When deciding how you will protect & secure your commercial business, it’s best that you start thinking like a thief. That may be a strange thing to say, or write in this instance, but that doesn’t make it any less true. Why? Because that’s how thieves are thinking… duh.
I know that may be simply stated, but think about the signs some businesses put up, ones that say something along the lines of, smile you’re on camera. To you that may seem like enough of a deterrent, that it will save you the cost of getting a CCTV system installed, but a thief may see something totally different. For instance, they may see the signs but no security camera and think that you don’t have any alternative security measures in place, thus painting you as their next potential target.
Always keep in mind that the most effective security measures are used as both theft deterrents and as a way to locate and prosecute.
While there are many different types of thieves, for this posts we’re going to talk about shoplifters. To better understand and think like a shoplifter I’ll be covering three different types here (although there are more).
- The addict
- The professional
- The impoverished
The Addict
A large percentage of thieves fall into this category. They often steal gifts for other people, mostly inexpensive things. They do this to cover the fact that they are addicted by telling themselves that they are only doing it to give to other people. Typically this type of shoplifter, when caught, will feel guilty and will often times break out in tears.
The addict doesn’t want to get caught and while not a professional, will look for cameras, mirrors and out of the way places from which to shoplift. Having security measures in place will deter this type of thief.
The Professional
The professional shoplifter is just that, a professional. Often times they have no other income except from the items they steal. Typically, they will steal only high prices items, carry theft tools with them and will steal multiple items at once. The professional is often the most difficult shoplifter to deal with but much like the addict will be wary of security measures. While the professional is skilled at what they do and will shoplift if they feel they can get past your security measures, they like easier targets. If caught or detained they will remain calm and won’t show any remorse.
The Impoverished
Typically they steal food, diapers and other household items. They do feel remorse if caught but tend to fight back. Again, they like easy scores but will sometimes smash and run, so to speak.
Protecting Your Business
We could talk about other types, such as the kleptomaniac who steals almost impulsively without thinking about getting caught, or the thrill seekers who steal for the rush, but the bottom line is that there is no real tell for who the would be shoplifters are. Yes, you can look for large coats in summer time, darting eyes and looks of nervousness, but if you think like a thief from the beginning and layout your store in such a way to make shoplifting difficult, then you are in a much better position than you would be otherwise.
Keep in mind that a hidden security camera is only good after the theft, a visible one is also good before the theft, as a possible deterrent.
The National Retail Security Survey collected the following statistics regarding security measures aimed at preventing shoplifting.
- Visible CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television): 70%
- Hidden CCTV: 46%
Shoplifting Statistics
- There are nearly 300 million shoplifting incidents per year.
- For every $1.00 recovered from retail theft, $38.46 is lost; only 2.6% is recovered total.
- More than $13 billion worth of retail goods are stolen annually
