Shoplifters come from all walks of The narcotics addict needs money to • Wearing heavy outer garments out of The amateur, on the other hand, isn’t always life. Basically, however, they fall into support his habit. When desperate, he steals season, baggy clothes or full skirts. as ingenious as the professional shoplifter. two broad categories: ordinary in a brazen manner. He is often frantic • Walking in an unusual manner, tugging at His methods are usually crude and obvious. customers and professionals who steal beyond reason and can be dangerous if you a sleeve, adjusting socks, rubbing the back for a living. attempt to apprehend him. of the neck or other actions which might Be on the lookout for shoplifters. Learn to help them to hide shoplifted articles. recognize his methods of operation. Watch The vagrant steals because of need. for the person who: • Reaching into display counters or walking Usually, he takes food, alcoholic beverages, behind sales counters. • Palms small articles. Packages, TYPES OF tobacco and clothing for personal use. newspapers, coats, gloves and other SHOPLIFTERS Often, the vagrant is under the influence of • Picking up and putting down a variety of things that are carried in the hand can be alcohol. articles, pretending to be undecided, used as shoplifting aids. confused or fussy. The amateur steals on impulse. His most • Carries an umbrella or other device (such important motive is a simple desire for the • Showing practically no interest in articles as a knitting bag, diaper bag, large purse, briefcase, paper bag, booster box, etc.) item itself. Usually, he takes food, clothing SHOPLIFTING about which they have inquired. to conceal merchandise. or other items that he actually intends to use. Although the average shoplifting loss is small, • Roaming around supposedly waiting for a • Has a slit in the pocket of his outer Generally, the amateur is nervous and self- the cumulative amount is quite high, from $500 friend to shop. conscious, but cautious. garment. This is a boon to the shoplifter. million to $1 billion per year. How can you • Perspiring in a room with normal He can place his hand through the slit so protect your business from shoplifting losses? temperature or a person who is nervous, it appears that his hand is in his pocket. The kleptomaniac steals compulsively You have to be aware of shoplifter’s habits flushed or dry-lipped. This way he can carry stolen merchandise whenever he gets the urge, however, there and their methods of operation in order to in the hand which appears to be in the are very few true kleptomaniacs. Usually, the • Keeping one hand constantly in an outer defend yourself against them. coat pocket. pocket. kleptomaniac is nervous and shy. • Wears a shirt, slacks or other garment with an elastic waistband or wears The juvenile steals mainly for the thrills or How does a shoplifter get your “shoplifter bloomers.” to gain status in the peer group. Most of merchandise out of your store? RECOGNIZING • Tries on a garment, places his outer thieves are girls. Usually, they work in groups, Depending on his standing (amateur or garment over the stolen one and wears but not necessarily in organized gangs. THE SHOPLIFTER professional) and his talents, he uses your merchandise out of the store. Basically, they take merchandise (such as various methods to help in his work. • Has hooks inside his or her coat, slacks, records, clothes or recreational items) they Shoplifting requires a quick hand and a speedy dress or slip. Hooks come in handy for intend to use. (but not obviously fast) exit. Unfortunately, neatly hanging up and comfortably many employees are not familiar with some SHOPLIFTING transporting stolen goods. The professional is a skillful operator who of the characteristics of shoplifters. Be alert METHODS • Enters the store without jewelry or knows all of the tricks of the trade. The for people: accessories, but wears or carries items professional shoplifter dresses, talks and • Leaving the area hastily. The professional shoplifter spends time of this type when he leaves. acts so he doesn’t attract attention or arouse • Frequenting the washroom. perfecting his techniques. He adopts methods • Wears a long outer coat and conceals suspicion. He is usually interested in a small, • Entering the store carrying bundles, bags, that fit his unique talents and the kind of articles between his legs. high-value items for which there is an easy boxes, topcoats, briefcases, newspapers, merchandise he intends to steal. The resale market. The professional shoplifter is • Walks to an unattended section or one or umbrellas. An arm in a sling could also professional shoplifter plans ahead; he knows near an exit, grabs several pieces of likely to be very cautious. Generally the be a handy hiding place for stolen what he wants, where to find it and how to merchandise and departs from the store professional steals for a living. merchandise. get it. in haste. Shoplifters may work alone or in • Never leave the store or department unattended. b. Close the drawer before packaging the groups. While it’s impossible to give This is the opportunity the shoplifter is waiting merchandise. for. an infallible rule of thumb, experience c. Don’t allow any customer to distract the has shown that juveniles and • Lock up expensive merchandise that is attractive cashier while helping somebody. professionals tend to work in groups, to the shoplifters. A showcase display containing d. Keep registers locked when not being used. while the impulse shoplifter is a loner. these items should be placed in a position where it can be watched by more than one salesperson. Every store should have definite policies • Don’t stack merchandise so high that sales regarding shoplifters. Adopt a clear, evenly COMBATING people can’t see over it. enforced shoplifting policy. Post this policy to make SHOPLIFTING sure that both staff and customers are aware of it. • Keep counters and tables neat and orderly. THE SHOPLIFTER Your time and money are better spent in preventing What can you and your employees do to • Arrange merchandise so that customers must crime than prosecuting it. discourage shoplifters from frequenting your pick it up. If it’s not arranged this way, store? Training in alertness and effective merchandise can be pushed off the counter into detection techniques will improve your chances some type of container. of recognizing the shoplifter. APPREHENSION • Display only one item when merchandise comes in pairs, such as, shoes. & Crime prevention experts generally agree that the best deterrent to shoplifting is an alert, well- • Attach merchandise in some way so that it will PROSECUTION trained staff which pays careful attention to the be difficult to remove. needs of the customers. • Return to stock any merchandise which was taken While good deterrent systems will greatly reduce out for a customer’s inspection and was not sold. shoplifting, there are always people who are too Here are a few more things you and your dumb or too “smart” to be deterred. staff can do: • Give each customer a receipt for every purchase. It’s hard for a customer to get a cash refund on Remember, you must be able to: • Serve all customers as quickly and efficiently an item that isn’t accompanied by a valid receipt. as possible. Customers who are approached immediately will appreciate the service. • Keep the area clear of discarded salesreceipts. See the person take or conceal merchandise, Shoplifters will realize that this is not the time Shoplifters may use them as evidence as or the place to attempt a theft. purchase. Identify the merchandise as yours, • Acknowledge the presence of additional • Develop a warning system to alert other Testify that it was taken with the intent to customers with the phrase, “I’ll be with you in a employees when a suspected shoplifter is in the moment” when you are busy with a previous store. In a small store, you can use a code word steal, ANOTHER WORD FOR customer. or phrase. Prove that the merchandise was not paid for. • Don’t ever turn your back on a customer. This • Develop a procedure for employees to notify the is an open invitation to the shoplifter to proceed office of the presence of suspected shoplifters. STEALING with his business. If you have to use the phone, • Establish definite register procedures to deter till turn so you can see your sales area. tappers. • Keep an eye on people who are loitering or a. Open the register only when a sale has been wandering around. rung up.