Police are recording more shoplifting offences than at any other time in the past 13 years, official figures have revealed.
Police recorded 336,505 shoplifting offences in the year - a 3% rise compared to the previous year.
Security experts Leisuresec plc give their 10 tips to fight back against shoplifters…
1. Maximise Visibility
- Security Guards – make sure security guards are easily identified with a uniform as they walk around the store
- Staff – ensure the staff move around the store floor- thieves feel insecure when staff do not stay in the one location
- Security Systems – installing visible security cameras which also monitor live CCTV footage
- Signs – fit prominent signs “Shoplifters will be prosecuted” and “Security cameras in use”.
2. Store Design
- Location of cash registers – if the cash registers are close to exits it is harder to steal items
- Locked display cases – ideal to display expensive items
- Eliminate or reduce blind spots in store – improves visibility for staff
- Good lighting – a thief’s enemy!
- Use of mirrors – hard to hide!
- Hang clothing so it is harder to remove – cross-hangers combat people grabbing multiple items
3. Staff Training
- Knowledge of store shoplifting policy – stay one step ahead
- Understanding behaviours of shoplifters – give staff the knowledge!
- Shoplifting methods – well worth learning
- Places they conceal items – use of prams, large coats, carrier bags
4. Customer Service
- Greeting customers on arrival – let’s thieves know they’re noticed
- Asking if they need help – proven to make thieves uncomfortable
5. Communication
- Internal - within the shop
- have codes for announcements
- use of radios
- make sure other staff are aware if people acting suspiciously
- External – neighbouring shops & other stores in chain
- keep other shops informed of shoplifters and they will do the same for you –‘neighbourhood watch’
- share descriptions of people acting suspiciously
- share details of new shoplifting methods
6. Staff Awareness
- Stock knowledge - be aware of locations / numbers
- Staff should always be alert and vigilant –be aware of shoppers, acknowledging them
- Staff placed around the shop - unsettle thieves seeking to be alone
- Changing room attendants – keep staff outside checking items in and out or keep them locked so shoppers need to ask to use them
7. Security Tags
- Check security tags are on all items
- Watch out for potential shoplifters trying to remove tags
- Check all alarms when shoppers leave store
8. Hiding Places
- Carrier Bags
- Only give carrier bags to people who have purchased something from the store
- Many thieves use carrier bags with empty boxes – which they can use for hiding items
- Pushchairs - lots of compartments for hiding
- Clothes - large jackets / wearing clothes out of the shop
- Changing rooms - quiet place to remove tags or hide items
9. Bulk Theft
- Opportunistic - looking for unmanned doors
- Racks or displays close to door provide easy access – with clothing, cross hangers on first few stands to make it harder to remove them
- Keep staff or security guards at the front of the shop – helps deter ‘grab and run’
- Common in retail parks - where they can park right outside the store
10. Staff Motivation
- Involve staff in problem solving - create a bonus scheme for reducing stock loss
- Encourage team spirit - so all staff work together
To discover more about our dedicated theft prevention App and to see the Seven Sins of Security go to www.leisuresec.plc.uk/case-study/seven-sins-security
