5 Expert Loss Prevention Tips – A retail security expert explains how to lower the risk of shoplifting and prepare for an armed robbery or other emergency.

According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, there is no profile of a typical shoplifter. Of course, that makes it more difficult for you to identify possible threats to your bottom line.

Some things we do know about the typical shoplifter is that they may buy and steal merchandise during the same visit to your store. The NASP notes that men and women shoplift equally as often, and that 75 percent of shoplifters are adults.

Rooting out shoplifters is definitely challenging, but crucial for your bottom line. American retailers lose almost $45 billion a year as a result of theft, according to Business Insider post sponsored by Tyco Integrated Security.

We turned to a loss prevention expert for help. Tony Gallo is the senior director of Sapphire Protection who has over 30 years of experience in the loss prevention industry. Gallo offers the following five tips for loss prevention:

1. Offer good customer service. Good customer service is the top deterrent to shoplifting. Train employees to engage customers with simple questions like “Do you need any help?” And make sure you have employee coverage throughout the store.

2. Install visible cameras. Customers should understand they are being watched.

3. Employ cabling or chains for added security. When you hold a sidewalk sale or if you display items outside the store, secure merchandise with cabling or chains to reduce the risk of shoplifting. An employee should be on hand to help unlock merchandise for customers upon request.

4. Post signage. Spell out for customers and employees that shoplifters will be prosecuted.

5. Utilize electronic article surveillance. Security tags are another effective deterrent to help keep people honest.

Most shoplifters are not violent criminals, but, according to Gallo, many businesses are not properly prepared for an emergency scenario. He encourages business owners to have — and regularly review with management and all employees — an emergency response plan in case of armed robbery or another serious threat.

He advises, “An emergency action plan must include, at a minimum, procedures for reporting an emergency, and emergency evacuation, procedures to account for all employees after an evacuation, and how employees are to perform rescue or medical duties.”

BY  Melissa Willetsg to Gallo, many businesses are not properly prepared for an emergency scenario.

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