Shoplifting Awareness

Boutique Management & the Loss Prevention Team should be made immediately aware of any suspicious behaviour within the boutique.

SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOUR:

o When someone…

 Appears nervous, glancing quickly around,

 Watches team members more than the merchandise,

 Randomly and quickly picks up merchandise without caring about price or size,

 Carrying bags from a retailer that is not located near your store,

 Looking into mirrors but not at themselves,

 Wandering aimlessly, making numerous trips to the same area,

 Leaving the Boutique and returning a few minutes later.

o How someone might conceal merchandise:

 In their clothing. Shoplifters often wear inappropriate clothing, e.g. a warm coat in hot weather,

 In bags, boxes, large purses, pushchairs, coats and sweaters,

 Some shoplifters don’t even attempt to conceal the merchandise that they are stealing. They simply grab and run, often to a waiting car.

o Where someone might conceal merchandise:

 Fitting rooms,

 Behind tall racks,

 The back corner,

 Restrooms,

 Against RTW Displays

 The back of the Boutique,

 Any other BLIND SPOTS within the boutique.

- Customer Service is the best theft deterrent!!

o Most shoplifters are deterred when you:

 Acknowledge them,

 Approach them,

 Investigate,

 Look them in the eye,

 Review, recognize, recommend, resolve and reaffirm,

 Thank the customer for shopping,

 Basically, just good customer service !

- Never accuse the customer of stealing any product !!

GROUP SHOPLIFTING:

In a situation where you are dealing with a group of individuals who you find to be overwhelming and potentially shoplifters, enlist the help of other members of staff in serving these customers. When working with potential shoplifting teams, you should handle this situation with teamwork.