Introduction
Investigations are an integral part of retail loss prevention. They can range from simple cash theft from the register, to detailed investigations into organized theft rings. This site will give you a basic understanding of the methods of theft, investigative options, and resources that are available.
Internal Theft
Employee theft is a huge concern for retailers amounting to billions of dollars in losses every year. Taking into account that a large percentage of theft incidents are never discovered, retailers are beginning to take a more proactive approach to preventing internal theft.
There is no stereotype of a dishonest employee. Often times it turns out that the employee everyone thought of as the most honest and hard working is the very one committing theft behind the scenes. However, there are warning signs that need to be watched for such as a significant change in lifestyle or high dollar purchases, purposefully trying to work independently or unsupervised, excessive absences, etc.
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There is no stereotype of a dishonest employee. Often times it turns out that the employee everyone thought of as the most honest and hard working is the very one committing theft behind the scenes. However, there are warning signs that need to be watched for such as a significant change in lifestyle or high dollar purchases, purposefully trying to work independently or unsupervised, excessive absences, etc.
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External Theft
Shoplifting occurs every day in every type of retail industry. Estimated daily losses to retailers are in the millions. The culprits can be placed into one of two broad categories: professionals or amateurs. The amateurs are your opportunistic thieves that see a chance to gain a “five finger discount” and take it. The professionals steal for a living and may be a part of a ORC (Organized Retail Crime) group.
A poor economy has resulted in an increase in external theft activity. Retailers need to combat this increase with programs and policies geared towards controlling inventory and preventing theft. LP professionals also need to investigate all theft incidents and implement ways it could be prevented in the future.
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A poor economy has resulted in an increase in external theft activity. Retailers need to combat this increase with programs and policies geared towards controlling inventory and preventing theft. LP professionals also need to investigate all theft incidents and implement ways it could be prevented in the future.
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Organized Retail Crime
Organized Retail Crime is shoplifting done by professionals, called boosters, who then sell the stolen goods to a fence. Most groups travel across the country hitting countless retailers along the way. They will usually have a “shopping list” provided by the fence of what to steal. The FBI has estimated that losses contributed to ORC amount to $30 billion a year! Many retailers have developed separate ORC departments or task forces to combat this growing problem.
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Available Training and Certification Programs
The loss prevention industry is growing rapidly and with that many have realized the need for more specialized training and certification programs. Universities are beginning to offer BA and MA programs in LP/Private Security, and there are a number of certifications available that are adding to the professionalism of the industry.
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