RETAIL
E L D N A H D N A T PREVEN E R O T S R U O Y N I SHOPLIFTING
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ast year the South African Police Service, with Stats SA, published the country’s crime statistics for 2018, showing which types of criminal activity have increased – and decreased – in the past year.
Statistics for shoplifting reported a decline of 7.8% with 67 454 cases reported in 2017 and 62 180 cases reported for 2018. We welcomed the decrease but even so, shoplifting remains a major problem for the retail industry in SA. The best way to deal with shoplifting is to stop it from taking place. Read on for tips on how to prevent and deal with shoplifting in your store.
Utilise security tools A popular low-cost tool to deter shoplifters is signage, which remains a top choice among smaller retailers in SA. Anti-theft signs placed at your entrance and exit points can serve as a deterrent. Another low-cost tool is the strategic placement of mirrors to eliminate blind spots so you can easily track what’s going on in every corner of your store. If your budget is a bit bigger, consider installing video camera’s so that you have any illegal activities on tape and you are able to identify any of your customers who are prone to shoplifting.
Keep it clean and tidy A disorganized, cluttered store makes it easy for shoplifters to steal while making it extra hard for you or your staff to spot if any missing stock. It is imperative that you keep your store as tidy as possible at all times. Keep all products visible at all times and set up your stock and shopfittings in such a way that you can easily check if anything is missing immediately after suspecting theft.
Instruct your staff to engage with every customer Another foolproof way to minimize shoplifting incidents is to instruct your staff to greet and engage with every customer who walks through your door. When shoplifters are aware that they are being watched, they are less likely to act and you will be demonstrating excellent customer service too! 16
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