Table of Contents
Shoplifting is an offence under the Theft Act 1968 which involves taking goods from a store without paying for them.
There were over 359,000 reported cases of shoplifting in England and Wales in 2019/20 with supermarkets and other retail stores being targeted for theft.
People may shoplift for several reasons such as not having enough money to buy the goods, selling the stolen items for money, supporting an addiction, having mental problems such as an uncontrollable urge to take things, or simply for fun.
Whatever the reason, it leaves a huge financial burden on supermarkets with the total cost of retail theft amounting to £2.2 billion in the UK alone.
The possible consequences of getting caught shoplifting are being arrested and taken into custody. If convicted, it may even result in being jailed for up to six months if the stolen goods are worth less than £200 or for a maximum of seven years if they are worth more than £200.
Sadly, even being fined and jailed doesn’t deter shoplifters from stealing items of value because, most of the time, they know they can easily get away with it.
How can they be stopped and what can supermarket owners and managers do to prevent shoplifting? Read on to find out:
TYPICAL SHOPLIFTING METHODS
Before we look into ways for preventing shoplifting in supermarkets, you need to understand how these criminals work and what type of goods they usually go after.
Most shoplifters will simply place items in their pockets or hide them in their bags. However, that is not the only way that they go about stealing items of value.
Other common methods include not paying for items under their cart, switching price tags of expensive items with less expensive ones, and consuming edibles and discarding the wrappers.
It is also insightful to look at the most commonly shoplifted items in the supermarket since it will help you come up with a better action plan.
Some of the top shoplifted supermarket items include:
- Packed meats,
- Alcoholic beverages,
- Razor blades,
- Makeup and cosmetics,
- Cheeses,
- Batteries,
- Coffee,
- Sports items,
- Perfumes and fragrances, and
- Small electrical goods and accessories.
HOW TO PREVENT SHOPLIFTING IN SUPERMARKETS?
Shoplifting is a common issue faced by most retail stores including supermarkets. Regardless of the size and type, almost every other supermarket has been targeted for theft and has faced losses owing to shoplifting.
The good news is that you, as a supermarket owner or manager, can take steps to prevent shoplifters from targeting your store. Here are some of the most effective ways:
Identifying a shoplifter
You must never assume that someone is a shoplifter based on their appearance, race, or gender. However, there are certain behaviours that you must keep a lookout for.
A shoplifter may take active steps to avoid being seen, seem nervous and constantly check their surroundings, repeatedly pick up and put back the same items, and either wear large clothes that are not suitable for the season or carry large bags.
It is important to note that while you should look out for and monitor the aforementioned signs, they don’t necessarily mean that the individuals in question are shoplifters.
Identifying at-risk items
In addition to stealing expensive items, shoplifters go for items that are small and lightweight that they can easily hide without getting noticed.
You must identify the at-risk items and take precautions by displaying them in a way that makes them harder to simply grab and hide somewhere.
While this may be a great way of preventing theft, it may lead to a bad customer experience for individuals who genuinely wish to buy the product and would have to speak to a supermarket employee for their removal.
Optimising the supermarket’s layout
Optimising the store’s layout in a way that everything is in plain view and there are no blind spots that shoplifters may take advantage of may significantly reduce the chances of theft.
You may do this by moving displays, reducing the height of the displays, illuminating the area, and avoiding keeping expensive items at the back of the supermarket.
Also, placing the customer service area near the exit doors will ensure that everyone in the supermarket will have to go through them, giving the supermarket employees the perfect opportunity to apprehend shoplifters and prevent them from leaving.
Conducting pre-employment background checks
Although most of the security threats faced by supermarkets come from outside, there are several instances of internal theft where the threat stemmed from within the supermarket by disgruntled employees.
If not monitored and kept a check on, some employees may also indulge in criminal activity such as shoplifting and inventory shrinkage.
Therefore, to ensure that your staff members can be relied upon and that they pose no serious risk to your establishment, it is necessary to run thorough background checks on them and provide them with the necessary training on supermarket safety and security.
Using security systems for supermarkets
Sometimes, due to the sheer size of a supermarket or the amount of activity taking place, it may become difficult to keep an eye on every inch of the store resulting in the staff members putting their guard down.
This gives the perfect opportunity to potential shoplifters to do what they came in to do and leave the store undetected.
For this reason, it is best to invest in security systems such as CCTV cameras and surveillance systems for supermarkets that not just provide an extra set of eyes but also deter criminals and help catch shoplifters if they choose to act upon their ill-intent.
CCTV CAMERAS SYSTEMS FOR SUPERMARKETS
Video surveillance systems such as CCTV cameras offer a wide range of benefits to supermarket security, one of which is to reduce and prevent shoplifting incidents.
They are one of the most effective deterrents against not just shoplifting but all kinds of security threats, and their mere sight is enough to scare away shoplifters from trying to target your property.
CCTV cameras are like an extra set of HD eyes that record and monitor everything that is going on and are great at protecting your valuable merchandise from being stolen.
The recorded footage is easily accessible from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection, and can be seen as a live feed or recorded footage. It helps catch shoplifters in the act and is also considered legitimate evidence in the court of law.
The monitoring and recording features make CCTV cameras a must-have security system for all supermarkets. They not just deter criminal activity but also offer a greater level of control over daily operations.
The placement of CCTV cameras is very important in enjoying the maximum benefits from these popular security devices, which is why it must be done strategically and after considering all the factors.
Some of the best places to install CCTV cameras to prevent shoplifting in supermarkets include the main entrances and exits, on every aisle covering the maximum area, and near the cash tills.
All the high-traffic areas must also be covered, including areas without any staff members present, to ensure that opportunistic thieves do not take advantage of the opportunity and are always under surveillance.
Also, depending on where the cameras are installed and the type of models being used, they can act as either visible or hidden deterrents. Choosing between the two depends on whether the supermarket owners and managers wish for their customers to know where the systems are or not.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CCTV CAMERAS TO PREVENT SHOPLIFTING
With advancements in technology, CCTV cameras have evolved from basic recording equipment to full-fledged surveillance security systems used by businesses and homeowners around the world.
They are well worth the investment and provide a comprehensive security solution to prevent shoplifting and other threats in supermarkets.
To ensure that the CCTV cameras serve their purpose, you need to choose the right type of system with the required features for them to be effective.
Aren’t all CCTV cameras the same? No, they aren’t.
With an increase in demand, there are several options available in the market with certain models made for a specific purpose.
The most popular types of CCTV cameras are:
- Bullet CCTV cameras – one of the most common types of CCTV cameras in the world, their recognisable look makes them a highly visible deterrent against theft and intrusions. They are ideal for outdoor use and in applications that require long-distance viewing.
- Dome CCTV cameras – another very popular choice that gets its name from the vandal-resistant dome-shaped casing that the camera sits in. They have a discreet shape making it difficult to see which way they are facing and allow wider angles to be monitored via 360-degree rotation of the camera.
- C-Mount CCTV cameras – bulkier in size and come in a rugged casing that protects them from harsh weather conditions. They have detachable lenses that can be switched to adapt to the distance and field of view without losing focus.
- PTZ Pan/Tilt/Zoom CCTV cameras – can pan sideways, tilt up and down, zoom in and out of objects, and can adjust the right angle of the camera to record the area of interest. They allow more control over what is being monitored and are the ideal choice for remote monitoring.
- Day/Night CCTV cameras – built to effectively work during both the day and night-time, regardless of the lighting conditions. They are ideal for places that require round-the-clock outdoor CCTV monitoring.
- Infrared/Night vision CCTV cameras – use infrared technology to record images and videos in absolute darkness. They can also withstand fog, dust, and smoke, and record coloured footage during the daytime while capturing black and white footage during the night.
- Network/IP CCTV cameras – connected over a network that allows both the live and recorded footage to be accessed from anywhere in the world via the internet. They are the best choice for remote monitoring and allow storing archived footage on network video recorders (NVRs) and digital video recorders (DVRs).
- Wireless CCTV cameras – made for the sole purpose of minimising the installation time and use of excess wires for a cleaner appearance. Due to their discreet appearance, they easily blend in with the surroundings working as a hidden deterrent and are ideal for situations where good presentation is key and the display of excess wires might ruin the aesthetics.
- High Definition (HD) CCTV cameras – come in a variety of resolutions ranging from 720p going all the way up to 4K, delivering high-quality images with zooming capabilities. They are particularly useful in high-risk areas where the foot traffic needs to be monitored closely and the perpetrators need to be easily identified and caught using the recorded footage.
Some of the features to look for when installing CCTV cameras in supermarkets are:
- Resolution and camera quality – the recording quality measured in vertical and horizontal pixel dimensions. Supermarkets must have systems with a higher resolution to capture clear images of shoplifters that make it easy to identify them.
- Field of view – the area covered by cameras. Cameras with a wide field of view, along with panning, zooming, and tilting features can help monitor a large area inside the supermarket using just a few cameras.
- Notification alerts – receiving customisable alerts and notifications on your smartphone or device as soon as any unusual activity is detected. They help to always stay in the know, especially when your attention is most required.
- Professional CCTV monitoring – CCTV cameras monitored by professional staff at Remote Video Receiving Centres (RVRC). It is ideal for large and high-risk supermarkets, especially those that are susceptible to shoplifting incidents.
CCTV LAWS FOR SUPERMARKETS
Surveillance is a tricky topic and, depending on how it is used, it can either help enforce the rights to security, fair trial, and privacy, or undermine them.
You have certain responsibilities as data controllers that are clearly outlined in the Data Protection Act (DPA) to protect the rights of the data subjects, aka the people being monitored.
CCTV operators in supermarkets have to be very careful with how they use the systems and only use them for a clearly defined purpose, which is mostly to deter crime.
You must establish clear responsibilities and procedures, along with documenting all aspects of data control and ensuring that the data is stored securely and can only be accessed by authorised personnel.
You need to inform everyone in the area that they are being recorded, which can best be achieved by putting up clear signage or communicating with the people involved.
Monitoring staff is permissible as long as they have been made aware of it in writing and explained the reasons behind it.
You are, under no circumstances, allowed to install CCTV cameras in private areas such as toilets and changing rooms.
The data subjects may ask to see the CCTV footage that you have of them and you are obligated to provide them with the recorded data within one month.
In certain cases, you may also be required to register with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as a CCTV operator, which includes paying a data protection fee.
CONTACT CALDER SECURITY
CCTV cameras in supermarkets are an effective deterrent against shoplifting along with serving other valuable purposes such as monitoring for health and safety issues, detection of anti-social behaviour, and also as a way of keeping track of customers and their buying habits.
We offer a comprehensive solution that covers all aspects of CCTV use starting with professional installation to monitoring, maintenance, and repair.
We have been working in the security industry for over 40 years and are well-acquainted will all the surveillance camera laws for businesses in the UK.
We install only state-of-the-art CCTV systems from trusted brands such as Hikvision and can make informed recommendations on the best type of surveillance cameras for your supermarket.
We offer professional CCTV monitoring services as part of a comprehensive business security solution and use trusted Remote Video Receiving Centres (RVRC) manned by experts in the field.
Our SSAIB approved contractors provide CCTV maintenance and repair services to ensure that the systems always work fault-free.
We also offer national contracts for multi-site companies for services including CCTV systems, burglar alarms, door entry/access control systems, fire alarms, locksmiths services, and safe and vault engineering throughout the UK.
Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 9799 to talk to our leading experts right away!
previousBest Door Entry Systems for Gyms
FAQs
How do grocery stores keep track of inventory? ›
Most grocery stores use inventory management software, which manages stock lists in real-time. This software scans products in when received at the backdoor. Then keeps track of what gets sold through the register. Some stores even use automatic purchasing systems that re-order when items get low.
What is the most stolen item in a grocery store? ›It's cheese, but why? It would probably surprise you to learn that the No. 1 shoplifted food item in the world is not a pocket-sized sweet or high-end liquor but rather everyone's favorite burger topping: cheese.
How do grocery stores stop shoplifting? ›Well-trained employees are the number one way used by grocery stores to protect stolen goods. But grocery stores can't rely solely on employees. They also use security cameras and lock up expensive frequently stolen items. Some grocery stores may even hire private security or undercover cops.
How can retail stores prevent shoplifting? ›- Know Your Times. ...
- Avoid Profiling. ...
- Keep It Clean. ...
- Build Relationships with Customers. ...
- Build Relationships with Employees. ...
- Watch for Loiterers. ...
- Run a Tight Ship. ...
- Watch for Shifty Behavior.
When and how frequently you perform a full stock take varies from one store to another. Some stores limit full physical inventory counts to once a year, others do them bi-annually, while others conduct them at frequent intervals.
Which inventory management technique is used in grocery store? ›First-in, first-out (FIFO)
The FIFO stock control method is when a retailer fulfills an order with the item that has been sitting on the shelf the longest. Basically, the products that were acquired first will also be the first products that you sell. Generally, FIFO leads to higher profits.
While there are many types of inventory, the four major ones are raw materials and components, work in progress, finished goods and maintenance, repair and operating supplies.
Why do stores not stop shoplifters? ›Because state law holds that stealing merchandise worth $950 or less is just a misdemeanor, which means that law enforcement probably won't bother to investigate, and if they do, prosecutors will let it go.
What should you not do when shoplifting? ›- Don't attempt to pay for the item after the fact. ...
- Don't provide any personal information to store employees. ...
- Don't make any statements to store employees, managers, or security guards. ...
- Don't sign any documents at the store.
Shoplifting Tools
While tools such as “sensormatic jammers” and “RF-impulse shielding fabric” are strictly used for theft, “hook detachers” and various magnetic keys can all be used to unlock certain security tags and wraps — regardless of whether the user is a retail employee or shoplifter.
What do shoplifters steal the most? ›
Some of most popular items targeted by professional gangs of shoplifters are designer clothing, laundry detergent, designer handbags, allergy medicine, razors, high-end liquor, pain relievers, baby formula, laptops, deodorant and high-end appliances, according to the National Retail Federation.
Do stores go after shoplifters? ›Stores often prosecute shoplifting without having the police contact you. You don't need to be arrested at the store to be charged. It can take several weeks or months for the retailer to file charges against you.
What is the number one thing that gets stolen? ›1. Cash -- It's untraceable, doesn't need to be sold and it is small/easy to carry. 2.
Do grocery stores check security cameras? ›Supermarkets don't prevent theft with cameras; they monitor it and they try to prevent the thieves from leaving the store. The CCTV system also documents thefts (both outsiders and employees) and provides evidence that can be used if the thief returns or the police are able to apprehend the person and charge them.
How do supermarkets detect stolen goods? ›in supermarkets, each item is scanned for payment. The item is checked off in their computer inventory. When the staff completes its inventory of goods on the shelves, items bought will be automatically deducted. Items stolen will be logged in as missing.
How do grocery store door scanners work? ›These detection antennas send out a signal, and security tags or labels attached to products and merchandise within a store answer back. When an item with an active tag or label passes by or between these antennas, an alarm sounds, indicating an item is leaving the store.
What is one of the best ways to prevent shoplifting? ›- Acknowledge customers. ...
- Keep your store neat and organized. ...
- Limit access to hot items. ...
- Use cameras and mirrors. ...
- Create loyal employees. ...
- Get to know your neighbors.
- Installation of CCTV cameras.
- Customer awareness.
- Metal detectors at the entrance of the shops (mostly in malls)
- Bill checking (supermarkets)
Having active and aware employees can be one of the biggest deterrents against stealing.
How often do stores pursue shoplifters? ›A good moment to stop shoplifters is as they leave the department or the store. However, only 5 to 10 percent of shoplifters are caught.
How far can a security camera see? ›
Long Range Security Camera. A Long range security camera refers to any security camera that can focus at least 75 feet away from their mounting point and still recognize a person. IP cameras come with one of three lens types: Fixed, where the lens cannot move to modify the field of view, focal length, or level of zoom.
How long does a store keep security footage? ›The answer is different for each system and each set up but, in general, most organizations retain security footage for at least 90 days. However, there are various reasons why a company might keep recorded video longer, as well as reasons why they may keep it for a shorter time.
What are the 3 major inventory control techniques? ›In this article we'll dive into the three most common inventory management strategies that most manufacturers operate by: the pull strategy, the push strategy, and the just in time (JIT) strategy.
What are the 4 ways of achieving proper inventory control? ›- Just-In-Time. One of the most popular methods for inventory management is known as Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory control. ...
- Downloading Inventory Software. ...
- Stock Control. ...
- Reduce Carrying Costs.
In general, there are two inventory control methods: manual and perpetual.
What is the FIFO method? ›What is the FIFO method? FIFO stands for first in, first out, an easy-to-understand inventory valuation method that assumes that goods purchased or produced first are sold first. In theory, this means the oldest inventory gets shipped out to customers before newer inventory.
What is the most commonly used inventory system? ›What are the three most common inventory control models? Three of the most popular inventory control models are Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), Inventory Production Quantity, and ABC Analysis. Each inventory model has a different approach to help you know how much inventory you should have in stock.
What are 4 stock control methods? ›- Just-in-time (JIT)
- FIFO.
- Economic Order Quantity.
- Vendor-managed inventory.
- Batch control.
Shoplifters are caught once out of every 48 times they steal – and, when they are caught, they are arrested 50% of the time. “Professionals” make up only 3% of shoplifters – but this group is responsible for 10% (or more) of all profit loss from theft.
Do stores know when you steal? ›They post images from their security footage and ask the community for help identifying the suspect. These methods can be used to find shoplifters long after they have left store property. If the store decides to file a report against you, you may be contacted by police or summoned to court.
Can supermarket security detain you? ›
Security guards are legally allowed to detain you in the form of a citizen's arrest, as is any member of the public.
What are three signs of a potential shoplifter? ›- Wearing large coats or baggy clothes.
- Avoiding eye contact.
- Watching the staff, not the merchandise.
- Seeking shelter in dressing rooms to stash smuggled merchandise.
- Lurking in corners.
- Taking advantage of stores during peak hours.
"The short answer is no. At most retailers, an employee can't force you to show them your receipt or allow them to search your bag. In certain circumstances, store employees are justified in holding you until the police arrive.
What are the two types of shoplifters? ›Shoplifters come from all walks of life. Basically, however, they fall into two broad categories: ordinary customers and professionals who steal for a living. The amateur steals on impulse. His most important motive is a simple desire for the item itself.
Does aluminum foil stop sensors from going off? ›The sensors designed to detect the anti-theft devices attached to merchandise cannot penetrate through the aluminum foil, rendering the stolen merchandise invisible to the sensors.
Will a magnet set off store security? ›Yes, magnets set off store alarms. Therefore, there are unexpected situations where the alarm goes off. For example, if the customer hasn't stolen anything but the alarm goes off, the customer may unknowingly carry magnets. However, without theft detectors, security tokens would be useless.
Do barcodes set off alarms? ›No, barcodes are merely how a store scans price and product information, RFID tags are what sets off alarms at door if not deactivated.
What is the most stolen item in a grocery store? ›It's cheese, but why? It would probably surprise you to learn that the No. 1 shoplifted food item in the world is not a pocket-sized sweet or high-end liquor but rather everyone's favorite burger topping: cheese.
Why do stores lock up deodorant? ›The reason why stores resort to locking up these products is simple: to prevent shoplifting.
What makes a good shoplifter? ›They're smart.
Many shoplifters dress smartly and will often speak to you, joke with you and engage with you. They don't always work alone and they may try to relax or distract you while an accomplice steals. They're good at creating diversions, especially when you've unlocked a cabinet.
Why can't employees stop shoplifters? ›
Why are store employees not able to physically stop a shoplifter? Typically because it's against store policy. From a purely legal standpoint, they could technically physically stop a shoplifter. At least in the US citizens have the right to stop or detain another person for a crime they witness.
Do police investigate shoplifting? ›They will talk with loss prevention and see what evidence there is against you for the case, and if the loss prevention officer can testify that they saw you shoplift, then the officer will write out a summons for shoplifting. Then you will be released on the summons and free to go.
Can you get caught for shoplifting after leaving the store days later UK? ›Can you be charged with shoplifting before leaving the store in the UK? In guessing that you mean “If you are caught stealing from a shop but have not left the store, can you still be charged?” and the answer is yes.
What do burglars try to steal? ›“The most popular items that burglars are looking to steal are typically cash, jewelry, and electronics.
What is the number 1 shoplifted item in America? ›Did you know that shoplifting costs U.S. stores $13 billion a year? Yikes! 1. Meat - Seriously, never would have guessed meat!
What do car thieves look for? ›Thieves will steal anything valuable, but the most common items stolen from cars tend to be electronics, personal information, and accessories.
How can we prevent theft in the workplace? ›- Practice proper bookkeeping. ...
- Monitor retail transactions. ...
- Track inventory closely. ...
- Count-in, count-out cash. ...
- Review all petty cash. ...
- Actively participate in the business. ...
- Offer meals and discounts to deter theft and boost morale. ...
- Watch and listen.
in supermarkets, each item is scanned for payment. The item is checked off in their computer inventory. When the staff completes its inventory of goods on the shelves, items bought will be automatically deducted. Items stolen will be logged in as missing.
How do store anti theft devices work? ›These detection antennas send out a signal, and security tags or labels attached to products and merchandise within a store answer back. When an item with an active tag or label passes by or between these antennas, an alarm sounds, indicating an item is leaving the store.
How do stores track down shoplifters? ›They post images from their security footage and ask the community for help identifying the suspect. These methods can be used to find shoplifters long after they have left store property. If the store decides to file a report against you, you may be contacted by police or summoned to court.
What are the ways of preventing thefts and frauds? ›
Installing security systems like access control and CCTV cameras not only deter criminals but also provide evidence of the theft that is caught on camera. These cameras should be strategically placed in high-risk areas.
How do restaurants prevent theft? ›- Pay your employees well and build open communication. ...
- Provide free staff meals. ...
- Create policies & let your employees know it. ...
- Install security cameras in your restaurant. ...
- Limit access to cash drawers and the safe. ...
- Use POS and limit access to the safe.
Audits and reporting
“If you can't prevent it, audit and monitor to identify the problem early,” Benard said. Regular audits can catch theft and fraud early, so the amount of damage is reduced. Like cameras, regular audits can be preventative because employees know they won't get away with fraud for long.
Retailers have tried many overt tactics to limit theft, such as signs that display images of CCTV cameras, threats to prosecute offenders, bag checks, checkout weighing plates and electronic security gates.
Does aluminum foil Stop store alarms? ›Although it may sound too simple to be true, yes, you can stop the alarm from going off by covering the tags with a conductive material. The aluminum foil bag example in the beginning works because of a concept called 'electromagnetic shielding'.
How do supermarket anti theft scanners work? ›They have a transmitter and receiver at the doorway, every item in the store contains a concealed RF tag. The receiver is hidden in the other door gate and picks up the radio signal that the tag transmits and sounds the alarm.
Will a magnet set off store security? ›Yes, magnets set off store alarms. Therefore, there are unexpected situations where the alarm goes off. For example, if the customer hasn't stolen anything but the alarm goes off, the customer may unknowingly carry magnets. However, without theft detectors, security tokens would be useless.
Do barcodes set off security alarms? ›This helps us sort answers on the page. No, barcodes are merely how a store scans price and product information, RFID tags are what sets off alarms at door if not deactivated.
What is a shoplifting hook? ›A detacher hook is a sickle-shaped tool typically made of stainless steel or aluminum. Law-abiding retail employees might recognize a detacher hook as a component of the Sensormatic SuperTag Hand-held Detacher. Shoplifters, however, typically use the detacher hook by itself.
What should you not do when shoplifting? ›- Don't attempt to pay for the item after the fact. ...
- Don't provide any personal information to store employees. ...
- Don't make any statements to store employees, managers, or security guards. ...
- Don't sign any documents at the store.
What happens if you walk out of a store without paying? ›
If an employee or store security catches you walking out of the store with merchandise you didn't pay for, you can be charged with theft. While you may think that an accident like this can be cleared up quickly, there is at least one Tucson Walmart store that's been cracking down on shoppers.
How likely is it to get caught shoplifting after the fact? ›Shoplifters are caught once out of every 48 times they steal – and, when they are caught, they are arrested 50% of the time. “Professionals” make up only 3% of shoplifters – but this group is responsible for 10% (or more) of all profit loss from theft.