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How to Prevent Crime against Your Business - Part I

Before you implement retail theft prevention measures, you need to first assess the risk to your products and your staff. This will give you an idea of what you need to do to deter and prevent shoplifters and also to make sure that your staff feel comfortable and safe in their working environment.

Training staff in how to prevent shoplifters and what to do once a shoplifter has been apprehended will give them the confidence to deal with these difficult situations. You should check with the police to find out how to deal with apprehended shoplifters - to make sure you aren't violating their human rights.

How to Spot Suspicious Behaviour

There is no easy way of determining who will or will not shoplift. Some figures will suggest that the majority of shoplifters are a certain age or gender, but there is no real way of knowing.

Anyone can be a potential shoplifter, but that doesn't mean you should follow everyone around your store, watching them like a hawk. Be discreet when trying to spot potential shoplifters; don't spoil the shopping experience of everyone else just because some people choose to steal from you.

There are some signs to look out for when trying to pre-empt a theft from your store:

People who look very nervous and are constantly looking around for staff members.
People who take little notice of products could be waiting for an opportune moment to conceal an item.
People wearing inappropriate clothing for the time of year or carrying a large bag or coat.
People who repeatedly refuse your offer of help.
Obvious groups of people that try to distract you or move your eye away from certain areas of the shop.
People who hang around the door of the shop might be looking for a quick steal and getaway.

These signs are usually displayed by petty thieves and it can be quite obvious that someone is acting suspiciously. The best way to deter suspicious people is to use exceptional customer service. Knowing where your customers are and offering assistance can be an effective way of deterring shoplifters that thrive on anonymity.

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crime prevention, retail crime, retail theft, crime prevention tips
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