Where Does Customer And Employee Theft Normally Take Place In The Retail Store?

Apr 30, 2024 | Anti-shoplifting

Person putting a box in a bag in the attempt to steal

Where does customer and employee theft normally occur in a retail store? Is it in the aisles, at the cash registers, behind the scenes, or somewhere else entirely?

Most of the times, theft in retail stores happen in areas that are not easily visible to customers and employees, such as the back rooms, storage areas, restrooms and areas not covered by CCTV cameras. However, there are also instances where theft can occur in plain sight, such as in the aisles.

Let’s take a closer look at some common places where customer and employee theft may happen in retail stores.

 

Types Of Theft In Retail Stores

 

First, it’s important to understand the different types of theft that can occur in a retail store. 

These include:

  • Shoplifting: This is when a customer steals items from the store without paying.
  • Employee theft (internal theft): This refers to employees stealing from their own workplace.
  • Organised crime: This involves a group of people who work together to steal from the store.
  • Return fraud: This is when customers return stolen items for cash or store credit.
  • Retail shrinkage: This refers to stock and inventory loss due to theft, damage, or administrative paperwork errors.

 

Common Places For Customer Theft

 

  • Changing rooms: Customers may hide items in their bags or clothing while trying on clothes in the changing rooms.
  • Self-checkout: With the rise of self-checkout systems, it has become easier for customers to under-scan or not scan items at all.
  • Aisles and shelves: Customers may discreetly slip small items into their pockets or bags while browsing through the store.
  • Cash registers: In busy stores, customers may take advantage of distracted cashiers to steal items or switch price tags.
  • Shopping carts: Customers may place unpaid items underneath their child’s seat or in a hidden compartment of the cart.
  • Restrooms: Customers may hide stolen items in bathrooms, especially if they have a large bag or coat with them.

 

Common Places For Employee Theft

 

  • Cash registers: Employees may manipulate sales records to steal cash or use fraudulent refunds to take money from the store.
  • Stock rooms and receiving areas: These are places where employees can easily access inventory and steal items without being noticed.
  • Registers with no security cameras: Employees may take advantage of areas without surveillance to steal items or cash.
  • Refreshment area: When employees are unsupervised in the refreshment area, they may steal from their coworkers’ belongings or take food and drinks intended for customers.
  • Trash bins: Some employees may retrieve stolen items from the trash bin after pretending to throw them away.
  • Company vehicles: Employees with access to company vehicles may use them to transport stolen goods or steal items from other locations.

 

How To Prevent Retail Theft

 

If you’re a retail owner who wants to prevent theft in your store, here are some measures you can take:

 

1. Invest In EAS Anti-Shoplifting Security Systems

 

EAS security, electronic article surveillance, is one of the best security measures for retail stores.

These security systems detect stolen tagged merchandise leaving your store. If a thief attempts to leave the store with stolen tagged merchandise, the sensors at the store entrance will sound an alarm, deterring them from completing their theft.

Anti-shoplifting technologies you currently available include:

 

These systems come with different types of tags and labels that can be attached to merchandise, ranging from paper-thin adhesive labels to hard security tags. 

The type of security system you choose depends on your budget, type of merchandise, and store layout.

 

2. Conduct Regular Employee Training and Awareness Programs

 

Another effective way to prevent retail theft is by educating your employees about the consequences of theft, how to spot potential thieves, and what actions they should take if they suspect someone is stealing.

Employee training and awareness programs should include:

  • How to identify suspicious behaviour in customers.
  • The importance of following proper procedures when handling cash transactions. 
  • The importance of keeping an eye on the store’s entrance and exits.
  • How to properly use security systems, such as EAS and RFID tags.

It’s also important to regularly remind your employees to remain vigilant at all times, as sometimes thieves can be bold enough to attempt theft even in front of staff.

 

3. Monitor Your Inventory Regularly

 

Regular inventory monitoring can help you identify any discrepancies or missing items that can potentially be signs of theft.

With RFID technology, for example, monitoring your inventory becomes easy, fast, efficient and more accurate.

RFID tags can be scanned quickly and provide real-time data on the whereabouts of your merchandise. This allows you to identify any missing items or unusual patterns in inventory movement.

 

Prevent Retail Theft in Your Store Now!

 

So, where does customer and employee theft normally occur in a retail store? There is no specific area where theft is more likely to occur, but it can happen anywhere.

However, there are some hotspots that are more prone to being targeted by thieves, such as:

  • Cash registers and areas where cash is handled.
  • Areas with expensive or high-value items.
  • Blind spots in the store with little to no surveillance coverage. 
  • To prevent retail theft in your store, you need to invest in proven security systems. 

At Milestone, we’ve seen and heard it all.

Retailers around the country trust our EAS and RFID solutions to prevent theft and protect merchandise.

Don’t wait until it’s too late; contact us now and secure your store.