How to Catch a Shoplifter

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Know if there may be a problem in your business by being aware of your inventory

   Ask yourself if any of your sales floor is hidden from the employees' sight at any point during the day.
   
   Ask yourself if you keep a large enough staff during the busiest hours or during the hectic holiday season.
   
   Determine if your staff frequently finds hangers or loose price tags on the floor.
   
   Analyze if your store is one with an industry-wide problem including the shoe industry, music stores, sporting goods stores and stores that sell cameras.
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   Step 2: knowing your industry and being aware of your staffing habits.

   Keep an eye out large open bags, particularly ones that are resting at the feet of a shopper.
   
   Watch customers with large purses carefully.
   
   Stay on the lookout for customers that bring a baby carriage into the store.
   
   Some shoplifters not only use baby carriages, but they also install false bottoms to hold more loot. ,, If there is a discrepancy in the numbers, there may be an indication that shoplifting has taken place because many shoplifters will simply layer stolen clothing under their existing attire. ,, This allows to have more people than employees so that at least one of them can stay unattended by your staff. , The thief then steals from the store and departs before the employee comes back to the front of the store. , Hire a security staff to deter shoplifters and to be in charge of catching them.
   
   Install closed circuit cameras to aid in the identification and prosecution of shoplifters with the police.
   
   Having the proof to provide to the authorities will help you catch and prosecute the offenders. , Most businesses do not allow staff to approach suspected shoplifters.
   
   Instead they must report incidences to the proper authority. , If you suspect a shoplifter has left your store, then they can be aware and more cognizant if that individual or group enters their store.
   
   The expectation would be that they would share the same warnings with you. ,
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   Step 3: Watch out for shoplifting devices.

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   Step 4: Look for clothing indicative of shoplifting such as baggy clothing or large coats.

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   Step 5: Make sure that your staff is aware of the number of items a customer takes into a dressing room and how many he or she comes out with.

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   Step 6: Know the tricks so that you don't fall victim to their traps.

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   Step 7: Watch for groups that come into a store and then separate.

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   Step 8: Be aware that shoppers can try to trick staff by sending store employees to the back room to retrieve something.

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   Step 9: Take additional steps to protect your business.

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    Step 10: Set policy with your staff regarding how to handle shoplifters.

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    Step 11: Set up a networking group with other business owners in the area.

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    Step 12: Check employee coats and bags before they leave the store to help reduce employee shrinkage as well.

Detailed Guide

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