Shoplifting creates a lot of problems for businesses that own these establishments & their customers. Billions of dollars are stolen from stores each year and customers are paying the cost for this unscrupulous behavior. The retail industry reports that shoplifting is on the rise. Here are the signs of a shoplifter that businesses can use to stop them in their tracks:

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1. Keep an Eye Out for Any Unusual Customers

People that own a hip-hop record shop wouldn’t expect to see too many well-dressed and conservative people walking through their doors. If your business caters primarily to a unique segment of a market, be careful about people who do not fit your standard customer profile. You should not discriminate based on appearance. Just be careful and mindful of who is walking into your establishment.

2. Watch Out for People Loitering Around Your Store

There are people who hang out at stores for reasons other than shopping. These individuals might know the owner, manager or workers. They sometimes hang around a spot just to interact with customers or to just because they like a place. This is how to identify a shoplifter: look for groups of strangers just hanging around your business. If you notice this they’re probably up to no good.

Don’t allow a bunch of people just to loiter around your establishment. Even if you know them, ask them not to hang around for longer than usual. When a business has too many people that are just “hanging around”, trouble will usually result from this behavior. Shoplifting is probably one of the main objectives of people that hang around for no good reason.

3. Watch Out for Large Groups of People

Some people might visit your shop in large groups. This is unusual unless people are a family. Sometimes, a group of friends will visit an establishment just because they happen to be out and about. However, if you notice that people are wearing large coats (and its summer), covering their heads and faces up with hoodies and hats or wearing baggy clothing; this might be another sign of shoplifting behavior.

Watch out for people who are walking funny this is also signs of a shoplifter. They could have already ripped off some goods and are trying not to spill them outside of their clothing. You should be suspicious of people that come into your store laughing and joking around too much. These individuals are up to no good in most cases. Just keep a close eye on large groups of people who look unusual or that are acting in an unusual way.

4. Look for Shoppers with Big Bags

You can know how to spot a shoplifter before they steal something from your store. First, look for people who are carrying around large-sized bags and backpacks. If you see someone with a large bag or backpack, chances are they could be trying to steal. You could also create a bag check policy to deter thieves from stealing.

Contact Silent Guardian Security to help you to overcome problems with shoplifting by installing video surveillance & security systems in your store today.

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