Who are shoplifters? Shoplifters may be any age, sex, economic, or ethnic background and it’s no longer possible to stereotype the shoplifter. Professional shoplifters are skilled thieves who have specialized techniques. The professional's targets are usually expensive items. Shoplifting isn't limited to professionals however. Juveniles make up nearly half of all shoplifters. The general public who need to stretch their budgets will also shoplift. Drug addicts who are often desperate will shoplift to support their drug habit and kleptomaniacs are persons who steal because of psychological compulsion.

The shoplifter’s most popular items are small, easily portable and concealable. Such items as jewelry, computer software, ephedrine, batteries, CD's, DVD's, consumer electronics, clothes, tools, makeup and food are most common.

The following are some behaviors and techniques shoplifters’ exhibit and use, which you as a business owner should be aware of: A person who frequents hidden or unexposed areas of the store. A person who resists sales assistance. A person who is constantly watching the sales person instead of the merchandise. A person wearing a heavy overcoat or bulky clothing in warm weather which could be used to conceal items under clothing. A person carrying a large box or purse which could be used to conceal items. Often shoplifters work in pairs or groups to divert the clerk's attention while they steal. Shoplifters will use certain times of the day when employees are apt to be less alert. For example, store opening and closing, during the lunch and dinner hour, or shift changes. Shoplifters take advantage of crowded stores during peak hours.

The following are some proactive steps you can take to discourage shoplifting: Make the shoplifters feel watched. Install mirrors that enable cashiers and sales people to see over and around displays. Install one-way glass in offices to enable employees to see into the store without being seen from the floor. Install video surveillance cameras. Post signs warning against shoplifting. Emphasize that you will prosecute. The best way to discourage shoplifters and keep your business from being regarded as an easy mark is to take a get- tough attitude and prosecute on the first offense. Encourage checking parcels on entry. Require receipts for merchandise returns for cash. Require a photo ID and signature for returns without a receipt. And then just give merchandise-only vouchers. Take an inventory of returned merchandise against receipts on a regular basis to catch false returns, i.e., ones without returned merchandise.

Train your sales people and cashiers to: Watch for people with loose or baggy clothing inappropriate for weather, and people with large bags or other props, such as newspapers, strollers, briefcases, or umbrellas that can easily conceal merchandise. Pick up stray receipts around the store. Be aware of shoplifter’s tactics to confuse and distract you. For example, when working in teams one shoplifter will create a disturbance, e.g., complaining loudly, staging a faint, or knocking over merchandise, to draw attention away from the other who is doing the lifting. Be attentive to people in your area. This helps legitimate customers and deters shoplifters. A simple "Can I help you?" or "I'll be with you in a moment" warns shoplifters they are being watched. Keep a close watch on people who seem nervous or refuse assistance. Have another sales person cover your area when you leave the floor, e.g., to check for items in the stockroom. Be especially alert when the store is crowded. Shoplifters often operate when sales people are busy helping legitimate customers. Watch for shoppers walking with short or unnatural steps, which may indicate that they are concealing lifted items. Watch customer's eyes. If they are looking at you they may need assistance or are thinking about shoplifting. Check the lower racks of shopping carts, watch for switched labels, look inside items that can also be used as containers for lifted items, e.g., tool boxes, jacket sleeves, waste baskets, etc. Check for factory seals on boxed items Look inside if the boxes are not sealed. Staple receipts to the outside of packages. Check for and remove or desensitized electronic tags. Be familiar with the store prices. This can help prevent price switching. Keep employees alert by holding periodic review sessions on store shoplifting policies. Discourage socializing on the sales floor. A group of employees in one spot usually means inadequate coverage somewhere else. Schedule hours so that an adequate number of sales people are working at all times. Watch for customers lingering in one area, loitering near stock rooms or other restricted areas, or wandering aimlessly through the store. Watch for customers who consistently shop during the hours when few people are working in the store. Watch for customers who visit the store frequently, but make only token purchases. Be alert for disturbances that distract sales people and cashiers. Being aware and educated will be your best defense against the shoplifter.

Apprehending a shoplifter can be a scary proposition for some business owners and employees but it can be done safely with a minimum amount of risk. Apprehending and prosecuting the shoplifter is one of the greatest deterrents to future shoplifting incidents. You want to establish a reputation as a business which will not tolerate shoplifting. The following are some tips in apprehending and successfully prosecuting shoplifters. Observe the suspect pick up the merchandise from the counter, display or rack and conceal the item. Know exactly what the item is and where (approximately) it is concealed on or about the person. Know that the item has not been paid for. Wait until the suspect leaves the store before stopping him or her or until the suspect has been given every reasonable opportunity to pay for the item. If the suspect is purchasing an item legitimately but still has another item concealed, you should ask as part of the transaction "Will that be all for today?" or "Do you have anything else?" It is not necessary for the suspect to leave the store before being apprehended but your case may be stronger if you let him/her exit first. If at all possible, do not stop or apprehend the suspect alone. Have another employee assist you, both for your physical protection and for the purpose of witnessing the detainment or arrest. Politely ask the suspect for the item which he/she has not paid for. If the suspect resists being detained, let him/her go. Cal 9-1-1 immediately with a good description of the suspect and the direction he/she was headed. It is important that you take adequate precautions in dealing with shoplifters. No amount of merchandise is worth an injury or your life.

As the New Year begins I hope these tips help in your fight to curb shoplifting. I look forward to providing more articles on crime prevention. If you have any suggestions on topics related to crime prevention you would like me to address in my future articles, please feel free to let me know by adding it in the comments section at the end of the article.

Thanks: Officer William Derr.