How to Fight Shoplifting in Retail Stores
Preventing shoplifting is an important part of running a successful business.
3 Strategies to Prevent Shoplifting
Retailers lose $13 billion dollars annually due to shoplifters, which means $35 million worth of merchandise is stolen every day. There is no way to profile a shoplifter, these thieves come in all ages, ethnicities, social class, and genders. But what is known is that 1 in 11 will shoplift in their life. Alarmingly, only 1 in 48 of those who have shoplifted will ever get caught, and even worse only half of the shoplifters who get caught will be prosecuted.
Three effective ways to help prevent shoplifting
Place Products Strategically: It is important to make stealing difficult for shoplifters. Never place expensive items by the entrance of the store. Additionally, when it comes to small expensive items always place them in a locked display case, requiring any interested customer to ask for help in order to have access to these products. When laying out a store make sure there are never blind spots where an employee has a difficult time seeing or getting to customers.
Signage: Having signs that say “Shoplifters Will be Prosecuted” or “Smile, You’re on Camera” are visual cues that will scare shoplifters and make them think twice about moving forward with the crime. When putting up these signs make sure you always put one close to the door and near or in the dressing rooms - or any areas where customers are able to handle the merchandise freely.
Cameras: Cameras - both hidden and visible - are the best way in stopping people from ever committing the crime of shoplifting in your business. And if by any chance they are caught in the act of stealing they are recorded doing so. Having shoplifters recorded on camera will be necessary as evidence for them to be prosecuted. Always comply with with local and federal laws when using cameras and other surveillance equipment.