Shoplifting is a major issue that retail stores face every day. It doesn't matter what you sell, the theives will steal if they have the chance. According to a study by the RILA, retail crime resulted in over $68 billion in losses in the United States[1]. Furthermore, the 2020 National Retail Security Survey found that theft reached an all-time high of $61.7 billion in 2019, up from $50.6 billion the previous year[2]. However, business owners aren't helpless,many of these losses can be avoided. It's not realistic to say that you will eradicate shoplifting for goods. But retail anti-theft devices are a great way to help your sales team and security staff secure your store against shoplifters. Here are the most popular anti theft devices for retail stores you can use:
Top 8 Must-have Anti Theft Devices To Protect Your Retail Store
CCTV
CCTV, or closed-circuit television,has been used by shop owners to monitor retail stores and prevent theft for many years. Not only do they act as anti-shoplifting devices, but you can also keep video recordings of what happens in your shop 24/7. If you are unable to capture the perpetrator in action, but a crime does happen, then you will still have video evidence to use if necessary.
The latest advances in video analytics and artificial intelligence make CCTV more powerful. The CCTV with latest technology can now identify suspicious activity and alert staff to potential problems before they occur. In addition, some systems employ facial recognition software even can identify known thieves the moment they walk into the store.
CCTV can also effectively protect inventory in various businesses. By constantly monitoring the premises, CCTV helps prevent theft and also provides evidence in case any incidents occur.
CCTV has proven to be a valuable anti theft device for retail stores. According to recent statistics[3], the presence of CCTV in retail stores can significantly reduce incidents of shoplifting and other serious crimes. In fact, the British Retail Consortium reported that CCTV has reduced crime in retail stores by up to 51 percent[4]. Meanwhile, a study by the University of Leicester discovered that shoplifting incidents dropped by 60% after retailers installed CCTV systems[5].
Security Mirrors
When it comes to simple yet highly effective anti shoplifting device, few options can surpass the effectiveness of security mirrors. These mirrors offer an affordable and straightforward way to enhance security measures, particularly in retail settings. By strategically installing security mirrors, you can eliminate critical blind spots that could otherwise be exploited by thieves and intruders.
Security mirrors can be easily mounted on walls and ceilings. When placed properly, they can eliminate most blind spots in retail stores, making it easy for staff and security teams to notice areas that were previously hidden from view.
Studies have demonstrated that businesses that utilize security mirrors experience a notable decrease in theft incidents. By creating an atmosphere of heightened surveillance, these mirrors instill a sense of caution in potential thieves, making them reconsider their actions and ultimately reducing the occurrence of theft and shoplifting.
Not only do security mirrors enhance security measures, but they also contribute to a safer and more secure shopping environment for both customers and employees. Their cost-effective nature and minimal installation requirements make them accessible retail anti theft devices for businesses of all sizes.
Anti-theft signage
Is there a easiest and cheapest anti-shoplifting device? A simple warning can sometimes be enough to deter thieves. In this case, a simple sign that says "shoplifters are prosecuted" works wonders.
More experienced thieves will ignore such signs but it will stop others. Loss Prevention Research Council found that 50% of shoplifters leave the store immediately or do not steal anything if surveillance signs are displayed in retail stores.
Now, it is more common to combine anti-theft signage and anti theft labels. On one hand it lets potential thieves know about the legal implications of their plans. This forces them to think twice. On the other, these anti theft labels work with the retail anti theft system at the entrance to prevent theft. Here is an example of anti-theft signs and labels combined.
Again,anti-theft signage is a very simple and cost-effective anti shoplifting device that works!
A Good EAS System
EAS is an acronym for electronic article surveillance. EAS security tags and detection systems are the most popular anti theft devices for retail stores, especially for supermarkets, clothing stores, cosmetics stores, libraries,etc.
Electronic article surveillance (EAS) devices include:
- Security tagging systems: They are installed at the door of a store to sound an alarm to deter theft if they detect that goods passing through them have anti-theft tags or labels on them.
- Anti theft magnetic Tags: popular with clothing retailers, this category also includes ink tags that burst when tampered with, destroying the garment.
- EAS Anti theft Labels - stickers that can be attached to virtually anything.
- Spider Security tags: great for high value mercahdise or oddly shaped items. It's lanyard wrapped around the outside of the merchandise and locked. In addition to causing an alarm when passing the EAS gates as same as anti theft magnetic tags, it will also issue an alarm if the thief tries to cut its lanyard.
- Bottle security caps: - wraps around the neck or top of a container, these can be used for expensive bottles of liquor, tins of baby formula, and more.
Of the 4 main types of EAS devices--electromagnetic, acousto-magnetic, RFID, and microwave, the RFID (radio frequency identification) tags are most popular in the retail sector. These devices work with radio-frequency antennas,which customers have to walk by on their way out. These anti theft antennas, also known as pedestals, are a strong deterrent to theft.
Security Tehter Recoiler
A security tether recoiler is a security display device commonly used in retail stores to secure merchandise to a point and anti shoplfit or damage. It is also known as a retractable reel, recoiler, or anti-theft pull box. Its main function is to secure items to a point and allow customers to interact or handle them.
It typically consists of a retractable cord or cable housed within a small, durable plastic or metal casing. The cord or cable of the recoiler is securely attached to the merchandise using adhesive, a loop, or a hook. Some recoilers also come with various attachment options such as screws or clips for added security.
The security tether can be used for a variety of merchansides, such as but not only consumer electronics, jewelry with high value, sports equipment, power tools, vacuum cleaners, and handbags.
Alarm integration is optional: Certain recoilers are compatible with central alarm systems, adding an extra layer of protection.
Display Cases
Not all anti theft devices for retail stores have to be electronic. For example, display cases can do a lot to prevent theft. Display cases are widely used in retail stores to protect and showcase valuable products such as perfumes, cosmetics, cigarettes, razors, and even milk powder and alcohol.
The advantages of display cases or security safer box lie in their transparent PC plastic material, which allows customers to see all the product details. These display cases are also very sturdy and can resist violent theft attempts. In addition, they can be embedded with EAS technologies such as AM, RF or RFID chips, in combination with retail security tag system, to deter theft better.
However, display cases also have some disadvantages, such as the need for personnel to unlock them every time a customer needs to access a product. And This solution does not work for all products, particularly those that customers need to touch and explore in order to fully appreciate. Examples include mobile phones and tablet computers. It's still a great security measure, particularly if your budget is limited.
Retail Security Display Stands
If you sell high-value electronics in your retail store, such as smartphone, tablet,smart watches, laptops, headset,or other electronic products, then using security display stands is a great way to prevent theft. It not only let customers interact with them and pick up the products, but also still keep them attached to your display stands.
Some retail stores mount the security display devices on their furniture. This allows them display smartphone, tablet,smart watches, laptops, while keeping them secured and tethered. Take a look at the following,there are some most popular anti theft phone holders, smart watch security alarm charging stand, and anti theft device for small electrnoics and accessories:
You can choose from a variety of merchandise security display devices from high security stands to wireless security holder, including magnetic holders, secuity holders with metal brackets, wireless security stand, and more. You can select the best retail security display devices for your product based on its size, shape and value.
Some retail security display stands are with built-in chargers to keep your products charged and ensure that customers get a good experience.
And some security display stands are with alarm, with physical locks and strong steel cable, making it more difficult for thieves to steal a product off your shelves.
Display locks
In some cases, some merchandises are displayed on shelves to facilitate customer purchase and save space. Such as small electronics, batteries, gift card,action figures, collectibles.
But you don't want them to be stolen by thieves. Because many of them are valuable commodities.
Display locks are a good way in retail environments for preventing sweep theft and securing displayed products. These locks are designed to secure the merchandise in place and require a magnetic key to open and remove the items.
Peg hook locks are available in different brands and types. Plastic peg hook locks are available in different sizes and colors. Some peg-hook locks are made for specific hook sizes, and some may be incompatible. It's therefore important to select the correct lock for your peg or hook.
A lot of work still needs to do after the installation of the Retail anti-theft devices
The installation of anti-theft devices in retail stores is only the first step, and there is still a lot of work to be done to truly reduce theft.
Good staff training and anti-theft culture building
As the e-commerce leader Shopify notes that a great first step to take is training your staff on how to use the anti theft devices for retail stores well. This is because many people have a tendency to not read instructions, so if you don't show them how to use the retail anti theft devices, they may not even realize it exists!
Then build good customer awareness and anti-theft awareness. Managers and employees can be trained to reduce and prevent theft, fraud and mistakes. Greet every customer personally. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent shoplifting. This is a win-win situation.
The culture that you create is also important for preventing loss internally: You can model and nurture integrity and pride at work. Everyone knows their responsibilities when you're clear with your security policy.
A variety of retails anti-theft devices are used together to play a synergistic role
Many anti-theft devices for retail stores have a particularly good protection effect on different goods, so choose the right anti-theft devices.
If you want to reduce the number of thefts in your store, it's a good idea to use a variety of anti-theft systems together.Usually its anti-theft effect will be 1+1 >2.
For example, if you have high-end luxury items such as jewelry or watches, then an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system is a good choice because these products usually have small quantities in each store and are easy to carry away quickly by thieves. However, if the products in your store are large and bulky--such as clothing or other consumer goods--then installing CCTV will be more effective because they can monitor large areas at once and help identify thieves quickly if they attempt to steal something from among them.
Focus on where the retail losses come from, targeted strengthening
The key points of retail loss prevention are inventory control : ensure that your inventory is accurate and up-to-date at all times.
This includes making sure that you have enough stock on hand, that all products are stored properly, and that they are not damaged in any way (e.g., by sunlight or heat). If you have too much or too little product in your store, this can lead customers on an unnecessary search for what they want--and possibly result in them leaving without buying anything at all!
New challenges
One of the most worrisome pandemic trends flagged by NRF right now is the growth of organized retail crime (ORC) and the prevalence of violent robberies. While it can take many forms, one of the key features is that it is not limited by time or place. Retail security is now a 24/7 concern. Be sure to check out how to protect you after hours, especially for stores that are at high risk due to high-value inventory.
Below is a highly publicized grab-and-run burglaries: thieves took millions of dollars' worth of electronics from an Apple Store in just a few seconds. Thieves hit more than a dozen of the iconic retail locations in recent months, mostly in California.
One of the most important strategies for retail stores in response to organized crime and violent robbery is to install high-quality surveillance systems. Modern camera systems with AI capabilities can track unusual activities and identify would-be thieves.
Using high security levels security display stands to protect high value electronics is a very wise action. They are often the target of violent robberies as they contain expensive electronics that can be sold on the black market.
Tagging high-value items: A common method is to use a tag that emits an alarm when someone tries to remove it from an item without paying for it at the register or returns counter. Such as 2 alarm/3 alarm security tags,they can deter thieves and help identify stolen items. Ink security tags is also a good weapon.
A reminder at the end: Striking a balance of anti theft devices for retail stores and Customer Experience
One of the most important aspects of running a successful retail business is maintaining a good relationship with your customers. Customers want to feel safe and secure when they're shopping, and that's where retail store anti-theft devices come in. Retail anti-theft devices act as a deterrent to theft, but they also make customers feel more comfortable while they're shopping at your store.
Anti-theft devices are absolutely necessary for retail stores, but do not interfere with the customer experience. Because the ultimate goal of retail stores is to sell more goods and get higher profits, it's important for retailers to find a balance between protecting goods effectively against theft while still allowing customers to feel comfortable and free to shop.