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Hello Resident
Here are some Six top tips for securing your shop
1. Meet and greetShoplifters can always assess how easy it is to steal from a shop by how soon after they enter they are spoken to by a member of staff. It’s known as ‘the three-to-five second rule’. Greeting customers as they enter your premises can put off shoplifters because it sends out a message that you and your staff are paying attention. If a thief thinks they've been spotted they're more likely to leave.
2. Crime mappingWork out where inside the store thefts are happening. Keep records of location, dates, times and CCTV of incidents or suspicious behaviour. This is called ‘crime mapping’. Take a look at this area as if you are seeing it for the first time, then work out what you can do to protect it. Can you improve the surveillance? For example, can you see it from the till? Try making the area more visible by repositioning or lowering stock and shelving. Consider placing more staff here or even displaying the items elsewhere.
3. Electronic taggingTag your items with ‘Electronic Article Surveillance’. Anti-theft systems encompass a wide range of devices and technologies. A correctly installed and security accredited anti-theft terminal (and tagging system) at a store entrance is a statement to potential shoplifters that ‘this store is protected’. Thieves will often target premises that don’t have this equipment. Most shops see a marked drop in shoplifting once they install an anti-theft terminal on the door. They’ll simply go elsewhere.
4. Keep it tidyA clean and tidy retail outlet with clear visibility across the shop floor tells a thief that everything is shipshape – and that surveillance is also probably first class. Keep things security friendly, with uncluttered, wide aisles where possible, thereby making it extremely difficult for them to steal unnoticed. Ensure that the exterior, the grounds and the building itself are also well maintained and clean, to keep the space as visible as possible.
5. Personal safetyYou can't predict who’s coming into your shop or how they will behave. Shoplifters could respond aggressively when challenged. Employers should conduct a risk assessment. Always trust your instincts and only engage a potential shoplifter if it is safe to do so. If you feel confident with the situation, keep a safe distance and then ask them if they need any help or if they require a basket or a bag. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, be polite, step away and quietly alert your manager or security team.
6. Safety in numbersFor as much of the day as possible, try not to be alone. Thieves target stores where there is only one member of staff. More eyes in the store, means you’re more likely to spot a thief, so have a few members of staff and make sure they’re trained in how to spot shoplifters.
How to spot a shoplifterCould you spot a shoplifter? They’re not always what you’d expect - specialising at blending in with shoppers. But you can often identify a shoplifter by their behaviour. Here are a few tell-tale signs to look out for.
They’re smart. Be smarterMany shoplifters dress smartly and will often speak to you, joke with you and engage with you. They don’t always work alone and they may try to relax or distract you while an accomplice steals. They’re good at creating diversions, especially when you’ve unlocked a cabinet. Don’t fall for it. Get one of your staff to assist you.
A key part of dealing with shoplifters is by having strong security such as a member of staff near any doors; by knowing your clientele; by encouraging staff to remain alert; and by intelligent use of security devices.
How to spot a shoplifterThere are a number of tell-tale signs that flag up a shoplifter. But remember, while the following don't necessarily mean the person is guilty – and be aware that you are responsible for your behaviour, both legally and commercially – we recommend that you keep an eye on shoppers who: seem to be watching you and the staff rather than shopping and may be waiting for the right moment to steal an item seem to want to keep your attention and talk for the sake of it – possibly because an accomplice is elsewhere stealing look like they’re taking little notice of your products seem a little nervous and possibly pick up random items with little interest keep refusing your offer of help or assistance frequently enter your store and never make a purchase want you to unlock and open cabinets but don’t buy anything
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