OUR TOP TIPS: HOW TO HELP PREVENT SHOPLIFTING

Contents

• Key Facts• Retail theft policy: considerations• Training• How to spot a shoplifter• Shoplifting methods• The role of GSL Dardan Investigations

Key facts

• Almost one in six Britons nationally are now involved in shoplifting in

one form or another

• It has been estimated that almost £4.4billion worth of goods has been

stolen from shops in Britain in 2011 which is an increase of 6.2% on

the previous 12 months (The Sunday Times, January 2012)

• Items such as clothing, fresh meat and men's toiletries are among the

products most prized by thieves (The Sunday Times, January 2012)

• 18,000 shop staff experienced physical or verbal abuse by shoplifters

during 2010 (The Sun, March 2011)

• Pleasingly for businesses, 86% of all thefts did result in prosecution

(Eastern Daily Press January, 2012).

Retail theft policy: considerations

• Is your goal to prosecute or retrieve the merchandise?

• Does your store have a zero tolerance policy for shoplifting?

• Will you prosecute shoplifters under 18 or over 65?

• Is there a minimum value to guide police involvement or prosecution?

• How will you confront and detain the shoplifter?

• What will you do if the shoplifter shows remorse or offers to pay?

• Who is responsible for calling the police?

• Will you train staff to collect evidence?• Where will shoplifters be detained whilst awaiting the arrival of the

police?• Do you need assistance and support from qualified loss prevention

consultants, retail guards or store detectives?

Training

• It is crucial that staff understand the law and how to interpret events

as it is always possible a misunderstanding has taken place and the

person is not actually a shoplifter

• If the retailer does not employ loss prevention staff or store detectives

then staff training is incredibly important

• Encourage staff to approach those they suspect and engage with

them, asking “Can I help you?” Treating the suspect in a polite,

discrete, yet firm and professional manner will help you and your store

avoid allegations of unlawful arrest or discrimination

• CCTV and mirrors can also help staff establish suspicious activity

before a loss occurs

How to spot a shoplifter

• Shoplifters can be amateurs or professionals but they don’t all match a

typical profile

• Your staff should however keep an eye out for individuals who exhibit the

following behaviours:

• Spends more time watching the cashier or sales clerk than actually

shopping;

• Wears bulky, heavy clothing during warm weather or is carrying a

coat unnecessarily;

• Takes several items into dressing room and only leaves with one

item;

• Seems nervous or displays unusual body language;

• Large groups of juveniles enter the store at the same time and

member of the group causes a disturbance to distract sales staff.

Shoplifting methods

• Shoplifters’ motives for stealing can result from the most basic of needs due

to personal circumstances to peer pressure, thrill seekers, individuals

suffering from mental illness and individuals who regularly partake in anti-

social behaviour

• Many thieves often operate in groups of two or more (known as teaming up)

to distract the sales staff while they pilfer

• Shoplifters learn to take advantage of busy stores during peak hours, or they

may hit at times when employees are less alert, such as opening, closing

and shift changes

The role of GSL Dardan Investigations

GSL Dardan, through its specialist division GSL Dardan Investigations, can help businesses develop store protocols and procedures, as well as provide advice on electronic security systems that may be beneficial in reducing theft.

To discuss retail crime prevention or shoplifting solutions, please contact Richard York at GSL Dardan Investigations.

To view the full white paper document which includes further hints and tips, please visit http://www.gsldardaninvestigations.co.uk/news

Contact detailsTelephone: 01603 732211Email: richard.york@gsldardaninvestigations.co.ukWebsite: http://www.gsldardaninvestigations.co.uk

Issue date: February 2012.