1. Retail Security & Loss Prevention
The story of shoplifting….

2. Security Involves protection from danger and loss. Includes…
Safeguarding private information about customers and the company
Preventing fires and other catastrophes
Monitoring for signs of terrorism
Being ready with emergency response plans
Preventing loss of merchandise, money and other company possessions

3. Types of Shoplifting Opportunistic Organized
Often a single, impulsive individual who sees a poorly protected item of merchandise and pockets it.
Opportunistic threats can be dealt with by making your security presence - such and guards and cameras - more visible.
Opportunistic theft is up by over 60%
Organized
Committed by gangs and often used to fund other crimes.
For years, baby formula has been one of the hottest items in organized theft.
The stolen goods often make it back to retail shelves when they are re-sold to distributors.
Organized shoplifting is up as high as 75%

4. External Theft
Stealing by people who are not employed or associated with the company.
Examples of shoplifting….
Boosters
Conceals merchandise in a mechanism (box, cage, pregnancy, umbrella)
Diverter
Gets your attention while another person steals
Blocker
Someone obstructs your view while other steals
Sweeper
Sweep tables and just takes all of the merchandise
Walker
Put things between thighs and walks off
Carrier
Picks up merchandise and tears off tags then walks out
Price changer
Switches tags
Rip & run
Rip the merchandise off the rack and just run!

5. Internal Theft Theft done by store employees. Examples….
Most common – 80%
Examples….
Pliferage – stealing of the company’s inventory or cash in small, petty amounts.
Sweethearting – providing discounts, uncharged items or fraudulent returns to friends, relatives or theft partners.

6. How to Catch Them… What can security do?? Always greet customers
Closed circuit TV/camera systems
Observation mirrors
Observation towers
Electronic anti-shopping tags
Plain clothes security personnel
Uniformed guards
Don’t slap on the hand – prosecute
Knowledgeable sales staff
Always greet customers

7. Group Safety and Security
Work in small groups to complete the activity.
Only one worksheet needs to be completed for the group.
Choose a spokesperson to share your group’s information.
You will have about 15 minutes to complete then present.