Warehosue LP?

[rmd08]

I was just wondering if anyone had any experience doing warehouse loss prevention? I am considering taking a job for a security company that provides loss prevention for a warehouse. I do have LP experience, but it was for a 'big box' retailer where most of theft was external (low volume store, high shrink area). I appreciate any responses!

e:Oops! I spelt warehouse wrong!

[NRM_Oz]

Yes I have as part of a DC for a national grocery chain (now defunct) in Australia as well as for clothing and electrical items highly prized by the public.

Good and bad points and one of the biggest problems I came across (I initially commenced as an Investigator for this client) was control (or lack of), culture, management's attitude to theft and lastly the SOP for security. There was an open culture of well you give me this and I will give you that next time I am bringing in something, etc which must be squashed immediately.

Our new DC (I work for a clothing retailer for designer couture) has extensive CCTV but it is still a matter of inspections, audits, presence, zero tolerance and above all, management support in completing our duties. I am sure there are others here who can continue on from my post but most important is CONTROL OF YOUR ENVIRONMENT as the best front door lock is useless if the backdoor is left wide open.

[N. A. Corbier]

I know its an odd question, but is this specifically loss prevention, or is this physical security (observing) of a warehouse - i.e. typical security guard duties?

[Justice_Hound]

I know its an odd question, but is this specifically loss prevention, or is this physical security (observing) of a warehouse - i.e. typical security guard duties?

Distribution Center Loss Prevention positions can be way more than just your typical "physical security" job. Take my company's DC agents. They are a interesting cross between security and professional private investigators. Yes, They monitor CCTV system and search DC employees and they come and go from the DC. But how many average contract security officers conduct
1) routine felony internal theft investigations
2) undercover investigations/surveillances
3) Review and intiate investigations based on inventory adjustments and shipping records.
4) INVESTIGATE (not just respond to) accidents/ workers comp fraud.
5) oversee complete safety program for 500+ employees to include training, total daily, monthly, and yearly inspections.
6) Certifed security, alarm, camera, and fire protection system INSTALLATION and maintance/repair.

One of their big roles is ensuring distribution system integrity. They seal and record ALL outgoing and incomming trucks. They insure that all outgoing pallets are properly secured and that all potential HIGH dollar items are out of the view of the driver (incase he/she decides to break the shipping contract, break the seal on the truck, and search for some GOODIES One of the neatest things that our DC Agents do is conduct BAIT operations where a detailed description of the load is leaked to the drivers and they track the rig using GPS/satelite based cameras.

I have been in the protective services and law enforcement field for many years now. Jobs like Deputy Sheriff, Park Ranger, Undercover Alcohol Inderdiction, and Armed Security Patrol officer.

I have YET to work in more stressful and complex position than Retail Loss Prevention. Every day I come to work and put every thing I have into my store. I am proud to say that I have learned more about
investigation/ catching criminals through my training and experience as an LP manager than I EVER did in LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Justice_Hound
LP Manager

[rmd08]

I know its an odd question, but is this specifically loss prevention, or is this physical security (observing) of a warehouse - i.e. typical security guard duties?

The person I spoke w/ said specifically loss prevention. Hopefully the duties are similar to what justice_hound said!

[NRM_Oz]

JH is correct as where security is more housekeeping, LP is more of the house management where every aspect is followed through. We do have a Security Manager who is responsible for the staffing and policy enforcement from the LPM. It took me 5 months to find a DC LPM and I ended up paying top dollar for this bloke and things have gone smooth. The Security Manager role is harder to fill as we need a specialist and most DC's don't have such layering. Week 2 and we have always terminated 3 warehouse staff for theft (zero tolerance policy) so it needs a strong leader at the helm.

[Curtis Baillie]

It's not uncommon in warehouse operations for there to be a LP Manager and some LP positions under them and either in-house or contract Security Officers reporting to the LP manager. It's all security or loss prevention. Just depends on what term you want to use.