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Educating Employees
Train your sales people to:
Watch for people with loose or baggy clothing inappropriate for weather, and people with large bags or other props, such as newspapers, strollers, briefcases, or umbrellas that can easily conceal merchandise.
Pick up stray receipts around the store.
Be aware of shoplifter’s tactics to confuse and distract you. For example, when working in teams one shoplifter will create a disturbance, e.g., complaining loudly, staging a faint, or knocking over merchandise, to draw attention away from the other who is doing the lifting.
Be attentive to people in your area. This helps legitimate customers and deters shoplifters. A simple "Can I help you?" or "I'll be with you in a moment" warns shoplifters they are being watched. Keep a close watch on people who seem nervous or refuse assistance.
Cover their entire area of responsibility, even blind spots.
Have another sales person cover your area when you leave the floor, e.g., to check for items in the stockroom.
Be especially alert when the store is crowded. Shoplifters often operate when sales people are busy helping legitimate customers.
Watch for shoppers walking with short or unnatural steps, which may indicate that they are concealing lifted items.
Watch customer's eyes. If they are looking at you they may need assistance or are thinking about shoplifting.
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