Shoplifters come from all walks of life and from all socioeconomic backgrounds. They generally fall into one of two groups – amateurs or professionals.
Amateur shoplifters usually steal on impulse (e.g. young people who steal to impress their friends).
Professional shoplifters are more likely to work in pairs or groups, although they will work alone. They often steal to obtain a false refund for the items and have often “cased out” a store before stealing.
To help prevent shoplifting, consider the following in relation to your store layout and design:
- Make the store layout as open as possible
- Have good visibility between aisles or areas
- Keep shelves tidy and goods neatly stacked
- Using surveillance mirrors can assist staff in monitoring awkward or hidden areas
- Consider CCTV and have it connected to a recording device
- If appropriate, consider having in-store security guards
- Where possible, lock expensive and easily portable goods in cabinets
- Stack goods tightly on your shelves, so that removal takes longer
- Limit the entry and exit points to the store
- Clearly display signs that state that police will be called if anyone is caught stealing
- Clearly display signs explaining your bag-checking policy
- Limit access to keys for locked cabinets
- Keep Cash to Low Levels and use safe cash handling proceedures
- Staff should lock away personal items (Bags & Wallets etc.).
Encourage staff to:
- Greet customers as they enter the store and ask “Can I help you?” – This may deter some offenders from stealing as the staff could potentionally identify them later on
- Regularly tidy shelves and pathways
- Pay attention to nervous or jumpy customers, people looking around in surveillance mirrors, groups, and customers who try to distract or draw staff away.
Report all incidents to the police. Police cannot help shoplifting problems if they don’t know you are experiencing them.
If a crime is in progress, or there is risk to life or well-being, call Triple Zero (000).
If it is after the event and/or you would like to report incidents of stealing where the person left your store some time ago, call Policelink on 131 444 or your local police station. Provide accurate information to the police about the circumstances surrounding the offence.
You will need to give police as many of the following details as you can including:
- Your name
- Store location
- Contact information
- Details about the incident (what was stolen etc.)
- A description of the offender (name and contact information if you have it)
- The offender’s current behaviour
Police will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support charges. They may ask you to give a statement describing what you saw, heard, said, did, or touched.
If you would like a FREE security audit of your business – please email DCPC.GoldCoast@police.qld.gov.au