter. Operating on either an RF or AM frequency these transmitters communicate with an antenna, usually positioned near the entry to the store. When the tag comes too close to that antenna, an alarm will sound.

The locking mechanism – The tag also incorporates the locking mechanism which secures a pin. Locking mechanisms can be mechanical or magnetic, but their job is to lock the pin in place so a tag cannot be physically pulled apart by a shoplifter and removed.

The pin – The pin comprises a pin head and a metal shaft that passes through a garment or item and locks into the tag. Pin heads are available in different sizes. And it’s important to note, the size and style of this pin head can have a large bearing on how effective your tag will be.

Meanwhile, recent developments have also seen all-in-one tags like the alligator tag become available which incorporate the tag, locking mechanism and pin into one item.

Size and shape matters

Pins come in a variety of sizes and styles. Some have small metal pinheads, others have dome shaped, larger plastic pin heads, and others still include benefit denial features.

It’s important to consider these sizes and styles as you select security tags for your store. And here’s why…

Size – Although it’s a messy method, shoplifters have been known to remove tags by forcing the pin head through the fabric of the garment or by making a small cut. Therefore, larger pinheads can be of benefit.

Larger pinheads act as a deterrent as they require the thief to cause more significant damage to an item in order to force a pin head through. This damage renders the garment less valuable or entirely useless.

This is also something to bear in mind when it comes to positioning clothing tags on garments. The tags should be positioned in an area that will cause visible and irreparable damage if someone tries to force a pinhead through that area of the product.

Style – Pinheads are also available with additional security features like ink. Ink dye pinheads act as both a benefit denial strategy and a deterrent. Should a thief try to tamper with a tag featuring an ink dye pinhead, the ink releases into the garment, rendering it damaged and useless. That makes ink dye tags less likely to attract removal attempts.

Shape – When we talk about shape, we are referring to the shape of the hard tag in relation to the pin head.

And there are a few common shapes available in clothing tags:

  • Pencil or square tags that require a standard pin.
  • Clam shell tags that are circular in shape. Usually the tag body and pin head are the same size.
  • Alligator tags where the tag, locking mechanism and pin are part of an all in one design, which effectively clips onto a garment.

Statistics indicate that pencil or square tags are more readily circumvented by shoplifters who have more leverage to attack the pin and or bypass the locking mechanisms by forcing it open. Meanwhile clam shell tags have less leverage points due to their circular uniform tag and pin design.

So much more to consider

The pin and pinhead are just one of many features to consider when it comes to selecting the right clothing or product security tags for your store. You can learn more about the different tags available here, or contact our friendly staff for further advice.

Prevent Shoplifting

When people shoplift

Right now, America is in the grip of shoplifting season, with statistics indicating winter is the prime time for theft across the retail sector.

That’s partly due to the festive season, but also because of a whole host of other factors that create the perfect storm when it comes to retail loss.

So, let’s take a deep dive into when people shoplift and the strategies you can employ to mitigate the loss.

‘Tis the season of thieving

According to the latest Global Retail Theft Barometer,  shoplifting is indeed a seasonal activity, with winter presenting some of the greatest challenges and losses for retailers in the US.

Much of that theft is driven by the festive season, with 81 per cent of winter losses occurring during holidays/festivities.

This shrinkage is prompted by increased foot traffic throughout stores, making it harder to track and detect theft, and is then further complicated by casual employees, who often have less training in store protocols and shoplifting detection.

Meanwhile, the consumer’s need to “have items” for the season of giving may lower their inhibitions about committing a theft.

“Rise in theft during holidays/festivals is driven by shoppers’ pressures to buy, seasonal hiring, crowded and chaotic stores, and increased perceptions about easy opportunities to get away with theft,” the Theft Barometer notes.

But make no mistake, even after the crowds of Christmas subside and the footfall of sales traffic subdues, retail loss continues at a higher rate throughout the winter months.

And, according to the Global Retail Theft Barometer that comes down to an often-overlooked cause – the clothing people wear. They note that theft in winter increases quite simply because of the heavy and bulky clothing people wear, which makes it easier to conceal stolen merchandise.

Five finger discounts at sales time

Although winter is a standout season for increased theft there are other peak times of the year, usually coinciding with sales periods.

Again, the upward trend in loss during these times is attributed to increased foot traffic, more frenzied shopper behavior, and the perception that theft is easier to get away with.

However, it’s also likely stock positioning and store layout contributes to the rise in losses.

Sales often see more stock on the floor, and this results in more items being available to shoplifters. Not only is there more opportunity, but due to crowded aisles and stacked sales tables, store associates are more likely to struggle to see thefts occurring, partly due to the fact they are busy and partly because additional stock on the floor reduces visibility.

So what can you do?

Reducing spikes in theft

Loss prevention is always multi-faceted strategy that includes harnessing available technology, while also focusing on staff recruitment and training. Periods which are renowned for additional losses should see extra vigilance across the board.

Staff training

Even though holidays and sales periods may see an influx of seasonal workers, all should be screened carefully prior to commencing employment.

New recruits should also be given thorough training in store protocols and customer service techniques. It has been widely reported that the simple act of greeting customers can result in a reduction in theft.

All staff should be given aa refresher of the suspicious behavior that shoplifters are likely to portray, which includes:

  • Spending more time watching the cashier or salesperson than actually shopping.
  • Wearing bulky, heavy clothing during warm weather or coats when unnecessary.
  • Walking with short or unnatural steps, which may indicate that they are concealing stolen items.
  • Taking several items into a dressing room and only leaving with one item or none.
  • The customer’s eyes are not looking at what their hands are doing; instead they are looking out for staff! So if the eyes don’t match the action…beware.
  • Appearing nervous and picking up random items with no interest.
  • Frequently entering store and never making a purchase.

Electronic article surveillance

Electronic article surveillance, comprising security tags, security labels, and detection antenna, remains one of the most widely used and effective means to detect an incidence of theft as it is occurring.

Noted to reduce shoplifting by an estimated 60-80 per cent, the strategy sees tags or labels affixed to merchandise. Tagged or labelled products are constantly monitored by the antenna, and should a shoplifter attempt to leave a store with an item, an alarm will sound, alerting staff to a potential theft.

Tags or labels on merchandise also often act as a visual deterrent for thieves.

Store layout

Even during busy periods like sales and holidays, store management should use common sense in terms of store layout.

Good lighting plays a role in reducing theft, as does clear visibility of the store and stock. Change rooms should be carefully monitored and/or fitted with technology like the fittingroom guard.

Meanwhile, management may wish to reconsider the volume of high value stock they have on the floor, instead opting for a tethered display item, with further stock stored in lockable cabinets or on display racks with stop locks.

Retailers should also resist the urge to locate sales tables too close to the entry where items may be more prone to the snatch technique, which sees shoplifters simply grab an item and run (regardless of whether an alarm sounds).

Security personnel and CCTV

Technology, staff training and good store layout might be the first lines of defense, but monitoring also has an important role in loss prevention.

Sales periods and holidays are an ideal time to boost your in-store security presence, while CCTV is a simple and cost-effective way of recording and identifying shoplifting crimes.

You can learn more about security tags and label technology here, or gain an insight into shoplifting behaviour here.