Retail operations offer many challenges for dedicated managers and owners who work hard & are committed. But the most difficult part of his/her role is the loss prevention function. Many retail owners and managers are not equipped or trained to deal adequately with developing an effective loss prevention program, or in preventing external and internal losses in the complex Indian Retail settings.
Shoplifting is often considered as a professional hazard of “doing business” in the Retail Sector. As a retailer focusing on the problem of what’s known in the industry as loss prevention, you basically should have an understanding of who these shoplifters are & methods at your disposal to slow the shoplifters down.
The main types of customers who indulge in shoplifting are:
1. Non-Professional Shoplifters
2. Professional Shoplifters
Non-Professional Shoplifters:
Opportunists
Many shop thieves are not regular thieves, but are influenced by opportunities such as easily accessible display areas, or goods left unattended on counters.
Persistent Thieves
Many thieves steal regularly – every day or every week perhaps. They mix genuine purchases with some stolen goods and may be some of your oldest or most trusted customers. Do not take anyone for granted.
Juveniles
Young people can be influenced by peer pressure to steal. This can be part of a ‘group syndrome’ where young people only steal when they are together. They tend to steal such items as Electronic Games, Mobile Accessories, CDs and Fashion Goods.
Thieves who use children
Some family teams make use of children to steal items (in order to avoid convictions) or to cause a distraction that will conceal the theft.
Drug Abusers
Many shop thieves steal to support a drug habit, which can cost users hundreds of rupees a week. They often see shop theft as the easiest way to raise money.
Dacoits
This is a technique where a large gang will enter a shop and intimidate, threaten or distract staff in order to steal large quantities of goods before running off. It is dangerous to tackle these people, as they are likely to resort to violence.
Staff Collusion
Sometimes shop staff help thieves to steal, either actively, or by turning a blind eye to what is going on. Thieves may pay the member of staff to co-operate with them, or they may intimidate them into doing so.
Professional Shoplifters
Professional thieves target high value goods, and often steal a number of items e.g. entire racks of clothes at one time. They often work in teams passing the goods through several pairs of hands before they are eventually taken away. Some gangs also employ ‘minders’ to protect them.
