How
to Identify Shoplifters
Shoplifters
can be placed in one of two categories, professional and amateur. While both
groups can be quite skilled at the art of thievery, professional shoplifters
steal to make a living and may use force or intimidation. The non-professional
shoplifter may be easier to spot.
Shoplifter
Methods
Many of these thieves work in groups of two or
more 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.
Hiding merchandise is the most common method
of shoplifting. Items are concealed in the clothing of the shoplifter, in
handbags, strollers, umbrellas or inside purchased merchandise. Bold
shoplifters may grab an item and run out of the store. Other methods include
price label switching, short changing the cashier, phony returns, and so on.
Spot
the Shoplifter
Unfortunately, there is no typical profile of
a shoplifter. Thieves come in all ages, races and from various backgrounds.
However, there are some signs that should signal a red flag for retailers.
While the following characteristics don't necessarily mean guilt, retailers
should keep a close eye on shoppers who exhibit the following:
·
Spends more time watching the cashier or sales clerk than
actually shopping.
·
Wears bulky, heavy clothing during warm weather or coats when
unnecessary.
·
Walks with short or unnatural steps, which may indicate that
they are concealing lifted items.
·
Takes several items into dressing room and only leaves with one
item.
·
Seems nervous and possibly picks up random items with no
interest.
·
Frequently enters store and never makes a purchase.
·
Enters dressing room or rest rooms with merchandise and exits
with none.
·
Large group entering the store at one time, especially
juveniles. A member of the group causes a disturbance to distract sales staff.
Article by: Maria
Working happily with
National Merchant Services
Happy Processing!!!
Article source: http://retail.about.com/od/lossprevention/qt/spot_shoplifter.htm
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