Retailers lose large sums of money each year due to shopping. Whether the store is large or small, theft loss rate consistently affects business owners. The store interior and anti-theft systems reduce the possibility of losses, but it cannot be totally controlled. Owners are constantly asking the question “How to spot a shoplifter” and practicing various methods to prevent theft in the store.
Store management Supervision and proper management of the store can help prevent theft. How to spot a shoplifter if he is within the store itself? Statistics show that it is not only those who come from the street that steal, but often the employees themselves carry out various shenanigans. Therefore, owners need to follow measures, manage inventory and hire workers with extreme attention. They should also consider the layout of the store. They should not clutter the shelves with goods, but have orderly rows in sight.
Spot a shoplifter Shoplifters fall into two categories: professional and amateur. A professional thief is not easy to spot. His task is to do his job efficiently and quietly. As for amateurs, the options here are more positive for store owners. Thieves have no external differences. Women and men steal in the same ratio. However, an unprofessional thief can behave nervously, often look around, and gaze at the store employees. Baggy clothes, caps, glasses are also used by amateur thieves.
Shoplifting methods Many thieves work in pairs to distract salespeople during a theft. It is easier to steal in busy stores during peak hours and when employees are at their busiest, such as opening, closing, or sales. Hiding goods is the most common method. Rarely thieves grab a product and run out of the store. Other methods include changing price tags and returning stolen goods to a store for a refund.
Training of employees Any employee should know how to act in the event of a theft. This applies not only to the security service, but also to consultants, cashiers, etc. Many stores have an anti-theft policy in the store, and employees need to be aware of all aspects of what to do in the event of theft. Also, all personnel contacting with customers have to be able to communicate with a potential thief. Sometimes it's worth asking a simple question, "How can I help?" to scare a novice shoplifter.
Spotting shoplifters: further actions If an employee has noticed a potential thief, it is important to handle the situation correctly. In the vast majority of cases, he should not directly accuse the person of stealing. The store clerk should come up to the person and ask if they need help or advice on an item they probably “forgot” to pay for. He should not try to stop the thief physically. Instead, the employee should call security or call the police if necessary.
The locker room is a favorite shoplifter’s place A significant proportion of thefts take place in the changing rooms of shops. Retailers should watch how many items a person takes into the locker room and how many items are left behind when they leave. Oftentimes, groups of thieves who enter a locker room together can distract an employee in the locker room while another shoplifter leaves with stolen clothing or other items.
Professionals with equipment Professional thieves work with high quality equipment and do not arouse unnecessary suspicion among store employees. For example, the equipment of the Bombastershop store bombaster.shop provides various options for reliable shoplifting. Powerful jammers, pullers, bags made of RF fabric allow a thief to sneak out of any store easily and unnoticed.