Businesses with a physical presence, and especially retailers, have always faced challenges from shoplifters. And while there was a natural dip in shoplifting statistics during the pandemic, more recent statistics point towards an uptick in numbers.
For the period between June 2022 and June 2023, police across Wales and England recorded a 25% jump in shoplifting incidents when measured against the previous year. Add to that the seasonal increase in theft around big holidays, and retailers’ bottom lines can be seriously affected.
Luckily there are several things you can do to protect your profit margins and save your operations from disruption. Here’s how to stop shoplifters with adjustments ranging from simple signage to high-tech CCTV:
How to Deter Theft with Signage
Start with one of the simplest tricks in the book – install signs warning shoplifters about potential prosecution in a strategic spot. It’s a cost-effective psychological deterrent which doesn’t rely on fancy technology. Just reminding people that they’re being watched and there might be consequences is sometimes enough to stop shoplifters.
The positioning of the signage is key. Store entrances are always a good choice, as are areas of the store with more expensive luxury items, and changing rooms (for clothes retailers). Straightforward wording such as ‘Shoplifters Will Be Prosecuted’ is firm and effective, especially if paired with signs about CCTV in operation.
Ways To Prevent Shoplifting with CCTV
Back your analogue signs with digital surveillance for optimal effect. Simply having cameras easily visible might be enough to deter shoplifters; but if it’s not, the footage will provide essential evidence against the thieves.
Once again, where you place these cameras is important. Make sure the positioning allows a clear view of high-traffic areas like entrances and exits, plus the sections where you store the most expensive items.
It’s worth splashing out on high-quality cameras, so you can easily identify shoplifters should you need to prosecute them. In fact, with some modern CCTV systems, you might even be able to monitor the store floor in real time from your phone.
How To Stop Shoplifters With Customer Service
On one hand, this approach might make a positive impact by deterring thieves with kindness. But even if that’s not the case, having a member of staff greet customers or offer assistance sends the message that the team are attentive to everyone in the store.
Another way to prevent shoplifting with the help of your employees involves training them on recognising signs of suspicious behaviour. These can involve customers acting overly anxious, wearing baggy clothes or carrying huge bags, lingering in the aisles for prolonged periods, or repeatedly visiting the store without making a purchase.
Make sure you also instruct your team on how to flag suspicious activity if they spot potential shoplifters, whether that’s alerting a supervisor or consulting live CCTV footage.
Blind Spots: How to Deter Shoplifters Through Design
How you design your store floor can also make a big difference if you’re trying to deter theft. Ideally, you should have plenty of open space which allows you to see across the shop clearly. Keep shelves low and make sure all areas are well-lit, so shoplifters don’t have dark corners to hide in.
Mirrors are also incredibly useful in stopping shoplifters. Large convex mirrors can help your team keep an eye on any blind spots when strategically placed around corners. Plus, they act as one more psychological deterrent.
Anti-Theft Devices
If you have some additional security budget to spend on ways to prevent shoplifting, look into installing electronic security tags on your more expensive or high-risk items. Make sure these are attached to the products in a way that makes removal more difficult and time-consuming. That, combined with alarm gateways clearly visible around the exits, will deter shoplifters and help you apprehend thieves.
How To Stop Shoplifters With The Help Of Label Source
Kick off your strategy to deter theft by installing a shoplifter prosecution sign from our office, retail and housekeeping sign range.
Alternatively, you can contact our team for more information on our general building and facilities sign range.
