LMZ Retail: Asset Protection through Robbery Prevention Nate Toon Unit 7 Project CJ 180 Prof. Bashore

Internal –Removal of items from the store without payment –Overcharging customers to gain profit –Unauthorized benefits to gain sales –Padding paychecks through inaccurate time recording

Combatting External Theft –Surveillance Installation of cameras at all possible entrance and exit points Create a system allowing two Loss Prevention Officers per eight hour shift Increase employee awareness of potential areas and items of increased risk for customer theft –Increase employee patrol/monitoring of these areas

Combatting External Theft (cont.) –Alarms Inspect and install external entry alarm systems on all exit doors Active on all doors during nonoperational hours Active on generally unused doors during business hours Include roof access, vent access, and other nonconventional points of entry

Combatting External Theft (cont.) –Alarms (cont.) Inspect and install interior alarms to detect unauthorized access to areas containing high value items Inspect and install detection alarms at all customer exists to detect removal of merchandise without payment –Secure alarm deactivating devices to payment point to ensure deactivation after payment

Combatting External Theft (cont.) –Lighting Inspect and ensure areas are properly lit –Parking areas should lit for visibility across –Entrances should be well lit for identification by surveillance –Stockroom and floor areas should be properly lit to ensure safety from hazards »Tripping/fall risks »Overhead areas At least.2 foot-candles with overlapping illumination ( Fischer, 2008)

Combatting External Theft (cont.) –Vendors and Merchandise Logs and Invoices should be reviewed for accuracy to ensure services and merchandise match payment –Shipping / Receiving Logs »Check for merchandise paid for but not delivered »Damaged merchandise should be returned for credit –Vendor Invoices »Check for accuracy and overcharging »Ensure all parts billed were used and logical

Combatting Internal Theft –High Risk Areas Valuable items or popular items should be protected –Locked up and behind glass or in cages –Tagged with anti-theft devices Anti-Theft detection devices should be placed at all public exits Limit access to these areas by limiting keys and codes

Combatting Internal Theft (cont.) –Interior Surveillance Monitoring of high risk areas should be done by either overhead camera or through constant staffing, or both Exits should be monitored through cameras and by staff if possible Cash areas should be staffed at all times, especially those in public view

Combatting Internal Theft (cont.) –Sales and Cash Drawers Logs of each drawer should be kept and profit made should be removed from each drawer at a set point during each day Any overages or shortages should be reported to Loss Prevention Personnel Sales should be periodically reviewed to prevent overcharging for employee profit

Combatting Internal Theft (cont.) –Employee Time Sheets Employee punch system should be reviewed and updated Electronic punch timers with timestamps are usually the best option Timesheets should be reviewed weekly to ensure employees are not padding paycheck through unworked on-clock time.

Training –Training on all equipment, procedures and expectations should be completed by all associates and by new employees as they are hired Can be in form of –Computerized training –Meetings –Paperwork handouts Some form of compliance and test of knowledge should take place

Training (cont.) –Retraining and refreshment courses should be completed at a set interval at least once a year. Education –Employees should be educated on what to look for considering signs of both internal and external theft –Methods of anonymous reporting should be established

Education (cont.) –Employees should be educated on high risk areas and common personal habits of nervousness or anxiety that may be displayed –Employees and management should also be informed and education as to cameras being on the premises.

References Fischer, R. J., Halibozek E., & Walters, D. (2008). Introduction to security (8 th ed.). Burlington, MA: Elsevier Science/ Butterworth & Heinemann.