Theft of goods from retail stores is a constant problem throughout the region. It is difficult to be sure how much of retail inventory "shrink" is due to theft from shelves versus other causes, but the impact is significant both in direct dollar losses and in the psychological impact on employees and others.
There are different types of retail theft ranging from the individual shoplifter who takes items for personal use to the sometimes-alarming cases of organized gangs taking large quantities of items for resale through various outlets - fences, online sites, complicit stores or even by shipping to foreign countries.
What to Do
For the community - If you witness an event which you believe is or may be retail theft:
- Ensure that the store staff is aware of the activity. Avoid confronting the suspected thief directly. Be aware that different stores have different internal procedures for reacting to theft.
- Be a good witness. Observe carefully so that later you can give an accurate description of the suspects involved. Watch where they go and what vehicles are used. If you can safely do so, take photos or video of the event.
- Avoid supporting theft by refusing to purchase items that are at a suspiciously low price, or you otherwise believe may be stolen.
For retail owners and managers - Have a Theft Prevention Plan with:
- The protocol that workers should follow such with respect to detaining suspected shoplifters and getting police involvement as well as anti-theft procedures for returns, refunds, bag checking, and other potentially vulnerable areas.
- Train Staff - Familiarize employees with common shoplifting tactics and with the need to be mindful of cash registers and dressing room areas. Also, train staff on personal safety procedures.
- Track Retail Inventory - Put vulnerable items under lock or in easily monitored areas. Use security tags, RFID devices or other tracking to detect improper removal.
- Examine the store's interior layout for risk areas. Place customer checkouts near exits. Position mirrors and security cameras within the premises, and post signs - a study by the Loss Prevention Research Council indicated that over 50% of shoplifters would either go to another store or not steal anything if surveillance signs were present in the area.
- Report theft to police promptly and be active in prosecuting thieves.
For everyone - Call 9-1-1 in emergencies or the non-emergency number, 703-691-2131, to report suspicious activity.
