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War on shoplifting
By: By HEATHER LOW CHOY
Police estimate shoplifting costs the Australian community around $810 million a year, or about $110 each time someone shoplifts. Sergeant Darren Spinks, of State Community Policing Services, says police are trying to help local retailers protect themselves in the Christmas lead-up. "Shops vary in their vulnerability to shoplifting, depending on shop location, type of goods sold and shop layout and display features," Sergeant Spinks said. "While shoplifting gangs may be involved, most incidents of stealing from shops are carried out by opportunistic individuals."
Sergeant Spinks said there were a number of steps business owners could take to reduce shoplifting. "Staff should be aware of large groups of people entering shops and hanging around display cabinets or near expensive items," he said. "It is a common tactic to distract staff while other accomplices steal items or remove security tags."
Tasmania Police recommend business owners:
*Never leave display cases unlocked.
*Do not clutter the store with shelving and sale signage, creating blind spots.
*Install security mirrors and/or security cameras.
*Ensure rear areas to shops, including store and staff rooms, are locked during business hours.
*Check clothing in and out of fitting rooms.
*Display dummy cases for CDs and DVDs.
*Ensure the placement of signage indicating bag checks.
*Close shopping bags and staple receipts to the outside of bags.
*Train all staff in shoplifting awareness.
*Call police on the detection of suspicious behaviour.
Sergeant Spinks said there were a number of steps business owners could take to reduce shoplifting. "Staff should be aware of large groups of people entering shops and hanging around display cabinets or near expensive items," he said. "It is a common tactic to distract staff while other accomplices steal items or remove security tags."
Tasmania Police recommend business owners:
*Never leave display cases unlocked.
*Do not clutter the store with shelving and sale signage, creating blind spots.
*Install security mirrors and/or security cameras.
*Ensure rear areas to shops, including store and staff rooms, are locked during business hours.
*Check clothing in and out of fitting rooms.
*Display dummy cases for CDs and DVDs.
*Ensure the placement of signage indicating bag checks.
*Close shopping bags and staple receipts to the outside of bags.
*Train all staff in shoplifting awareness.
*Call police on the detection of suspicious behaviour.