Retail theft causes a staggering amount to be lost yearly — in 2022, it cost more than $112 billion. For a business owner, this is concerning. Theft is entirely avoidable, but it happens all the time. Some theft occurs when an employee steals, while other scenarios may involve a customer who shoplifts. Regardless of the cause, a solid loss prevention strategy can reduce the risk of theft and save businesses money in the long run. What goes into a loss prevention strategy? In this post, we’ll focus on external loss prevention tips — theft from a customer or outside visitor to your business.
1. Greet Customers
Stationing someone at the door to greet customers is near the top of the list of loss prevention tips. It’s low-cost (you can use an existing employee) and doesn’t require much extra effort, but it lets shoplifters know you have an eye on who’s in the store. No one likes being followed around a store, so it’s essential not to overdo it unless you suspect a customer is stealing. But the simple act of saying hello and goodbye to customers can make them hesitant to steal.
2. Hire Staff
Hiring dedicated loss prevention team members may be a worthy investment if your store sells valuable goods or you’ve had a problem with shoplifters. These guards can observe who’s shopping and make a note of suspicious behavior. If you catch a shoplifter, you can create a plan with your loss prevention staff on the best plan forward. While loss prevention staff can be effective, they can also be expensive. That’s why it’s essential to consider a security system.
3. Install Security Cameras
This is perhaps the most crucial step for a retail business owner. Cameras are a visual deterrent to would-be thieves. They know they’re more likely to get caught when being recorded, and shoplifters will likely think twice about stealing from your store if they see cameras. Unfortunately, some thieves wear masks or act brazenly enough that they don’t care if they’re being filmed. Cameras are still helpful because they can help law enforcement catch the perpetrators.
Finding A Tampa Security Company
If you’re considering a loss prevention plan but unsure where to start, contact Integrated Security Consultants today. Our team specializes in comprehensive, integrated security systems designed to lessen the risk of external theft. We’ll create a custom proposal based on your unique needs and budget. You’ll have control over how complex of a system you implement. We’ve served Tampa Bay and surrounding areas for more than 15 years and are a leading Tampa security company for a reason. Our team prioritizes integrity, customer service, and solutions at every step. Call us today at 813-254-0033 to schedule a free consultation.