There’s a very interesting, and well written, article in this past Sunday’s Arizona Republic. Titled “As Criminal Gangs Get Smarter, Retailers Find Tools to Fight Back,” the writer details a range of products being stolen, methods being used by thieves, how retailers and police are reacting.
Despite Effective Theft Prevention, Thieves Continue to Multiply,
says the writer. “The petty shoplifters and price-tag switchers” are still part of the problem. But gangs, inexpensive and new technology and sometimes employees on the inside are increasing challenging retailers. And then, stolen goods are often farmed out to a complex distribution system.
In Your Town As Well
Increased retail theft in Phoenix, highlights the fact that what happens in one city impacts others. Earlier this year, the National Retail Federation added Phoenix and Las Vegas to Organized Retail Top Ten list.
Joseph LaRocca, the National Retail Federation’s senior adviser of asset protection, said that crackdowns of organized retail theft in other metro areas have prompted thieves to move into the Phoenix area.
Shoplifters do react to anti-shoplifting efforts. They move to where the shoplifting is easier.
You Can Do Something about Shoplifting
"This is called a spider wrap....It's proven very effective deterrent for us," Nate Hartle Target Sr Mgr for Investigations told MN Public Radio. (photo source: MN Public Radio)
The article points out that theft prevention means “walking a fine line.” You have to focus on retail security while still being customer friendly.
The article points to several techniques being implemented.
Target uses electronic “spider wraps,” which wrap around boxes of containing video players, televisions, gaming consoles and other often-stolen items. The wraps prevent boxes from being opened inside the store or taken outside.
The retailer and others also use anti-sweep hooks that prevent thieves from scooping up whole racks of products and bolting. There are locking racks that require an attendant to open and special hangers that prevent thieves from cutting merchandise off a locking rack.
There are certainly many more techniques, including cooperation with your local law enforcement authorities and other retailers.
————————
You can do something about shoplifting!
American Theft Prevention Products has tools to help retailers and others combat shoplifting and theft. Visit www.AmericanTheftPrevention.com or call 866-416-0999 or 847-972-6540.
Tags: Alpha Security Products, locking hooks, loss prevention, National Retail Federation, Organized Retail Crime, procedures, spider wraps, Target
