Business Theft- ERT Security Protecting you.

Retail theft, or shoplifting, is the theft of merchandise that is offered for sale most commonly in a retail store, and it is one of the most common crimes that are committed. Having surveillance cameras also commonly know as C.C.T.V. equipment can help deter crime.

As the economic conditions worsen in our communities’ the problems we have now with shoplifting will only worsen..

There are many who are simply amateurs, while others are skilled criminals and groups that target particular locations, most often large chain stores. Many people feel that large companies will not miss the loss, but the reality is that all of us as consumers will pay more for items because of it.

While much of the retail industry claims that shoplifting is the biggest cause of excessive costs, employee theft or fraud is the cause of an astounding 50% of the loss and can cost retailers on average $25 million a day.

Most shoplifters rationalize or justify their actions within themselves that store merchandise is over-priced anyway and only benefit the owners and executives of the company at the shopper' s expense. The reality is that we all will pay more for merchandise at the registers as the stores make up for their loss. Shoplifters will eventually damage the targeted store's bottom line and increase their price causing consumers to shop elsewhere.

To protect yourself from retail loss, it is important to understand the different types of shoplifters. There are those that simply do not wish to pay for items, others that get a thrill from stealing; some need the merchandise and lack the money to pay for it, and others who steal merchandise to sell at a profit.

Shoplifters can also be store employees and security personnel that steal internally from the company that they are employed by. Part of retail loss prevention is monitoring the store for these illegal activities, visible and hidden surveillance cameras are worth the initial investment in stabilizing your bottom line. Cameras deter theft because in most cases the criminals don’t know where the cameras are looking and hidden cameras can deter employee theft. Cameras can be hidden in clocks, smoke detectors and other areas, some stores even install cameras directly over their cash registers.

Generally merchants and store managers must follow several rules when performing an internal arrest and detainment. You must see the suspect enter the display area, witness the theft actually occurring, see where the suspect has concealed the item, and you must see the person leave the store without paying a CCTV system can assist in backing up your testimony and are also the eyes of your business when your not there. Retail and internal theft make all of us victims by the ripple effect.

Call ERT Security today at (440) 361-4379 * http://ertsecurity.services.officelive.com

Posted 2009-05-09