Shoplifting.

For some, it’s an uncontrollable compulsion. For others, it’s a highly calculated scheme to fulfill “orders.” The latter is now being referred to as organised retail crime. In fact, it’s rarely about poverty or greed.

Regardless of why it happens, the result is the same for any retail business: loss of profit and unrecoverable revenue. In fact, the Retail Crime report published annually by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) revealed that retail crime reached an all-time high at £613m in 2015.

To reduce losses, many smart business owners are turning to security tags to defend against the growing epidemic.

Protecting your stock should be a simple, no-hassle process.

Enter security tags!

Find out how this, and other loss prevention technologies can help increase security and discourage theft.

Loss Prevention: Security Tags

Security tags are the first line of defense against retail thieves and shoplifters. The physical presence of a device is an effective deterrent right from the start. Many would-be shoplifters head to another retailer once they notice security tags in use.

What type of security tagging system works best?

For most retail operations the type of inventory carried is a determining factor. Certain devices offer better protection for different types of merchandise.

Security tag devices are now made to fit a wide variety of retail items. Technological advances allow companies to engineer security tags for more specific security functions.

Let’s take a look at the different types of security tag devices available today. We’ll also look at which retail items are best protected by each mechanism.

Apparel Security Tags

Clothing security tags are a standard in the majority of retail clothing stores. But the apparel tags of the past were big and bulky. They also had large, thick pins which could easily damage and leave holes in garment materials.

Innovations in security tags now offer damage-proof attaching and detaching mechanisms.

The Rapidtag line of anti-theft products specifically designed for clothing come in two unique styles:

Rapidtag Pencil

Pencil-style security devices offer puncture free attachment. Equipped with a longer arm, the mechanism folds over the garment and locks in place. The apparel needle snaps into the tag cap so there’s no need to tag puncture the material at all.

These specially designed pin tags are perfect for the delicate materials of swimwear, scarves, and lingerie.

Rapidtag Clam

For more durable materials, there’s still no need to revert to the large, cumbersome old-style tags. Consider a small, compact clam shell security tag. The ultra thin pin slides easily through materials without leaving a trace.

Another benefit to the clam-style (and pencil tag) is ease of use.

Unlike heavier hard tags that have a separate pin, clam pins offer fluid one-handed application. Employee productivity is markedly increased when these simple devices are used. Retailers immediately notice a significant increase in tagging time (some reported up to 35%).

Padlock Tags

Traditional mouse tags (anti-theft devices which combine the pencil security tag and lanyard) offer excellent security but are often time-consuming for employees to attach.

The simplicity of padlock security tags dramatically decreases the time spent attaching.

These devices are perfect for harder materials that clam-style and pin tags cannot be used on as well as awkwardly shaped merchandise. Use padlocks on purses and leather bags, shoes, leather jackets

Optical Security Locks

Sunglasses and even prescription eyewear are items that can be easily slipped into a purse or jacket pocket. Optical security locks offer a solution to this theft problem.

Look for devices that allow the glasses to still be displayed on racks. The right lock does not cause discomfort to customers or get in the way of customers trying on multiple styles.

when considering optical locks make sure to look for ones that fit a wide variety of glasses and sunglass types.

Bottle Locks

Despite the cumbersome nature of a bottle, spirits do get stolen. Whether it’s the young teen who cannot legally purchase it or the possible alcoholic, bottle locks keep spirits safe.

In their annual retail theft survey, Jack Hayes International, explains that people who shoplift alcoholic beverages will target high-end spirits “such as Grey Goose vodka and Vue champagne, which are commonly shoplifted if not locked up,” says company president, Mark Doyle.

Businesses that sell alcohol may have security systems in place for the top shelf spirits, but locking away every bottle is neither cost-effective nor customer-friendly.

Security Labels

Of course, some retail businesses carry items that are not practical to tag. Tags cannot be applied without damaging the product (liquid items in plastic bottles, over-the-counter medications, and DVDs are a few examples).

Any item that requires a price tag can be made more secure with anti-theft security labels. Look for security labels with “no swap” applications. These labels offer superior adhesiveness, preventing customers from attempting to peel tags and swap prices between products.

If you’re looking for quality innovations, ease of use, and the most important feature — security — consider the Rapidtag line of anti-theft products. Check out this write-up on the nomination for Most Innovative In-Store Product category at the 2015 Retail Fraud Awards.

Security Tags get Intelligent

What about high-value products that are difficult to keep secure or impossible to equip with any of the above type security tags?

Advances in technology now offer a solution.

Smart tags are small, tamper-proof, almost invisible gadgets that offer big value when it comes to securing items such as power tools, technology equipment, DVDs and other hard to tag items.

Smart tags are movement and light sensitive. If an item fitted with a smart tag is placed inside a purse, bag or jacket, the tag detects the lack of light and will sound an alarm. The alarm will also sound if the merchandise experiences erratic movement (like the bouncing movement that occurs when some walks).

How are smart tags deactivated?

Every business receives a unique code number. A tagging mechanism with this intelligent technology can only be detagged by a specific electronic key.

Want to Compete with Thieves? Take Your Security to the Next Level

Shoplifting accounts for 81% of revenue lost from retail theft.

The holidays are quickly approaching which means an increase in foot traffic and more potential for shoplifting.

The next line of defense: Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).

Here are some reasons to consider installing a CCTV system for your retail business:

Effectiveness

Studies show that businesses that install a CCTV system see a marked decrease in loss due to shoplifting. One study showed that installation of CCTV cameras resulted in a 39.8 percent reduction in lost goods.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), some of the greatest retail losses now come from what has been dubbed ORC: Organiesd Retail Crime.

In their 2016 survey, they report 100 percent of retailers surveyed believe their companies have been victims of organized retail crime. And 83 percent said organised retail crime activity had increased in the previous 12 months.

If you take into consideration the results CCTV has on theft, that puts a huge dent in the profits lost due to this increase in OCR. The cost of installing closed caption television will quickly be offset by the theft it helps prevent.

Positive After Effects

Should criminal activity occur, the CCTV system can still play an important role. Footage of activities is often used by police to apprehend criminals after a theft has occurred. Many times, the retrieval of the stolen items is possible, which returns that lost revenue back to the retail business.

Another big benefit of CCTV footage is recognition. If a retail store is unfortunate to experience a theft, review the footage. Discovering who the shoplifter was in an excellent way to curb losses from repeat offenders.

Training

In order for a CCTV system to work effectively, training on how to use it is a key to success.

Proper training should include:

  • Training for all employees
  • Training on how to store footage
  • How to review footage
  • How to use CCTV to spot shoplifters before they strike

Another benefit of CCTV is to deter the unfortunate occurrence of employee theft. Simply knowing the cameras are active prevents a high percentage of theft that is done by retail personnel.

People for Prevention

Innovations and technology are excellent ways to deter theft in a retail business but don’t forget a very important theft deterrent system: employees.

When employees receive specialised training on how to effectively prevent theft, businesses can look forward to reduced profit loss.

One of the simplest things an employee can be trained in is the importance of eye contact. When a potential shoplifter enters an establishment, if they are met with direct eye-to-eye contact from an employee, this lets them know they are being watched.

When implementing new security systems, the better trained the employee, the more successful the anti-theft measures. A quality retail security company offers a comprehensive employee training program.

A good security training program should include the following practical coaching:

  • Till training: how to correctly remove tags without damaging merchandise; how to deactivate security devices
  • Protect paying customers: how to ensure security tags are not missed at the till
  • Protecting inventory: which items should be protected and what are the best methods for protection
  • Tips and tricks for reducing overall customer theft
  • Trouble spotting: offering advice on how to spot potential shoplifters as soon as they enter the store
  • Approaching suspicious customers: the best practices for approaching a suspected shoplifter after a security tag alarm sounds
  • employee safety: ways to decrease the risk of violent attack when confronting a theft in progress
  • Price swapping prevention techniques
  • Use good customer service to prevent crime.

Make Product Protection a Priority

Because you own a brick-and-mortar store, which allows customers to see products up close, plus touch them, doesn’t mean you should be penalised by a loss of retail profit.

To protect your business, your profits and even your employees, it’s may be time to take a serious look at your security measures.

WWhy choose B2BSG for your security system needs?

For starters, we take on a consultative approach. We begin by sending an account manager to visit your store. The account manager works closely with owners and staff to determine your exact needs and identify a solution that meets your loss prevention objectives. We also recommend systems based on your budget and aesthetic requirements.

The manager works closely with owners and staff to determine your exact needs and identify a solution that meets your loss prevention objectives. We also recommend systems based on your budget and aesthetic requirements.

Besides security tagging, here are some of the innovative features and benefits included when you work with B2BSG:

  • Magnet Spy – Identifies professional shoplifters carrying magnetic detachers
  • Metal Spy – Detects shoplifters with foil lined bags
  • People Counting – Provides accurate footfall counting
  • Anti EAS Signal Jammer – Detects EAS signal jammer
  • ERemote Engineer – Reduces maintenance costs by using remote access for technical support

For a complete store security audit, contact B2BSG. Our highly-trained professionals are ready to serve and protect!