A Retailer's Guide to Organized Retail Crime - HSPS Special Operations

The prevalence of organized retail crime has become a common problem for retailers. In 2017, a study revealed that over 90% of retailers were victims of organized crime.

There are various ways to spot and prevent organized crime from happening in your store. In this blog, we look at what store owners can do to protect their stores at all costs.

Identify Shoplifters

Regardless of whether they’re working as an individual or part of an organized ring, shoplifters have common characteristics. For instance, they usually carry multiple bags or purses and wear long coats to conceal their stolen goods. Others try to conceal them inside their clothes or the bottom of a baby stroller.

Some shoplifters also use umbrellas or bags to conceal their stolen goods. Although not every person who fits this description will be a thief, it’s best to be aware of them.

Behavior that can be seen as a sign of an organized crime suspect can also help identify shoplifters. For instance, they may try to conceal their purchases by paying attention to the employees instead of the merchandise. They may also pretend to look at the items in the store and walk toward them in the opposite direction.

Take Preventive Measures

One of the most important steps retailers can take to reduce their losses is evaluating their store’s layout. Doing so will help them identify potential theft areas.

You can implement proactive customer service by having employees stationed in various areas of the store to assist and identify potential thieves.

Similarly, a comprehensive stock control system can ensure you’re always on top of your inventory. This can be done by reviewing reports of theft and identifying potential patterns. Then, take action against these thieves by moving the stolen items to a more visible area of the store.

Proper Lighting

Besides having surveillance equipment, it’s also important that your store’s parking lot and interior are kept illuminated at all times. This can help prevent vandalism and other crimes and keep your establishment’s staff and customers safe.

You can also add motion-sensitive switches to your interior lights, which will turn on whenever someone enters a room. This can help prevent the wrongdoers from entering your establishment and carrying out their plans.

Having video surveillance equipment can also help prevent crime. Motion-sensor lighting can help discourage criminals from entering your establishment.

Procedures to Address Shoplifting

Besides implementing procedures to stop shoplifters, learning how to identify them and taking the necessary steps to put an end to their activities are also important. Having a plan that clearly states how you intend to address this issue is additionally a must.

A comprehensive plan should include a list of the people who will be involved in the inquiry and the documentation that will be required in the case of theft. Having a policy that clearly states what to do when a theft occurs is additionally important to ensure that employees are aware of the store’s procedures.

Partner with HSPS Special Operations and Off-Duty Police for Enhanced Store Protection

Although many retailers believe organized crime won’t affect their business, the stats prove otherwise. Having a proactive approach can help prevent it from happening and ensure your inventory, employees, and customers are safe.

For personal or retail security services Ohicommercial security in Ohio, HSPS Special Operations and Off-Duty Police provides experienced and dedicated off-duty police services in Ohio. If you are looking for an off-duty police officer to provide additional security, give our team a call.