Shoplifting. It may seem like an innocent crime, but it’s costing retailers nearly 11 billion dollars in loss every year. Some of the most common items include clothing, books, music, jewelry, and pretty much anything you can fit in your pocket or purse.

A good video surveillance system can help identify and prosecute a suspect after a theft occurs — but, wouldn’t you like to stop it from happening altogether?

In this video, American Alarm Blogging Team’s Sunny Gault will give you the top 10 ways to help you prevent shoplifting.

Here are our top 10 ways to prevent shoplifting:

1. Greet customers at the door. Shoplifters typically avoid stores with attentive salespeople.
2. Watch for customers who avoid eye contact, seem nervous, wander the store and linger.
3. Encourage employees to walk around the store looking for suspicious activity.
4. Maintain a clean and organized store. A dirty store tells shoplifters that employees really aren’t paying attention.
5. Keep commonly stolen items in plain view – preferably at the front of the store.
6. Talk to nearby business owners and share your experience and your concerns. The more people watching for suspicious activity, the better.
7. Hire adequate employees and stagger their lunch hours so they can give customers personal attention.
8. Draft a shoplifting policy and enforce it. Let everyone know the rules. Post signs around the store.
9. Install anti-theft devices such as security cameras, mirrors and anti-theft tags on merchandise.
10. Restrict the use of fitting rooms by locking them and requiring customers to see a salesperson before gaining access.

If you spot someone who may be shoplifting, never accuse him. Instead, ask if you can help. Never try to stop a shoplifter. It’s always best to notify security or the police – write down his license plate if necessary so he can be found, and your merchandise returned.

Next Steps:

• Subscribe to our blog to receive the full blog series via email and stay informed about the latest security news and insight.
• Stay up to date on security topics such as home alarm systems, business security systems, video surveillance systems, IP video networks, remote video monitoring, fire alarm systems, and fire alarm inspection.