{"id":54,"date":"2016-10-05T14:59:30","date_gmt":"2016-10-05T14:59:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alltimesecurity.co.uk\/blog\/?p=54"},"modified":"2024-09-04T11:25:13","modified_gmt":"2024-09-04T11:25:13","slug":"seven-ways-prevent-shoplifting-store","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alltimesecurity.co.uk\/blog\/alarm-response-key-holding\/seven-ways-prevent-shoplifting-store\/","title":{"rendered":"Seven ways to prevent shoplifting in your store"},"content":{"rendered":"

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For small and medium-sized businesses across the country, theft can play a significant role in cash flow and bottom line. In the UK alone, retail crime soared to a record \u00a3613m at the start of 2016<\/a>, indicating that more needs to be done by business owners to keep their stores shoplifting-proof.<\/p>\n

Luckily, there are some simple ways to prevent \u2013 or, at least reduce \u2013 shoplifting in your store, and we have listed some of the most useful below for you to peruse.<\/p>\n

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  1. Maximise your visibility<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Being close by to valuable stock is one of the best ways of reducing the possibility of shoplifting. Placing your displays closer to the till or cash register, keeping your store tidy and using mirrors to eliminate blind spots are just some of the ways you can maximise visibility within your store, ensuring that criminals can\u2019t run away with your goods.<\/p>\n

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    1. Inspect your purchases<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      When your employees take payment for goods, make sure they double-check all of the merchandise you sell. By checking baskets, purses and envelopes, you have added peace of mind that additional stock hasn\u2019t ended up inside \u2013 and that your customers aren\u2019t taking home extra items for free!<\/p>\n

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      1. Implement a shoplifting policy<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        By carefully crafting a shoplifting policy, you can show your customers that you are serious about crime. Displaying posters and warnings around your store such as \u2018shoplifters will be prosecuted\u2019 can effectively combat shoplifters.<\/p>\n

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        1. Lock up your products<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Depending on the industry you operate in, you may decide to protect your merchandise by locking it and limiting access to display cases or catalogues. By keeping products out of arms reach and requiring employee assistance can add a security barrier between your products and thieves.<\/p>\n

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          1. Make your security systems visible<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            By putting your security systems on display, you will deter shoplifters from taking your valuable stock. Whether you rely on faux cameras, security guards or you decide to take advantage of the security services<\/a> offered by All Time Security, letting customers know that you are protected is one of the most effective deterrents against shoplifting.<\/p>\n

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            1. Know how to spot one<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              By understanding the key behaviours and attitudes of shoplifters<\/a>, you will be able to enter \u2018alert mode\u2019 and watch customers who appear nervous, stare, wander and regularly leave and come back. Although it\u2019s impossible to individually monitor everyone, looking out for suspicious customers and communicating with members of your team is a great way to reduce the chances of shoplifting.<\/p>\n

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              1. Have a strong presence<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Greeting every customer individually and helping them with their shopping process will not only boost your levels of customer service but also remind potential shoplifters that they are being monitored. If you work in a clothes store, for example, you could monitor the number of items customers take with them and then assist by bringing items to their changing room. It is a great way to subtly check that they are not stashing away clothes in their handbags.<\/p>\n

                Although it would be impossible to eliminate shoplifting from your store, following the advice mentioned in this article will make it more difficult for thieves to take away your merchandise without payment. Follow our tips for design and customer service, and you\u2019ll soon see that your store is less attractive to shoplifters and that your profits are increasing.<\/p>\n\r\n\t\t