How to deal with shoplifters in my store?

86boy on 02/01/2017 - 17:02

Hi guys,

So the following has happened:

3 friends have been coming to my store every few days. Recently, I've noticed a pattern. One of them would distract the staff by asking questions (A), another one would roam around visibly (B) and one would disappear behind a rack of shelves (C)

Today, I was extremely suspicious and saw C go behind and take some boxes and turn away, at this point I walked towards him but I suspect he had already put it down his pants.

I have since tracked him down via his Gumtree account / eBay account and confirmed his name and number based off his existing orders in our store. I have also seen that out missing stock correlates to his past ebay listings.

Now I am thinking of a few options:

  1. Call the police and let them handle it - I don't think anything will come of this.
  2. Call to meet up as a potential Gumtree customer and confront him to return all the stolen goods otherwise report them to the police.
  3. Do nothing and let them come back and try catch them in the act.

I am leaning to option 2 but my colleagues feel that there is risk to potential further harm to our business.

What are your thoughts/modes of action?

General Discussion

Comments

  • doweyy on 02/01/2017 - 17:07
    +23

    I think the easiest option for you would be to refuse entry for them in the future. What you've lost in the past has gone and I think rather than chasing them down (possibly hindering your business) you could just implement strategies for the future. If they continue to come into the store after you have instructed them to leave then you could possibly call the police for trespassing.

    Either that or you could increase your security with more cameras that will give rise to much more evidence to give to the police.

    • nikey2k27 on 03/01/2017 - 22:36

      Call cop let there deal with it. i would refuse entry to them you have that right.

    • maverickseraph on 04/01/2017 - 12:01
      +1

      Ban letters can be served to them to if you can't get their name at least write down their description and picture of their face to serve to them as they come in.Perhaps keep a cctv of you serving it to them. With the cctv and paper records saying you banned them, if you call the police they can actually arrest them for trespassing on private property charges. Police don't do much about shoplifting unless they stole hundreds and thousands on multiples times. I have reported so many and sent them cctv videos many times but they only seriously go after those who stole large amounts.
      I work in a big chain store, I have templates on file to serve ban notices. I do tell people they are banned verbally, most of time they are pretty quiet as they leave.

  • toristo on 02/01/2017 - 17:11
    +80

    You must be new here. The Ozbargain endorsed option is always Bikies.

    • sator on 02/01/2017 - 17:40
      +40

      Don't forget to use Cashrewards (8%) + discount code "KICKASS"

    • vicosads on 02/01/2017 - 17:54
      -1

      buying a gun from the bikies and doing it yourself would be better value in the longterm

      • Scab on 03/01/2017 - 06:47
        +6

        The bikies should have some good gun deals at this time of year.

        And make sure you tell them you're an Ozbargain member for a free bike ride voucher.

  • holdenmg on 02/01/2017 - 17:12
    +15

    When they next come to the store, tell them you had fitted surveillance cameras fitted over Christmas Break because your Insurance Company insisted and tell them and that they are being monitored remotely.

    Ask your friends to see if they can spot where the non-existent cameras have been installed because you don't want them to be obvious to a Shoplifter.

    Hours and hours of fun.

  • try2bhelpful on 02/01/2017 - 17:19
    +5

    I agree with telling these guys they aren't allowed in your store, if they make a fuss then tell them you are happy to call the cops and they can investigate his ebay listings. I would also get some cameras installed in the areas that are not visible from the front and put up signs saying that the store is under survellance. Shoplifters are like cockroaches - they are there even if you can't see them.

  • Ughhh on 02/01/2017 - 17:19
    +5

    Call the police and ban them. They're not "customers" you want or need to please. If you confront them via Gumtree, my guess is they'll deny and there's nothing you can do to force them to admit and hand over goods, unless you look scary maybe. But if they're rebellious teens type, they might come back at night and throw a brick or graffiti over your walls.

    Maybe install more cameras, even dummy ones and install signs saying you're on camera.

  • Kangal on 02/01/2017 - 17:20
    -5

    Personally I would resort to SuperSoak them 'oes.

    They can't sue you for assault, because you didn't physically hit them nor did you use any chemicals.
    It's just like a bit of rain. Annoying stupid rain.
    Never heard of anyone suing the clouds.

    PS You could potentially capture the whole water show and load it to YouTube, might even make a profit if it goes viral.

    • Elwes on 02/01/2017 - 22:09
      +3

      Legally, that's still assault.
      In fact, a mere threat can count as assault (if it makes someone fear they're about to be hurt).
      https://www.judcom.nsw.gov.au/publications/benchbks/criminal…

      • Kangal on 03/01/2017 - 06:41
        -1

        Wow, I am stunned.
        I guess Oxford should go and change their definition.
        It really is a PC World that we live in, South Park was right, humanity is really doomed.

        • deanylev on 03/01/2017 - 23:32
          +2

          We live in a PC world because you can't blast strangers with a water gun without it being frowned upon? Not sure what type of world you'd like to live in :/

        • Kangal on 03/01/2017 - 23:45
          -2

          @deanylev:

          Frowning I get.
          But actually getting arrested and jailed for assault is what I don't get.

          The punishment really doesn't fit the crime if you ask me.

        • sleepy120 on 04/01/2017 - 01:20
          +1

          @Kangal: imagine the shoplifter had the water gun?

        • Kangal on 04/01/2017 - 06:02
          +1

          @sleepy120:

          Give me all your cash!
          *squirt *
          lol

        • ThithLord on 04/01/2017 - 08:55

          @deanylev: I'm sure Kangal would be fine if we water blasted him and got his phone and Laptop wet. 'Tis just a prank, bro!

        • bargdebarg on 04/01/2017 - 19:39
          +1

          @Kangal: that's not a water gun… Squirt

        • -.- on 05/01/2017 - 09:15

          Traditionally, there had been a distinction between an assault (without physical contact) and battery (with physical contact). However, this distinction (though largely remaining in tort law), has been whittled away in criminal law and largely just bundled under 'assault' with two categories.

          In fact, any contact however slight can amount to a battery (assault), although there is an exception for bumps and taps consistent with daily life (i.e. on the train).

          This has been the case for a long long time, centuries in fact.

          In reality, you'd never be sent to goal for a watergun assault - clogging up the jails etc. You'd most likely get a fine and or a good behaviour bond. If you were sued in tort, there may only be nominal damages paid out.

        • Kangal on 05/01/2017 - 18:23
          +1

          @-.-:

          Interesting point.
          Not sure why all the negs to me…. but I find it ridiculous that you would be in a position in the first place to defend your freedom at all from a spray of water.

          Like I said, if it's that serious people would be suing the clouds.

          I've always believed a spray of water could get you fined for "public disturbance" only, and nothing as serious as Assault.

        • -.- on 05/01/2017 - 20:51

          @Kangal:

          A lot of the times in criminal law, there can be multiple offences which can all be theoretically be charged for the one act. Usually there are backup charges, and backup of backup charges etc.

          Seeing you're in Brisbane, there are several sections under Queensland's Summary Offences Act (https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/legisltn/current/s/sumoff…). See in particular section 6, which would be relevant in watergun example. Often, through charge bargaining, more serious charges are dropped in favour of lesser charges particularly where there's an early guilty plea involved. So, yes you could be done for assault, but you'd be far more likely to be pinged for nuisance.

  • sator on 02/01/2017 - 17:43
    +4

    Same thing happened to the shop I worked at in the past. The law does not allow us to do much. If we incorrectly detain them, they can sue us for everything.

    Only option for us was to ban them. Go to the cop shop to get details on how to do it officially

    • doodo477 on 03/01/2017 - 18:23
      +1

      Second to this, claim the stolen goods as a expense for running your business. Install CRT Camera systems in the store for future situations. Report it to the police, and provide the evidence.

      Don't detain or touch the person! This can be dangerous for yourself and also your employees in the situation the person becomes physical aggressive and or causes more damage.

      Finally factor in shoplifting into your prices of good's (Yes it sucks), but most retailers will spread the prices out. Keep high valued good's locked in a glass cabinet to reduce chances of little hands getting them.

  • Diji1 on 02/01/2017 - 17:49
    +2

    Call police and report it.

    If it's regular and/or you can have them come in a a certain time try to have the police investigate the issue all the way to them selling stolen goods on eBay and they'll be facing at least three serious criminal charges that I can think of.

    • aoeueoa on 02/01/2017 - 19:33
      +3

      Yes report them. You have a decent amount of information that correlates with things. You haven't however, seen them in the act directly so you can't go confronting. Pass on all the info you have to the police, including ebay stuff. Next time, have your staff be in full view of t hem at all times.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/01/2017 - 18:20
    -5

    Install decent security measures

    Do you have cameras watching your stock?
    Are all entry and exit points properly monitored with decent quality camera (at least 1mp required for legal cases)
    What merchandise protection measures have you got (if any)

    How are they your "friends" if they are stealing from you

    • gooddealmate on 02/01/2017 - 18:36
      +13

      3 Friends of each other, obviously not of the shop owner.

  • swiggity swag on 02/01/2017 - 18:31
    +4

    Bullet to the head

    • nzthunderboy on 03/01/2017 - 19:31
      -1

      Only in Trump land this is possible.

      Ps. I am not a trump supporter

    • AlienC on 02/01/2017 - 23:24
      -1

      Yeah scratch that I was somewhere else probably high.. shoot em in between the eyes with bullets or without ;)

  • tomsco on 02/01/2017 - 20:09
    +4

    Is it always the same stuff that gets stolen/put on eBay? If so, perhaps you could do something so the stock can be identified.

  • trustnoone on 02/01/2017 - 20:12

    I'd either refuse them entry in the future, or place cameras up and catch them in the act, then show the police and refuse them entry in the future.

    Technically you going there to confront the, OR the police going there to confront them can't technically do anything. You can yell at them but thats really it, they might even call the cops on you for being on their property.

    BUT if you do, do option 1 (call the police) especially if you keep at it AND show them you know where they live and info etc; the police will go there and "confront them" they can't exactly search their premises but they can essentially scare them into giving the items back (and at the very least let them know they'll be caught if they try your store again).

    This may not always happen, but a mate literally had his ($400) worth of clothes stolen from his hang-line at the back of his house (kids jumping the fence) and he tracked them down via facebook and friends. Pursued the police to take action, and they confronted the kid who gave his clothes back and got a very stern talking to, by a police officer (clothes were all ripped and dirty by then though). But at least he got some form of justice.

  • apple2016 on 02/01/2017 - 20:13
    +5

    I can't see why you have not reported this to the cops!…. unless you have more reasons to hide from cops.
    Even gumtree advices to report about stolen goods to cops.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/01/2017 - 21:34

    Is there a reason why shops don't go old school and have everything behind the counter?

    • Gecko on 02/01/2017 - 22:17
      +5

      When you've got a full stock and inventory system setup for a brick & mortar store, it's almost free to extend that to an online store. It'd be silly not to.

      Also, you looked through his comment history enough to find that, but didn't look at the website that he's talking about? It has a physical presence in Clayton.

      • [Deactivated] on 02/01/2017 - 22:26
        -7

        and which website and physical store would that be ? I cannot see it in any of the post here?

      • HADOUKEN on 03/01/2017 - 15:15
        +4

        Rekt

  • blitz on 02/01/2017 - 21:56
    +4

    I'm sorry but this is an absolute textbook case for the A-Team.

    • Talonparty on 03/01/2017 - 20:28
      +3

      if you can find them

  • wukachuka on 02/01/2017 - 22:29
    +5

    Respond to the ads as a buyer.
    Arrange to meet in the car park of the local police station for safety.
    Arrive 10 minutes early and explain it to cops inside.
    Go back out and wait for them to arrive.
    Introduce them to YOUR new friends ;D

    If any of the stock is identifiable somehow, it would make a super bonus!

    • doodo477 on 03/01/2017 - 18:27

      Dear god don't do this.

    • pmupsinep on 03/01/2017 - 21:57
      -1

      Neg.

    • TightAl on 04/01/2017 - 02:59

      I have sold a few BNIB iphones inside police stations in the waiting area, alot of people were umming and erring about bank deposit so made it cash in hand at the copshop.
      I don't see the problem with this nor do I see a problem with telling the cops beforehand *if you have evidence.

      • ThithLord on 04/01/2017 - 08:58
        -1

        'A lot' is two words.

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 02/01/2017 - 23:21
    +1

    Buy a gun or get a bat when you see them stealing start swinging the police in this country are useless so is the law.

  • Randxyz123 on 02/01/2017 - 23:48

    Call the cops and see what they can do. My guess is nothing.

    Make sure you take screenshots of the eBay/gumtree listings. If any stock is identifiable by details you may have (like serial numbers) that would be very useful.

    The next step is to invest in security cameras running 24/7. Have signs on the windows warning about the cctv.

    What sort of store do you run? Can you install magnetic antitheft alarms?

  • altomic on 03/01/2017 - 00:02
    +6

    start marking your packages with a UV pen.

    get on ebay.

    wait for an item which you know you marked with a UV pen.

    ask for pickup and pay cash in hand.

    take your mate - mr police officer (plain clothes) to pick up the item with you.

    bring a UV light/torch.

    "oh look mate (mr police officer) I believe this to be the item stolen from my store"

    talk to police before you do this.

    • portraitly on 05/01/2017 - 16:07

      This is actually a great idea!

  • Marcsie on 03/01/2017 - 01:20
    +5

    My first impression was 3 of your friends came to your store, lol

  • razorack999 on 03/01/2017 - 06:53
    +1

    Buy some arlo cameras. Super easy to setup and can be placed anywhere as they are completely wireless (battery and wifi)

    • SnoozeAndLose on 03/01/2017 - 07:44

      Just beware that the battery life and cost to replace those batteries

      • razorack999 on 03/01/2017 - 09:16

        I agree. But if you buy them in bulk off ebay/amazon they can be pretty cost efficient. The beauty of these cameras are that they are a quick and cost effective to setup . You can be literally be up and running in 10 minutes. And they are so mobile that you can put them anywhere.

    • thatonethere on 03/01/2017 - 19:54

      Arlo are good but not for high traffic areas. The battery just can't cope and the backend system isn't made for it.

  • Chilli-chilli on 03/01/2017 - 07:49

    Ask them why. In a way that they won't feel as they're threatened ( more bad than good comes out of peeps feel threatened ). You either gon be part of the problems or solutions. Your decision.
    I iz also hungry.

  • Geewhizz on 03/01/2017 - 07:50

    Ban them from your store and tell them why. They are clearly not your target market.

  • x2r9ypbj on 03/01/2017 - 08:36
    -2

    THE BEST SOLUTION TO YOUR PROBLEM IS TO HAVE TWO GUARD DOGS IN YOUR STORE(MAKE SURE THE DOGS ARE HUNGRY)
    AND THAT THE DOGS HAVE SHARP TEETH.WIN WIN

    • SupeNintendoChalmers on 03/01/2017 - 15:06
      +1

      So, your hounds are loyal?

      • cwongtech on 04/01/2017 - 00:33
        +1

        Ramsay Bolton thought so.

      • Tasmaniac on 04/01/2017 - 10:28

        It's about sending a message.

    • theguyrules on 03/01/2017 - 17:46
      +3

      WHY ARE WE SHOUTING?

      • Spooked on 05/01/2017 - 13:50

        I LOVE LAMP

    • harkoliar on 04/01/2017 - 16:43
      +1

      Wont the hounds also eat the regular customers? He will be broke by the end of the week.

  • Pumpkin_rrr on 03/01/2017 - 08:55
    +4

    I've seen stores, most probably while overseas, where shops display pictures of CCTV footage of shoplifters.some even with very clear image of the face. Perhaps in Oz needs to be a bit more creative than this just borrow the idea. There must be a reason why they keep coming back to you.

    • spacecowboy on 05/01/2017 - 11:02
      +1

      A JB HiFi in Sydney had a photo of some guy posted at the store entrance recently. On the photo was message something like "Banned from all JB HiFi stores". The look on the guys face was priceless.

  • TransportPosters on 03/01/2017 - 09:06
    +1

    I think asking them to leave next time they come in will make them realise their game is up and not come back.

    As much as I love the idea of catching them, or messing with them, doing the whole Gumtree confrontation thing, etc, it's just not worth the risk.

    As mentioned in another thread on here recently, supermarkets are allowing shoplifters to get away with goods because it's legally more risky to confront and try to stop them, and also a risk to health and safety.

  • CTJR86 on 03/01/2017 - 14:37
    +3

    Just shoot one in the dick. No questions asked. Make sure the other 2 see it though.

    • Flying Ace on 03/01/2017 - 20:49
      +4

      But if he misses it will be a real cockup.

  • JimmyF on 03/01/2017 - 14:38

    Do option 1 and option 4…. Option 4 being, refuse entry to the store in the future.

  • HADOUKEN on 03/01/2017 - 15:06
    +2

    Broden has turned to a life of crime after banishment from OzB. Good to see he has made some friends in real life though. His methods have become somewhat more sophisticated in hording and flipping goods for profit.

  • Lockieasy on 03/01/2017 - 15:27
    +1

    Option 1 of course. Report it at your local police station and provide all the information you have accumulated, i.e. print out the Gumtree & Ebay listings and the criminal's profiles. It's possible the thieves are doing this at other stores so the police may have other leads on this too and might be interested in setting up a sting operation to recover your goods & arrest the perpetrators.

    Also ban them all from your store. Whatever you do, don't confront them on your own terms as that will only escalate things.

  • batman1987 on 03/01/2017 - 19:33

    Hi OP,

    I am responding as someone who HAS worked in the retail industry for 4 years and have witnessed shoplifting (convenience store).

    Essentially here's what you should note:
    1) You can't accuse or threaten anyone for shoplifting, they can always refuse.
    2) Don't do (1), as some cartons of stock is nothing compared to your whoel store getting wacked.
    3) Install survelliance cameras and wide view mirrors.
    4) Install a magnetic lock system to your front door so that you can "lock" your front door with the switch off a button.
    5) Install a PA system to be able to "speak" to people outside when the front door is magnetically locked.

    Having noted the above, next time they come to your store, lock the door and refuse entry. Tell them they are not welcome to come again otherwise you'll call the police on suspicion of shop lifting.

    There, problem solved :)

    PS: I doubt the police would do anything about shoplifters as they would simply say it is a "Civil Matter' and dismiss your case, they have more important things to worry about like speeding cars and knife attacsks than your cartons of stock. Sorry - this is reality. Regardless still mention you'll call the cops if they don't leave your premises.

    • apple2016 on 03/01/2017 - 21:30

      PS: I doubt the police would do anything about shoplifters as they would simply say it is a "Civil Matter' and dismiss your case, they have more important things to worry about like speeding cars and knife attacsks than your cartons of stock.

      May not at the first instance but repeated complaints will get the cops going. I don't think the gang who have planned and been doing this is only hitting OP. Other shops could be affected as well. If no one complaints the thieves would just be motivated to steal more. Just my 2c.

  • Drdrain on 03/01/2017 - 20:15

    I was in a clothes shop when some shoplifters got caught. The lady working there casually locked the front door, and called the police.

    When the cops arrive, hand over printouts of the eBay listings.

  • Talonparty on 03/01/2017 - 20:37

    Short term: Refuse entry to all of them in future, tell them you know what they've been doing and reported it to the police (mention the gumtree/ebay posts for additional shock value). Call the police and make an issue of it immediately if they force entry and refuse your request.

    Long term: This is a classic move and it's always covered in retail courses. You're going to need to give your staff some basic loss minimisation training and maybe employ more. You probably should find a way to drop the shelves so there're no hiding places and remove the valuable stuff, put it behind glass or the main counter etc. Maybe you should hire a consultant to give you a once over and identify some areas you can improve in.

    I'm not a manager but I have worked a lot of retail and have done plenty of courses. From my take you should have had a staff member on both B and C keeping close, keeping the pressure on, pretending to do busywork, letting the people know they're close and can see them. If you don't have enough staff then you need to deal with some line of sight issues and lock away your easy to steal valuables.

    Incidentally, this was the training at a bottleshop I worked at years ago (as well as other shops) but that shop and nearly all of the other shops now keeps the spirits behind locked glass doors. I guess staff presence and pressure just wasn't enough in the end :P

    • brongz on 04/01/2017 - 02:21

      because they know part of the training also not to chase, even touch, the offenders. and they know cop won't do much because lack of 'resources'. thieves are clever now, they read newspaper and watch the news too.

  • PurpleWinter on 04/01/2017 - 00:14

    Cops wont care unless there is an offence with enough evidence to suspect your offenders. You have what you saw but security footage would be good too. Your investigation via ebay is good work and this can also be used, however, at this time you don't have any evidence, beyond reasonable doubt, that he took the property in question and that the property that is on ebay came from your store. Therefore, police can only question him and unless he confesses, there is nothing else.

    Next option is to write up a legit banning notice and next time they come to your store, ban them on the spot for what period you decide. 12 months is a good start.

    Also don't forget that you have a power to arrest a person if you believe they have committed an offence. If you see them do it then you have belief, aNY thing less is not belief. You then must turn them over to police as soon as practicable. Be careful. I held a bloke on the ground for over 40 minutes waiting for police. A mate was bitten by a shoplifter and was 'out of action' for 3 months while he was tested for hep a, b, c, hiv etc… I would do it but have a plan of attack and if it gets hairy, back up. Remember that 7 metres takes about 1.5 seconds to cover by someone wanting to hurt you…

  • bigsov on 04/01/2017 - 01:09

    is it possible that stolen items have your/someone from your staff fingerprints? (I would expect that someone had put these items on the shelves before thay were stolen and therefore left fingerprints). If so may be you can call police and suggest that they could use fingerprints as evidence that you are original owner of these items. I think that there is a good probability that at least one fingerprint will be found on stolen goods and this may at least move the case further. This fact sheet at least mentions that fingerprints can be used for analysis of stolen property: http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/236…

  • brongz on 04/01/2017 - 02:16

    can't touch them, can't touch their bags too, wtf. the thief always get the upper hand and we, honest guys are the loser. shame on our society.
    what happen with citizen arrest??

  • shiraj on 04/01/2017 - 06:04

    Three Friends walked into a store……

  • [Deactivated] on 04/01/2017 - 06:16
    +1

    No heroics mate, you will never know what weapons they have until its too late.

    If they keep going for the same stuff i would look at re shelving the items some place closeby so this can not happen.

    Also look at baring them from entering store, this might have some neg affect but at least you aren't catching them out when they are on high alert when stock is down thwir pants.

  • ahly92 on 04/01/2017 - 09:30
    +1

    So far you've got no proof they gave stolen anything. Any item they list could be argued as bought from you ….unless u hv evidence the cops won't do much

  • akastyl13 on 04/01/2017 - 09:47

    Install a couple of cameras in that aisle and let them do it one more time. Then call the cops + ebay listings as proof.
    or, install one of these keyring GPS in one of the product box and wait for them to steal the product.
    GPS track it down + camera recording + police = win.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/01/2017 - 13:34

      you watch too much TV

  • YellowDieselGolf on 04/01/2017 - 10:31
    +8

    We had a regular sneak out of the shop with a few extra packages. We only noticed when one of the salesmen asked the cashier "did you see "bob" come through with X?"

    We reprinted the barcodes of the stolen goods and left them by the register.

    The next time he came in and bought some small items, we added the stolen goods to his bill. He questioned why he was being charged so much.

    With great satisfaction, the boss replied "it's for the X you stole last week"

    He paid it and didn't come back for a very long time. When he eventually did, he kept his head down and was very sheepish.

  • cashews on 04/01/2017 - 11:19
    +3

    My advice would be to go to your local cop shop and talk to a police officer in person about what your options are.

  • DiscoJango on 04/01/2017 - 13:54

    print pictures of them and put right at the front of the store like other stores do.

  • phluffed on 04/01/2017 - 17:47
    +2

    We had items stolen that have unique serial numbers which are listed on incoming invoices and sales receipts. The idiot that took them posted them on eBay with photo's of the serial number. A quick PM through eBay stating that he either returned the items by 5pm Friday (no questions asked) and never entered the store again or Police would be involved, and problem solved.

    • montorola on 05/01/2017 - 01:22

      Haha tell us more, how did he return it?

      • phluffed on 05/01/2017 - 01:35
        +4

        He sent his missus and their little kid. They bought something then said "oh, I believe this is yours" and left a package on the counter and left.

  • ozeebee on 04/01/2017 - 22:08

    Invest in a shotgun.

    Cops won't do anything that doesn't generate any revenue.

  • buckster on 04/01/2017 - 22:23

    If you have footage of them entering the store or some form of evidence you could take it to the cops, report that a particular item was taken and this exact item is being sold (takes screenies of the gumtree stuff, get their details like you have) and something would likely happen.

    Ultimately if you can't prove they were in the store when it went missing - you'll have a hard time getting charges pressed due to lacking evidence.

  • spacecowboy on 04/01/2017 - 22:42
    +1

    Best success for deterring shoplifters I had was putting the goods they like to steal right in front of sales counter. Firstly, they will know why they have suddenly moved to such a visible place. And secondly, they know staff are always watching as these items are right in their line of sight. Also helps to keep on shelf only the minimum display quantity needed. It is easy to notice when stock has been sold (or perhaps stolen). And security tag every unit if possible . Advise staff why you have put this stock here & tell them to watch customers browsing this area. Camera coverage of the area also very important if the pricks still insist on trying to nick the items. You will get good footage of them, & can potentially use to ban / prosecute.

    Other less drastic strategy is put their favourite products directly in sight of a security camera, and put a sign directly on the shelf warning they are being filmed. They will look around & see the camera pointing directly at them. Any idiot would realise you know this stock is being taken & have put it right under the camera for this reason. In my experience, alot of shoplifters are deterred if they know they are under video surveillance. They are only stealing because they think they can get away with it unnoticed. If you make it harder they will go somewhere else.

    Other advice is say hello to every customer, so they know you have seen them come in. And walk over to them to offer assistance after 1-2 mins so they know you are aware of where they are. Find a reason to go over if they seem to be loitering somewhere you can't see (eg. behind a fixture). Just grab something off a shelf near them, & walk back to the counter with it.

  • KingstonTheNotSoWise on 05/01/2017 - 16:28

    Option 1 first.

    From there get as much advice as you can from the police. Everyone assumes the police don't do much (which can be the case at times more often than it should be), if you have enough information to work with (example if your items are serial tracked, video footage etc…) they can be helpful. Where I work, crimes are reported, even if an item that's only worth a few $ is stolen and caught on camera.

    If they can't do anything for you ask them for advice on what you can obtain that would solidify a valid policy enquiry & investigation.

    Taking into consideration that they constantly visit the store (which is like being a criminal 101: don't return to the scene of the crime, yet these idiots do) the cops might be more willing to do something as it'd be easier to find them. You said you also found 1 of guy's info, this can be useful to the police as well.

    Option 2 or 3 will only scare them away and they'll probably just rob some other poor joint.

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