Loss Prevention Policy

One of the first steps to reducing shoplifting is to have a written shoplifting policy. It does not have to be fancy; a three-ring binder that you can update as time goes by is perfect. 

Make several copies, make sure each employee has one and has read it. To begin creating policies, ask yourself the following questions. 

1. What should employees do if they see someone shoplifting?
2.  Will you prosecute all shoplifters no matter the age, dollar amount stolen or if they are known customer? 
3. Who, how and under what circumstances will you confront the shoplifter?
4. Will you detain the shoplifter?
5. What will you do if the shoplifter offers to pay?
6. Who is responsible for calling the police?
7. What if the shoplifter gets aggressive, at what point do you let them walk?
8. Do you want your employees to act as loss prevention personal or have more of a customer service role?
9. What do you do is the suspect runs, chase, no chase, limited chase?
10. What are your legal rights as a retailer?

Before implementing any policy, it would be wise to run it by an attorney as getting sued for stopping a thief is something that you want to avoid.  Especially if I will be bad press for you and your business. 
 
Consider a shoplifting policy that is fair for everyone. If your store does not want to prosecute shoplifters, word will get around. If shoplifters know your shop is not afraid to take action many thieves will avoid your business and go elsewhere.   Having a zero tolerance policy and prosecuting all shoplifters will consume your most valuable resources and time. While getting tough sounds good what if Johnny Jr stole bubblegum or if Grandma who has some memory issues attempts to take a purse she liked?  
Many smaller retailers focus their shoplifting policy on deterrence and not apprehension. Of course, the number one goal should be the safety of your personal and customers.

Product Highlight:

Mico Mini Retractor with Lasso 

Bonus Tip:

As I mentioned prior the best way to prevent shoplifting is to give top notch customer service. As an example, if someone is observed putting something in their pocket a policy of calmly saying something like "Sir, I noticed you put that necklace in your pocket. Do you want me to hold it at the counter for you while you finish shopping?" By saying something like this, you are not accusing them of stealing, gives them an easy way out, you get your merchandise back and chances are they will not come back to steal again.

Thanks,
-Mark Turner