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7 Ways To Deter Theft In Your Retail Store

Retail shops are among the most vulnerable businesses to theft. This is because thieves can either get money or valuables from such businesses. Fortunately, as a retail shop owner, you don’t have to break a bank to protect your business from theft. There are easy steps and cheap tools you can invest in, and theft worries will be a thing of the past. All you need is to:

1. Install Security Cameras

Investing in security cameras is the first and most effective way to deter theft in your retail shop. Monitored CCTV ensures your eye is all over the store, whether or not you’re there. Based on your requirements, you can opt to settle for real-time video footage so that you can see what happens all the time. Real-time footage enables the staff to capture thieves during or immediately after the act and respond accordingly. You can also decide to record the happenings and watch them later. While this method might not be as effective as a real-time recording, it can also help you capture the thief in case they return.

Security cameras are ideal for scaring thieves away since they aren’t sure if someone’s watching them through the cameras or not. Therefore, it’s advisable to install security cameras visible to everyone entering the shop to prevent crime before it happens.

2. Install Electronic Article Surveillance

Also known as security tags, electronic article surveillance is attached to items. While this technology will cost you extra dollars, it will help prevent theft and shoplifting, saving you money in the long run. If you think this move will cost you a lot, consider installing “Electronic security tags on normally untagged items” or your most expensive items. Electronic tagging is believed to offer a long-lasting anti-theft solution.

3. Identify Common Shoplifting Methods

While you should avoid profiling at all costs, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look out for common shoplifting methods. In most cases, shoplifters work in groups. A shoplifter is most likely to be accompanied by one or two individuals pretending to be customers, aiming to distract the employees. That’s why it’s important to understand that there are many ways of stealing besides hiding items. For example, an individual can switch price tags to pay less or try to make illegal returns. Watch out for umbrellas, strollers, and handbags since most stolen items are hidden here.

4. Incorporate Security Mirrors

Regardless of the size, your shop is likely to have spots where shoplifting can occur without you noticing. Fortunately, strategically-installed security mirrors allow you to see whatever’s happening throughout the shop, even when helping out customers.

Convex or round-shaped mirrors enable you to see blind spots in the comfort of wherever you’re. Besides allowing you to see every corner of your business, security mirrors scare away thieves since they’re afraid of being caught.

5. Keep Your Shop Organized

Besides increasing sales, you should keep your shop organized to keep thieves at bay. When a shop is organized, you have a clear view of every item, and you can easily notice once something is missing. Note that thieves prefer operating in shops where they can’t be easily noticed. That said, if your shop is disorganized, you’ll only be allowing them an opportunity to shoplift any item since they’ll be long gone when you notice a missing item. Given that shoplifting isn’t always planned, the nature of your shop can encourage or discourage this crime.

6. Invest In Entrance Alert Sensors

Thieves prefer entering and exiting a premise unnoticed. If they know their presence is noticed, they’re more likely to think twice before shoplifting any item. With that in mind, installing entrance alert sensors will be an ideal choice. These sensors make some sound once someone enters and leaves the shop allowing the staff to be on the lookout.

7. Train Your Staff

Installing security cameras and mirrors won’t be helpful if your employees aren’t trained to spot and stop theft. Make sure to equip your staff with knowledge of what to look for to identify and stop potential theft before it occurs. Among the most common things every employee should learn to prevent shoplifting include:

  • Closely monitoring customers with handbags, backpacks, and bulky clothing
  • Being observant during busy hours
  • Being on the lookout for odd behaviour
  • Watching out for customers concentrating more on employees
  • Handling suspicion professionally

Final Words

The high cost of living has led to an increase in shoplifting and theft. It’s, therefore, vital for every business owner to invest in tools and develop measures that can deter theft. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to ensure your business is free from theft and shoplifting. We hope the information provided above will go a long way in helping you prevent, notice, and stop theft in your retail shop.