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.
Listed below are common shoplifting methods used:
- Customer who takes an unknown quantity of merchandise into the restroom
- Diversionary actions, such as fighting, physical disturbances, suspicious movements to draw your attention
- Customer makes requests that make it necessary for the associate to leave the sales floor or asks to see more merchandise, so that it is impossible to control
- Customer carrying items from one area ot the other, making numerous trips to the same area (looking for the right opportunity)
- Groups or gangs that split-up upon entering (difficult to watch all of the group members)
- Customer who doesn’t want assistance
- The try-on artist who will try on merchandise and simply walk out, or will try on merchandise and conceal it by putting their own clothes on over the stolen merchandise
- The “early bird” and “last minute” shopper (taking advantage of assoicate inattention)
- Customer who stands very close to or leans up against merchandise.
- Customer who repeatedly drops merchandise (looking for an opportunity to conceal merchandise)
- Customer who takes off their coat and carries it over their arms and occasionally lays it down on top of merchandise (they pick-up some merchandise along with the coat or conceal stolen merchandise under their coat)
- Customer wearing clothing not appropriate for the season/weather (coat in summer, etc . . . )
- Customer with bags, umbrellas, etc . . .
- The switching of price tags
- Customer who inspects several garments at one time
- Customer who blocks the view of the associate (this can be accomplished by using an accomplice or other customer)
- Concealing merchandise within or under merchandise that is being purchased
- Hiding merchandise in pockets
Many shoplifters use a variety of different tools. Some of these tools may include:
- Booster Bag – this is a bag, box, etc. that is lined with aluminum foil or duct tape to prevent the E.A.S. alarm from sounding
- Large pockets, long sleeves, knitting bags, hats, newspapers, gloves, handbags, boxes, shopping bags, luggage, umbrellas, baby strollers and carriages
- Fake pregnancy (provides a hiding place)
These are just a few of the shoplifting methods/tools used by shoplifters. Remember that the shoplifting methods/tools used are limited only by the imagination of the shoplifter. Also remember that an innocent shopper may appear to be a shoplifter because they act in the above fashion or may possess what appears to be “tools”. As an associate or loss prevention agent, you must witness the selection, concealment and passing of all points of payment for a shoplifting to have occurred. Although this may vary from state to state, it’s a safe method to use to keep you out of a legal mess.
Shoplifting Detection vs. Shoplifting Methods:
- The inventory shrinkage report may indicate a shortage
- The E.A.S. alarm is sounded
- Finding empty tables, peg hooks, displays or boxes
- Price tags and/or sensor tags hidden or discarded
- Used merchandise left behind
- The hurried departure of a customer
- Numerous requests for refund without cash register receipts
- An overly nervous customer
- A customer who refuses assistance
- A customer who appears to be looking at everything except the merchandise
Please watch for our next blog entry, which will cover shoplifter apprehensions and preventative measures.
Please take time to check out some really neat arrest pictures at http://www.freakingnews.com/Arrest-Pictures—1919.asp
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