Store Policy

Know your store’s policy regarding shoplifting. If no such policy exists, take steps to implement one. Employees who know their store’s policy on shoplifting may feel more confident in their actions when faced with a shoplifting situation. The policy must describe what is expected of an employee who has witnessed or has been made aware of a shoplifting (i.e., call the police, call mall security, notify the store manager, etc.).

Approaching a Shoplifter

To detain a suspected shoplifter:

1. Let another employee know what your intentions are.
0. Call the police. Always use 9-1-1.
1. Wait for the shoplifter to exit the store. The shoplifting statute allows a stop inside of the store if the suspect concealed the merchandise; however, most prosecutors prefer that the suspect leave the store before being stopped.
2. Approach the shoplifter, preferably with a co-worker, and announce that you need him/her to return inside the store with you. Be polite, but firm in your request. If the shoplifter decides to run away from you, get a good description and direction of travel and give the information to the police immediately. Do not put yourself in danger to apprehend a shoplifter. Do not try to search the shoplifter in public view or subject him/her to other displays which may cause embarrassment. Attempt to seek the shoplifter’s cooperation and return to a private area within your store.
3. While waiting for the police to arrive, do not question or search the shoplifter. Advise the shoplifter of what you observed and that the police have been summoned. Document your observations, in chronological order, from the time you saw the suspect take the merchandise through your subsequent detention.

Employees Must Be Alert

• Greet everyone.
• Act alert and interested.
• Be aware of suspicious people.
• Watch for shoppers with:
• Shopping bags
• Loosely fitting clothing
• Umbrellas in clear weather
• large purses/oversize handbags
• open packages
• bulky clothing in warm weather
• strollers and carriages

Watch for Common Shoplifting "Behaviors"

• Shoppers who pick up merchandise without looking at it or paying attention to quality, price, etc.
• Look for those customers who seem ill at ease (particularly juveniles), or jittery.
• Be cautious of those customers who keep sending you off to retrieve other colors or sizes of merchandise.
• Watch for shoppers sneaking into unauthorized areas.
• If a customer becomes unreasonably loud or argumentative, it may be an attempt to divert your attention away from shoplifting activity.

Physical Security Considerations

• Low shelving
• Open spaces/VISIBILITY IS THE KEY
• Elevated customer service areas
• Lock all display cases
• Alert buzzers for the entrance doors and stock room areas
• Mirrors for viewing customer activity
• Keep expensive merchandise near the customer service area and away from the entrance to the store.

For a free business crime prevention training contact the Richfield Police Crime Prevention Unit at 612-861-9875