Your store is your livelihood and passion—but how do you keep it safe from shoplifters?
Unfortunately, shoplifting is common in most retail stores, whether it’s kids grabbing some candy or professional thieves lifting serious amounts of merchandise.
Are you wondering how to stop shoplifting to keep your store safe? Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to stop it from happening. Keep reading to learn our top tips for retail theft prevention—even better, most are free or low-cost.
How to Stop Shoplifting? Train Staff
If you want to stop shoplifting, staff in your store need to be trained to know what to look for.
Common signs that someone may have criminal intentions include avoiding eye contact, wearing oversized jackets or clothes, even if it’s warm out, and watching the staff more than the merchandise.
Staff can keep an eye out for people that they may suspect of shoplifting, which can help deter thieves.
Install Security Systems
Using security systems is one of the best ways for shoplifting prevention. CCTV cameras, alarms, and real-time surveillance can scare off a potential thief, but also captures valuable evidence if someone does steal something from your store.
Make sure the CCTV cameras are recording so that you or the police can look back at it in case of a crime.
You can also add door chimes to the entrance to your store, which make noise when someone comes and goes. Read on here to learn how they can help prevent theft.
Keep an Eye on High-Theft Items
To protect against theft, you need extra security measures for high-risk items.
Small items or those of high-value are often placed near the counter, so staff can keep watch over them. Consider the layout and design of your store and place valuable items behind a locked case or in an open area, making them harder to steal.
What are the most commonly stolen retail items? They include cigarettes, candy, over-the-counter medications, and energy drinks.
Speak to Customers as They Enter
A good strategy to stop shoplifters is to talk to customers as they enter the store. Say hello, ask them how they are, and see if they need help finding anything.
Most genuine shoppers are happy to say hello or chat, but shoplifters prefer to avoid drawing attention to themselves. If someone doesn’t want to talk or enters the store and tries not to be noticed, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a shoplifter, but they could be someone you should pay extra attention to.
Prevent Shoplifting in Your Store Today
Protecting your store from thieves keeps your store safer, safeguards against lost income and inventory, and provides you with peace of mind.
Now that you know how to stop shoplifting in your retail business, use the tips above to keep your shop safe. With the right precautions in place, you can lower your risk of theft and keep your business running well.
Did you find this article helpful? If so, please browse some of our additional articles to learn more.
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