How do you approach a shoplifter?

When you approach the shoplifter, immediately identify yourself. Always have a form of ID to show the suspect. If you have loss prevention personnel who aren't in uniform, see to it that they have their badge or ID handy.
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How do you approach someone who is shoplifting?

If you've witnessed someone doing this, approach them calmly outside of the store, identify yourself, and explain that you know they shoplifted. Then, escort the person back into the store and call the police. However, if the shoplifter runs, never chase them as you could pose a safety risk to others around you.
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How do you catch a shoplifter?

Other shoplifting signs
  1. Watching the staff and security, not merchandise.
  2. Avoiding eye contact.
  3. Loitering near store exits.
  4. Occupying dressing rooms for a long time.
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How would you react to a customer shoplifting?

You should advise the shoplifter that the police are being called and call the police as soon as possible. The person making the arrest is under an obligation to present the shoplifter to the police as soon as possible so they can be dealt with according to the law. Ask the person to hand over stolen property.
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Can you physically stop a shoplifter?

An owner has the legal right to use force in detaining an alleged shoplifter. The shopkeeper's privilege allows a store owner to use a reasonable amount of nondeadly force on the detainee that is necessary to: protect himself, and. prevent the escape from store property of the particular person being detained.
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Security Guard Training: How to Deal with Shoplifting



Should you confront a shoplifter?

Confront them – If you decide to confront the suspected shoplifter, approach them when they have exited the premises. According to security expert Chris E McGoey, it's best to have additional personnel with you when you approach the shoplifter. “A good rule is to outnumber the suspected shoplifter by a least one.
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Should you chase a shoplifter?

Never lock the door to keep a shoplifter from leaving. Never chase a shoplifter out of your place of business. Remain at least an arm's length away from the shoplifter.
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How do you stop a shoplifter?

  1. Keep your store organized and tidy. An unorganized store is an ideal playground for shoplifters. ...
  2. Be aware of common shoplifting tactics. ...
  3. Optimize your store's layout. ...
  4. Install security cameras. ...
  5. Add mirrors to your store. ...
  6. Use customer service as prevention. ...
  7. Use signage to deter thieves. ...
  8. Train your employees.
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What should you not do when shoplifting?

Shoplifting: 10 things you should never do if accused of shoplifting
  1. Never argue with store employees if stopped while leaving the store. ...
  2. Don't explain to them what happened. ...
  3. Don't offer to pay offer to pay at this point. ...
  4. Don't give them any personal information.
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Why can't employees confront shoplifters?

Employees Can't Stop Group Shoplifters Due to Store Policies

Retail employees who intervene in shoplifting face attacks from shoplifters and disciplinary action from their employers. Some stores do not allow security guards to intervene, even when they see people blatantly stealing.
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What are three signs of a potential shoplifter?

Other tell-tale signs of shoplifters include:
  • Wearing large coats or baggy clothes.
  • Avoiding eye contact.
  • Watching the staff, not the merchandise.
  • Seeking shelter in dressing rooms to stash smuggled merchandise.
  • Lurking in corners.
  • Taking advantage of stores during peak hours.
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What are the 7 types of shoplifters?

The seven types of shoplifters:
  • Addictive Compulsive.
  • Professional.
  • Addict.
  • Impoverished.
  • Thrill-Seeker.
  • Absent-Minded.
  • Kleptomaniac.
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What do you do if you witness a shoplifter?

"If you want to get involved, just be a good witness. Don't go hands-on. Tell us what they are wearing, give a good description," he said. Letting the police or store deal with the criminal ensures nothing unpredictable happens to you.
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What are the five elements to apprehend a shoplifter?

5 Steps of an apprehension
  • Witness subject conceal the item.
  • Witness subject entering the area without the item.
  • Witness the person leave the last point of sale with the item.
  • Witness subject select the item.
  • Do not lose sight of the item or the area where the item is concealed.
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What are the 5 steps in loss prevention?

5 Rules of Loss Prevention
  1. #1 Develop Loss Prevention Policies.
  2. #2 Know Where Theft is Occurring.
  3. #3 Selecting Product Protection Devices.
  4. #4 Store Vulnerabilities.
  5. #5 Encourage Everyone Work Together.
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Why is it so easy to shoplift?

Of course it's easy... most stores only have one security guard who obviously can't be everywhere, and most items in most stores are not tagged because they're small-value items. So if you can bag a goody without the security noticing, then all you're left to do is walk through the exit.
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What are the two types of shoplifters?

Researchers divide shoplifters into two categories: "boosters", professionals who resell what they steal, and "snitches", amateurs who steal items for their personal use.
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What are the most shoplifted items?

And just so that we understand what's typically most at risk (according to insurance industry BusinessInsuranceQuotes website) the most shoplifted items are:
  • Razors.
  • Baby formula.
  • Cosmetics.
  • Alcohol.
  • Laptops.
  • Over-the-counter drugs.
  • Smartphones.
  • Clothing.
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Why do shoplifters get away with it?

The most they do is record the thefts with their cell phones. Why is shoplifting so rampant? Because state law holds that stealing merchandise worth $950 or less is just a misdemeanor, which means that law enforcement probably won't bother to investigate, and if they do, prosecutors will let it go.
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What tools do shoplifters use?

Shoplifting Tools

While tools such as “sensormatic jammers” and “RF-impulse shielding fabric” are strictly used for theft, “hook detachers” and various magnetic keys can all be used to unlock certain security tags and wraps — regardless of whether the user is a retail employee or shoplifter.
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Can a shoplifter sue you?

If you get caught shoplifting, the plaintiff has several options. They can report it to the police to press criminal charges, they can file a civil lawsuit, and they can send you a civil demand letter.
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Is loss prevention allowed to touch you?

LP is prohibited from touching you or running after you.

If you are stopped for shoplifting, loss prevention is not allowed to run after you or physically touch you.
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Do stores know when you steal?

Many retailers, especially large department and grocery stores, use video surveillance. Cameras in and outside of the store can detect suspicious activity and capture evidence of the individual stealing.
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