Clare’s Crime Prevention Officer is warning businesses to be on the lookout for shoplifters and consider taking extra measures to prevent against theft.
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are the most common days for thefts from shops, with almost two thirds occur between 12 noon and 6 pm.
Sergeant Triona Brooks says there are a number of different types of shoplifting including opportunist, persistent, professional or substance abusers.
What types of shoplifters are there?
Opportunist: Could be anyone, unattended goods taken / little risk of getting caught.
Persistent: Regular thief, mixing purchased goods with stolen goods, could be a frequent customer.
Young people: Usually engage in thefts in groups through peer pressure.
Substance Abusers: Target high value goods to fund drug habits.
Professional: Target high value goods, take large quantities and nearly always work in groups. If well-known could be disguised.
Advice for different shops?
Clothing Shops – consider increasing electronic tagging and hiring more staff for high risk periods.
Pharmacies – put high risk products further from exits and in full view of staff and consider posting warning signs on high risk merchandise to alert thieves that these items are subject to extra surveillance.
Off Licences – views of alcohol shelves and coolers should be clear and keep alcohol away from exits.
What security tips are there to help prevent theft?
Greet every customer that enters the store. This lets the customer know you are aware of their presence.
Design the store lay out so customers must pass the register area and staff to exit the store. Never leave the register unlocked or unattended. Do not display merchandise near the store exits.
Use mirrors to eliminate blind spots in corners that might hide shoplifters. Maintain adequate lighting in all areas of the store.
Place small and or expensive items in locked cabinets or behind the counter. Dressing rooms should be watched at all times.
Helping Hand – approach the suspicious person and ask if he / she is finding everything okay. Mention that you’ll be nearby should he / she need your help – make the shoplifter feel watched.
Stay Focused – don’t allow customers to distract the cashier while another person is being checked out.
What about night time security?
Link the electric lights to the intruder alarm so that when an out of hours activation occurs, the lights come on illuminating the interior and providing better images on the CCTV system.
Store the CCTV recorder in a secure manner to prevent its easy removal.
Ensure no large sums of money are kept overnight on the premises.
