How to Catch Thieves As A Retailer

So, how do you prevent theft from happening inside your establishment?
Are you a retailer who makes a living selling products in a brick and mortar store.  If so, you are in a profitable business, but it is easy to see those profits disappear.  One of the most common causes of this is theft.  

Install security cameras.  Unfortunately, running a retail store means that you have many responsibilities.  In addition to watching customers, your job duties may include monitoring your staff, making bank runs, ordering merchandise, and stocking shelves.  This leaves little time for detective work.  For that reason, let the cameras do the work for you.  Security cameras are best used when installed throughout the establishment.  With that said, if limited on financial resources, opt for video surveillance in all offices, storage rooms, entrances, and hard-to-see locations.

To make use of a video surveillance system, monitoring is required.  Unfortunately, if you are a small business owner, this may be difficult.  When in your office, glace at the monitoring center as much as possible.  During high traffic hours, recruit a part-time employee to monitor the cameras.  This will allow you to catch a thief in the act.  Later reviewing security cameras can give insight into a thief’s identity, but their name will still be unknown.  Submit video surveillance of a theft to the police or look for and monitor that person they next time they enter the store.

Install security mirrors.  If you are serious about preventing theft and minimizing losses in your business, you need to rely on a video surveillance system.  Remember, if you are limited on financial resources, choose high traffic locations to install cameras.  In other locations, opt for security mirrors.  These mirrors are large in size.  They are ideal for blind spots in your establishments. Mirrors should be positioned high in the store, in the back, and in all corners.

Keep expensive merchandise at the front.  Not only will you want to keep high priced merchandise at the front of your store, but all products that are in demand.  For example, did you know that many drug dealers use certain cold medicine to make their drugs?  They do.  Buying large quantities of these cold medicines will not only result in decreased profits, but it arouses suspicion. That is why many decide to steal.  Thieves are less likely to steal merchandise from a retail store when what they want is located in an easy-to-see location near the front.

Have an open layout.  All retail stores, both large and small, have blind spots.  You can’t see every customer from everywhere in the store.  With that said, the layout of your store shouldn’t be a criminals dream come true.  Displays that are large or bulking make for ideal hiding spots.  In these spots, criminals can easily pocket merchandise.  Avoid placing standalone displays throughout your store.  Instead, opt for a location along walls.  This may result rearranging, but it is well worth the time and effort.

Watch for suspicious behavior.  As previously stated, retail owners have little time to investigate possible criminal acts.  After all, you may receive 100 good customers before you get one who steals.  You don’t have to spy on all of your customers, but be aware.  Watch for suspicious behavior, which may include spending an hour inside your establishment without making a purchase, the carrying of a large bag, or the use of baby stroller without a baby inside.

By implementing a few of the above mentioned steps, you can reduce theft inside your retail establishment.  However, remember that most theft is internal. For that reason, not only watch your customers, but your employees.  The best approach is to use good hiring practices.  Never hire an employee on a whim.  Instead, request a detailed application and resume, and contact all references.  Since retail employers are around valuable merchandise and cash, implement background checks and credit checks on all prospective new hires.