Among a variety of crimes, shoplifting is most prevalent in Australia. And as a retailer, throwing money at such issues is simply horrible. Also, some small retailers with an average budget can’t capitalize on all technology to curb shoplifting. Not all can invest in high-tech surveillance cameras, door scanners, facial recognition software, etc.
But shoplifting costs around $2 billion every year to the retail sector. Therefore, every retailer should find ways to prevent it before it turns into a nightmare. Here are seven on-budget ways to prevent shoplifting.
- Install Quality Security Cameras
The best way to prevent shoplifting is quality security camera installation. Integrating it with POS or retail analytics software will provide additional insights for loss prevention. The modern quality cameras can pan, tilt and zoom, work at night and integrate with other alarms to alert you about illegal activities.
However, if you’re running low on budget and can’t afford high-tech cameras everywhere, you can install mirrors in strategic spots to stamp out blind areas. As well, keep an eye on every hook and corner of your retail shop. Further, you can take the benefit of security tags too. The electronic surveillance tags employ sensor alarms when any item removed from the shelf is damaged without paying for it.
- Appropriate Lighting
Shoplifters don’t like to shoplift from illuminated spots. The more dark spots or poor CCTV cameras you’ll have in your shop, the more difficult it would be to prevent shoplifting. In the entire store, visibility is essential. Therefore, make sure that you install adequate lighting at every part of your shop.
- Lock Up Valuables
Typically, shoplifters keep an eye on small, expensive and pocket-friendly products. For example, jewelry; therefore, lock their display. Similarly, know which items from your store have a high chance of getting stolen. Then, you can prepare a list of such items and secure them up. That way, such valuables cannot have unsupervised access.
Of course, locking up everything is a no-go. Therefore, track the valuables that may seem to attract shoplifters and monitor them with the help of a staff.
- Anti-theft Signage
Signs may help you play with the mind of shoplifters. Putting anti-theft signs can discourage the potential shoplifters' shoplifting intentions. Here are a few tips to employ this idea:
- Warn the shoppers that their bags will be checked thoroughly
- Your front door is the first thing shoplifters place their eyes on, so keep a sign there
- Position your valuable items high above the floor where potential shoplifters would feel that there are cameras fitted
- Whenever you choose any signage, feature eyes as research have proven that it averts off the shoplifters
However, when opting for this idea, always bear in mind that you’re scaring off the potential shoplifters, not threatening genuine shoppers. Therefore, keep signs that reflect your values.
- Provide Training To Your Staff
Honestly, your staff is a powerful tool to ward off shoplifting. Discuss with your staff and look for ways to avert the scams. One of the best ways to dissuade shoplifters is greeting each person when they enter your store. Also, keep an eye on activities going on in the shop.
If your staff greet them and ask them whether or not they need any help, it gives an idea to the potential shoplifters that employees are watching them. This may avert them from theft. Therefore, make sure that you’ve two employees for every five customers.
Furthermore, train them to not only provide customer satisfaction but also defend against shoplifting. Show them how to identify shoplifters, behavior to look for, how to handle them and make them understand all the laws. This will help them to give their best every day.
- Vigilance
While there’s no specific profile of shoplifters, keeping an eye on their behaviors can give you some idea. Generally, they work in groups or pairs. While your staff greet them and ask them whether or not they need any help, they’ll get irritated. Genuine customers, on the other hand, will love this service. Keep these traits in mind as a shop retailer. Plus, be vigilant at the doors of the dressing rooms, cash counters and mark the behavior of the buyers.
- Zero Tolerance Policy
Last but not least, always keep a zero-tolerance policy. Establish and implement a policy wherein anyone found shoplifting will be prosecuted regardless of the excuse. In some cases, retailers ban the entry of shoplifters. Whatever policy you want to keep, pass on the information to your staff to avoid confusion or mistakes.
Implementing these prevention ideas will make you feel you’ve accomplished this project. As well, you’ve saved a lot of money that you may have lost due to shoplifting. Bear in mind the most significant way; that is to install quality security cameras. Nowadays, even TV antenna installation companies provide security cameras at affordable rates. So, check them out!
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