The best tips for retail loss prevention include choosing the most effective techniques for your store's budget. Not all asset protection methods involve expensive, high-tech equipment. Rather, store policies and procedures you create and enforce can also help reduce or prevent customer and employee theft. Placement of goods for sale and cashiering rules especially focus on retail loss prevention. If your budget allows, large mirrors, security cameras, window bars and store alarm systems are all popular and proven loss prevention methods used in retail shops.
A store alarm system that you leave on during closing hours may help deter criminals from breaking in if a live response crew is notified when the alarm is sounded. Installing security cameras high up on the ceiling that aren't easy to remove is another option for aiding in retail loss prevention by deterring would-be burglars. Metal bars at smaller windows as well as gates at the main entrance to slide out when locking up for closing can prevent burglars from entering your store by breaking the glass. Such bars can also prevent vandals from breaking the windows with rocks or other objects.
The tag type of alarm system in which a loud noise alerts clerks that unpaid-for merchandise is being taken out the door can be a good retail loss prevention technique for clothing stores. If a customer who tries on garments in a changing room steals something, it may be difficult to notice if he or she wears it under his or her own clothes or places it in a purse or bag. Items containing the special plastic tag will sound the alarm. The downside is that if a salesclerk fails to remove the tag from the items a customer paid for, the alarm will sound which can be unpleasant and embarrassing for good, paying customers.
Placing large mirrors around the store doesn't necessarily have to be an expensive retail loss prevention strategy, and it can be done decoratively. Mirror wall tiles may even be used as part of the decor. Since much of a store can be reflected in this way, it can be easier for clerks to notice thieves trying to steal merchandise off shelves. The placement of items for sale in your store can make a big difference in loss prevention, as thieves are less likely to try to steal things from higher shelves, especially if mirrors near ceiling height are installed.
Larger items are best to display on shelves, as these are awkward to steal. Small, valuable items are usually best placed in locked glass cases that clerks can access to assist the customers. To deter employee theft, use careful hiring practices, monitor who is working the cash registers when and provide generous store discounts for workers. Take a walking tour of your store while pretending to be a thief looking for opportunities to steal merchandise. Viewing your store displays from this perspective can better help you organize your merchandise with the goal of retail loss prevention.