EXTERNAL LOSS: PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORS

Behavioral clues of a potential shoplifter:

• Inappropriate clothing i.e. overcoat on a hot day or a raincoat when it is sunny

• Carrying empty bags, boxes that can be used to conceal stolen merchandise

• Taking merchandise to secluded areas of the store

• Constantly looking around instead of at merchandise on the shelf or in their hands

• Walking into the stockrooms, behind counters or other places barred to the public

• Monitoring the movements of employees

• Repeatedly sending associates to look for products

• Looking up/around for security devices, especially CCTV

• Removing product from packaging

Other examples of external theft include credit card/check fraud, quick-change artists, burglary and robbery. Although these may happen less frequently, you should be aware of them and follow the policies and procedures to prevent them.

When confronted with a shoplifting situation:

Always:

• Discreetly alert management

• Provide great guest service

• Document the specifics of the incident

Never:

• Lose sight of a shoplifter

• Accuse a guest

• Follow a shoplifter out of the store

• Detain a shoplifter

Loss caused by error is completely preventable. Most errors occur when we fail to follow the correct procedure, attempt to take a shortcut, or are careless. To avoid mistakes each associate must know how to perform a task, where to find descriptions of policies or procedures and who to ask for guidance. If you discover an error, please correct it as soon as possible and alert a member of management.

20% OF ALL LOSS IS ATTRIBUTED TO PAPERWORK MISTAKES. THIS LOSS CAN BE PREVENTED BY ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECKING YOUR WORK.