Spotting and Stopping Shoplifters by VIP Security Services Chelmsford

Posted on Friday 2nd December, 2011

There are two types of shoplifters, the professional and the amateur.  The professional shoplifters steal to make a living and will use force or intimidation to get what they want.  However, the amateur shoplifter can be easier to spot and deter from your store. 

Professional Shoplifters

The professional shoplifters often work in groups of two or more to distract sales staff.  This type of shoplifter will use busy stores during peak hours, or when staff are more than likely to be less alert.  Your staff are often less alert at opening times, closing and when there is a shift change due. 

Shoplifters prefer to hide merchandise.  The shoplifter will wear oversized clothes to conceal your merchandise under it, or within handbags, pushchairs, prams, or within purchased merchandise.  We have even seen a lady create a fake pregnancy using the bump to conceal goods.  Theses gangs of shoplifters often use their children to commit theft.  In a case like this you do need professional security guards to know how to handle the situation. 

The professional shoplifter often already knows what they want and where to get it.  They come out with everything pre-planned and once out of a shop can hand the goods straight to someone else; if caught they no longer have the goods on them. 

Spotting a Shoplifter

Shoplifters come from all walks of like, from small children to adults, different races and cultures, male or female.  They can be smartly dressed or they can be in a hoody, that's why they are hard to spot. 

Hopefully our tips below will give you some points to look for helping you identify shoplifters. 

1. Keep an eye out for people spending more time looking at your cashier or staff than actually shopping.
2. People who are wearing bulky, heavy clothing when the weather is warm.
3. People who seem to be walking unnaturally, they could be concealing items, making their movements harder.
4. People taking several items into the dressing room but only seen leaving with one.
5. Someone who seems nervous and is randomly picking up items with little or no interest.
6. Someone who is seen in the store often but never seems to make a purchase.
7. Always be aware of large groups entering your store at one time, usually juveniles.
8. Be aware if one person within a large group causes a disturbance as they may be trying to distract your sales staff.
9. Watch out for shopping trolleys overly crammed with food items
10. Make sure your cashiers are aware of how many trolleys are passing them compared to the amount of items on the conveyor belt.

If you need more information or advice or even wish to employee a professional security team to guard your shop and prevent loss, please contact the VIP team now on 01277 725140. 

The VIP Team