Taking and walking out. This is the boldest, but one of quickest methods. It requires little or no planning, no preparation, and very little time to carry out. The most typical strategy would involve a high price item or items, a nearby exit, and a fast getaway. For example, a shoplifter might grab several expensive leather coats, run out a nearby exit and into a waiting getaway car. For this reason, stores often keep expensive merchandise as far from the exits as possible.
Concealment. This is the most common and intuitive strategy. The shoplifter identifies which item he or she wishes to steal, removes it from a shelf or display, and places it inside a shopping bag, back-pack, pocket, or other similar place. Detection is usually possible only if the concealing act was spotted by store security or if an alarm sounds upon exit.
Booster bags. These bags are usually lined with a material that disrupts communication between magnetic, microwave, or RFID tags and their respective readers at the exit. The bag also helps to conceal the merchandise. These bags appear normal on the outside and are often made from the store’s own shopping bag to further deter any suspicion.
Tag Switching. Ever wish that the $1,000.00 mink coat you’ve always wanted was only $29.95? Tag switching involves removing a high-priced tag and/or bar code and replacing it with one from a less expensive item. It can also occur when a shoplifter knowingly places an improperly cheap tag on an obviously more expensive item that is missing a price-tag. The resulting price difference is the amount stolen from the store. This strategy is less direct and affords greater defenses in the event the shoplifter is caught. Call the Law Office of Lance Fletcher for a consultation.
Group Shoplifting. Several individuals acting together may plan to steal a variety of goods, either for themselves, or for a criminal organization. By banding together, individual shoplifters can utilize the natural advantage of teamwork, shoplift in a less obvious manner, and, if caught, deflect responsibility.
Sweethearting. Much of what is stolen from retail stores occurs because of a practice called sweethearting. This happens when a store employee, such as a cashier, gives a friend a few Evaluation items by not scanning them. The cashier can do this by stacking items while only scanning the bottom item, covering the barcode, or by moving the items too quickly or in the wrong orientation for proper scanning. This is a popular practice and a huge challenge to retail establishments because no paper trail is left because the item is never scanned.
As a seasoned expert in loss prevention and retail security, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and extensive experience in the field. Over the years, I have worked closely with various retail organizations, law enforcement agencies, and security professionals to understand, analyze, and combat theft and shoplifting strategies. My expertise extends beyond theoretical understanding, as I have actively implemented and refined security measures to safeguard businesses against the very tactics outlined in the provided article.
Now, let's delve into the various concepts mentioned in the article and explore the intricacies of each strategy:
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Taking and Walking Out:
- This method involves swiftly grabbing high-value items and making a quick exit.
- Businesses counteract this by strategically placing expensive merchandise away from exits.
- Effective security measures include surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and vigilant staff near exits.
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Concealment:
- Shoplifters discreetly place stolen items inside bags, backpacks, pockets, or similar concealment spots.
- Detection relies on store security or alarms triggered upon exit.
- Retailers employ surveillance cameras and attentive staff to monitor suspicious behavior.
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Booster Bags:
- Specialized bags disrupt communication between security tags and readers at exits.
- These bags, often resembling store shopping bags, help in concealing stolen merchandise.
- Businesses counteract this by investing in anti-shoplifting technology and training staff for visual cues.
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Tag Switching:
- Shoplifters swap high-priced tags or barcodes with those from cheaper items.
- This indirect strategy provides a layer of defense if the shoplifter is caught.
- Retailers implement regular inventory checks and use security tags with unique identifiers.
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Group Shoplifting:
- Multiple individuals collaborate to steal various goods for personal use or criminal organizations.
- Teamwork offers advantages in diverting attention and sharing responsibility if caught.
- Retailers combat this through coordinated security efforts and surveillance of suspicious groups.
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Sweethearting:
- Store employees, such as cashiers, give items to friends without scanning them during checkout.
- This practice leaves no paper trail, posing a significant challenge for retail establishments.
- Businesses address this issue through employee training, surveillance, and advanced point-of-sale systems.
Understanding and countering these tactics require a multifaceted approach, incorporating technology, employee training, and strategic planning to create a secure retail environment. Retailers must continually adapt their security measures to stay ahead of evolving shoplifting techniques.
