Loss prevention officers are common place in most large retail outlets.  Their presence provides a needed level of deterrence to help ensure all products leaving the store are properly paid for.  According to information and statistics provided by the National [...]

Procedures for a Non-Cooperative Suspect
1.  If the suspect is violent when you approach him/her, never initiate physical contact with the suspect first.  If the suspect becomes violent with you, use the necessary and reasonable amount of force for self-defense.  The police should be called IMMEDIATELY.  Do not use handcuffs or pepper spray on a suspect [...]

Shoplifting Prevention Measures
Excellent customer service is the best way to help prevent shoplifting and various shoplifting methods.  Here are some examples to follow:
1.  Always observe the entrance to your department when stocking. Position yourself so you observe all customer entering or leaving your department.
2.  Greet all customer entering your department.  Make positive eye contact with [...]

A shoplifter cannot be easily identified; sex, age, race, religion, personal appearance and even economic status will not help identify a shoplifter.  Shoplifting methods and tools used are limited only by the imagination of the shoplifter.  The shoplifter can be anyone.