Prevention Methods that work
Communication:
Communication between Store and its LP team are a must. When Store
and Loss Prevention work together much in accomplished. Working as a
team encourages communication in which both store assocaites and LP
talk to one another about concerns and work together to make changes to
reduce shrink. When LP/Store are more friend than foe each can use the
other for same objective. This communication should include:
. Weekly store meetings where information is shared
. A shrinkage team that has represenitives from various portions and
positions in store
. Rewards for information leading to reduction in shrink. This can include
ideas or tips on possible thefts
. Open House, this means assocaites see LP Office and how LP protects store
High visibilty:
Let me ask you a question. Would you rob a liquor store if a cop was
inside? Of course you wouldnt. This works for Loss Prevention as well
if LP maintain high visibilty this shows potential external and internal thiefs
that LP is on the job and will very likely catch you if trying to take money or
merchandise from store. This also increase chances for communication
(mentioned earlier). Potential thieves see LP walking about store and
become concerned about being caught. they often leave after spotting LP.
This works for internal theft as well. LP can conduct routine audits while
doing this as well.
Prevention:
Its the name of the game! Loss Prevention or Asset Protection is NOT about
arrests. The very names tell you the goal. Since most LPs are unarmed and do
not have self defense trainning there is an element of danger to each stop. Prevention
removes that by stopping the theft before an actual crime is committed. How many times
has a GNR (grab and run) gone bad where thief gets away or someone is hurt? Answer
too many. By preventing a GNR or any theft before it becomes an actual shoplift LP still
protects stores assets and also stops a life changing incident! Here are some examples
of simple prevention tactics that work.
. GNR beginning what to do? Simple while potential SL (shoplifter) is setting up items
walk over and remove the items left alone! If person asks where the items are tell subject
you felt they were not safe there or that someone had left them. You then placed them back
rack. Then tell person you know exactly where you put them and will help him gather them
back up and carry them to register. Chances are they will refuse and even better chance they
will realize they were seen and leave. Store keeps merchandise and LP avoids possible chase
or injury to LP or subject.
.Concealment Subject conceals an item on his person or in a package, bag etc. You simply walk up
to person introduce yourself and offer them a cart, bag etc to help carry the item even offer to carry
item to register for them. We know what will happen next. They will leave maybe run (do not pursue)
Now in States where concealment is a crime you can still do this if you wish.
.Presence as already mentioned if you let people see you they wont steal. If you suspect someone
is going to steal or has already make your presence known. They wont steal more and its
doubtful they will take any item they have already. If they do make the stop
There are many other things that can be done but this scratches the surface. A good prevention
program can bring down your shrink number by at least a full% in less than a year without huge
arrest numbers. Prevention saves time money and even lives! Arrest will always happen make
no mistake. Any stores policly should be arrest take place when prevention fails!
Communication:
Communication between Store and its LP team are a must. When Store
and Loss Prevention work together much in accomplished. Working as a
team encourages communication in which both store assocaites and LP
talk to one another about concerns and work together to make changes to
reduce shrink. When LP/Store are more friend than foe each can use the
other for same objective. This communication should include:
. Weekly store meetings where information is shared
. A shrinkage team that has represenitives from various portions and
positions in store
. Rewards for information leading to reduction in shrink. This can include
ideas or tips on possible thefts
. Open House, this means assocaites see LP Office and how LP protects store
High visibilty:
Let me ask you a question. Would you rob a liquor store if a cop was
inside? Of course you wouldnt. This works for Loss Prevention as well
if LP maintain high visibilty this shows potential external and internal thiefs
that LP is on the job and will very likely catch you if trying to take money or
merchandise from store. This also increase chances for communication
(mentioned earlier). Potential thieves see LP walking about store and
become concerned about being caught. they often leave after spotting LP.
This works for internal theft as well. LP can conduct routine audits while
doing this as well.
Prevention:
Its the name of the game! Loss Prevention or Asset Protection is NOT about
arrests. The very names tell you the goal. Since most LPs are unarmed and do
not have self defense trainning there is an element of danger to each stop. Prevention
removes that by stopping the theft before an actual crime is committed. How many times
has a GNR (grab and run) gone bad where thief gets away or someone is hurt? Answer
too many. By preventing a GNR or any theft before it becomes an actual shoplift LP still
protects stores assets and also stops a life changing incident! Here are some examples
of simple prevention tactics that work.
. GNR beginning what to do? Simple while potential SL (shoplifter) is setting up items
walk over and remove the items left alone! If person asks where the items are tell subject
you felt they were not safe there or that someone had left them. You then placed them back
rack. Then tell person you know exactly where you put them and will help him gather them
back up and carry them to register. Chances are they will refuse and even better chance they
will realize they were seen and leave. Store keeps merchandise and LP avoids possible chase
or injury to LP or subject.
.Concealment Subject conceals an item on his person or in a package, bag etc. You simply walk up
to person introduce yourself and offer them a cart, bag etc to help carry the item even offer to carry
item to register for them. We know what will happen next. They will leave maybe run (do not pursue)
Now in States where concealment is a crime you can still do this if you wish.
.Presence as already mentioned if you let people see you they wont steal. If you suspect someone
is going to steal or has already make your presence known. They wont steal more and its
doubtful they will take any item they have already. If they do make the stop
There are many other things that can be done but this scratches the surface. A good prevention
program can bring down your shrink number by at least a full% in less than a year without huge
arrest numbers. Prevention saves time money and even lives! Arrest will always happen make
no mistake. Any stores policly should be arrest take place when prevention fails!
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