Retail Loss Prevention by Chris E McGoey Isaiah Thomason Kerianne Marshall David Emmert

Retail Loss Prevention Facts Probable Cause Detention & Arrest False Arrest Exit Bag Checks Employee Theft FOX News Report

Shoplifting: Facts When someone steals merchandise offered for sale from a retail store Loss of $13 Billion every year Conviction Requires proof of intent to permanently deprive the merchant of the value of the merchandise.

Shoplifting: Probable Cause Before Detainment: 1 See the shoplifter approach merchandise 2 See the shoplifter select merchandise 3 See the shoplifter conceal, carry away, or convert your merchandise 4 Maintain continuous observation 5 See the shoplifter fail to pay for the merchandise 6 Approach the shoplifter outside the store

Shoplifting: Detention & Arrest Know the law before detaining someone Provide special training to employees Have back-up and witnesses Obtain merchandise while outside of the store to prevent confusion Be professional, polite language Use no force, holding force, or handcuffs Never punch, kick, or choke

Shoplifting: False Arrest If you skip one of the steps of probable cause, the chance of a false arrest increases Merchant Statute: a law that if a store has reasonable belief that the customer shop-lifted, they are able to investigate it Other customers are considered unreliable witnesses. Employees need to see it as well If you detain a customer, it must be for a reasonable amount of time Best way to avoid false arrest is to train employees well Use of force not acceptable

Loss Prevention: Exit Bag Check Some stores check items with receipt when exiting Not consumer friendly, but may be necessary As long as procedure is voluntary, it is allowed to be implemented Conduct in a non-threatening manner Helps catch mistakes and deter theft

Loss Prevention: Employee Theft Occurs when an employee steals merchandise, food, cash, or supplies while working Must send a clear message to employees that they will be caught if they attempt to steal and what the consequences will be Employee theft losses are greater than shop- lifting losses Loss prevention systems should focus on both

Conclusion Requires proof of “intent” Follow the six steps for probable cause Provide employee training and warnings Be professional, don’t use excessive force Consider bag checks