Shoplifter Apprehension and Deterrence

Shoplifters account for 33%* of all losses to retailers and that's WITH all of the security hardware, EAS Tagging, display cases,  Loss Prevention staff and CCTV!  How does a retailer make these losses decline without having to put everything behind a glass wall?  This is an age old problem for the small one-store company to the big box billion dollar corporations.  Regardless of your volume, the loss percentage still hits home. How can you properly protect your assets and reduce your chances of a successful lawsuit involving a shoplifter?

Combating Thieves

We have over 25 years of experience addressing external theft and we can assist your company to better protect your assets. We can assist your multi unit company or a single store with the following:

Review of current policies and procedures

Review of store layout and merchandise arrangement plan.

Review all physical security measures.

Review of "hot spots" for theft

Review current employee training and awareness.

Review of apprehension policies and training.

After a comprehensive review we develop a custom plan of action to assist reducing shrinkage through external theft.  The "custom" aspect is very important because we understand that the approach must be "Best for Business" and not necessarily based on "Best Practice".  Simply stated, we understand budgetary and personnel differences.  Our recommendations will comprehensive but we will help identify the core needs.  Any program, hardware installation or training can be expanded over time as appropriate.  We are experts at:

  Identifying the appropriate physical hardware that is available.  This includes
CCTV System, Security Tagging Systems (EAS) and much more.

  Creating an awareness program that is interactive and informative.

  Developing a self-audit program to maintain an optimum level of strength.

  Creating a culture to maximize the involvement of all employees.

Apprehending Shoplifters

 If your company currently has a shoplifter apprehension policy and procedure we highly recommend that it be thoroughly reviewed.  When prevention fails and apprehension is appropriate, specific police, procedures, and training needs to be in place.  Apprehension is a facet of retail that has many serious consequences if it is accomplished improperly.

• Do you have a documented apprehension and prosecution policy?
• Do you know what to do if the individual does not want to return to the store?
• Do you know what to do if the individual runs? 
• Do you have a policy regarding the use of handcuffs or chemical sprays during apprehensions?

Law suits that originate from a shoplifter's injury or death are not uncommon.  Civil cases are more apt to be in favor of the plaintiff when apprehension policies are not in place or they are not followed.  The use of force is nearly always a factor.  Criminal charges have also been brought against individual loss prevention staff when serious injury or death has occurred in effecting an apprehension.

We can not only assist a retailer establish proper policy and procedure, but we can also assist as a shoplifting expert in civil cases. If you would like us to review your current apprehension guidelines or have questions regarding litigation click

Shoplifting has become a multimillion dollar business through organized crime.  Organized Retail Theft is at a level that most consumers have no understanding.  To see the top 50 shoplifted items click here. Special measures can be designed to thwart the wholesale theft of merchandise but it takes planning and implementation to be successful.  We can assist you in convenience stores, big box retail, retail pharmacy, specialty stores and boutiques.  All retailers are different but the threats they face are generally the same.  If you would like more information about combating shoplifting click .

*National Retail Security Survey, 2005.  University of Florida,  Richard Hollinger, PhD.
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