As a business owner, you take pride in your products and appreciate the customers who value them. Unfortunately, shoplifters can threaten your bottom line and the integrity of your customer base. Use these three business security tips to teach your employees how to stop patrons from indulging in the five-finger discount in the first place.

How to Teach Employees to Prevent Shoplifting

1. Stay Involved in the Shopping Experience

As customers walk into your store, encourage employees to offer a verbal welcome. This will let patrons know that they’re paying attention without sounding overbearing.

However, if the shopper is hiding out in the corner, fumbling with their bags, or crouching down, an employee should approach them and start a conversation. For example, they might ask if the shopper needs items taken to a fitting room or held at the register while they continue browsing. This lets the customer know they’re being watched and deters them from trying to conceal additional items.

2. Look for Hidden Items

As customers line up to use the fitting room, an employee should take the pile of clothes that each shopper is holding as they lead the way to a free room. This will give them a chance to gently lift and rearrange the pile, so hidden objects, such as earrings or wallets, will slip out.

At the register, the cashier should open and inspect any items that could hold other smaller inventory, such as purses, shoes, baskets, or containers.

3. Maintain Communication

If your employees notice anything out of the ordinary, they should alert other coworkers in the store. This prevents the burden of catching a shoplifter from falling on one individual and increases the chances of retrieving the stolen objects.

Employees should learn a code that they can speak into their walkie talkies or intercom that indicates the nature of the incident and the location of the customer. If the shoplifter tries to leave the store, the closest employee can intercept them and check their bag. 

If you’re hoping to implement other measures to prevent theft in your store, turn to ClearView Security & Home Automation for their business security tools. This Oregon City company can install video cameras, alarms, and even text alerts to help your employees stay on top of shoplifting attempts. To learn more about their business security offerings, visit the website, or call (855) 709-4466 today to schedule a consultation.