Working Retail Security 2

 Working Retail Security means on a regular basis, you will be walking the aisles searching for potential shoplifters. Yet, the reason the LP agent is having you do this is to discourage anyone from doing it in the first place. As I worked Fiesta, I strolled the aisles hoping to catch someone in the act. 

 From time to time, I was told via walkie-talkie to tell kids and teenagers not to read the magazines because most were in sealed plastic and if opened, was considered shrink, a loss of profit to the store. Other times I had to stand outside the doors and jump out and grab them. But honestly, a donut shaped guard trying to get the drop on a young black male in top condition? Not so easy. Yet, we did catch shoplifters and I got to use my handcuffs for a change. 

 Here's some tips I can recommend about how to detect potential shoplifters (if LP hasn't already spotted them)

1. Shoplifters are looking around to see who's watching them. When the coast is clear, they'll take whatever it is. Most are people taking the candy from the bins and walking around the store eating the merchandise. 
2. Most thieves will wander into areas where this isn't much traffic. They go here to remove security tags or stickers. They may even swap price stickers to give their high priced item the cheaper one.  
3. Most shoppers won't notice, but, a thief will most likely have his/her own shopping bag. This goes for malls. I shopped at Macy's, then walked into Dillard's with my Macy bag. Dillard's will think I'm just another shopper wandering into their store. A trained LP will watch this person like a hawk.
4. Shoplifters wear clothes that don't match the weather or have baggy, loose-fitting clothes. (even though it's not cold outside)
5. Shoplifters sometimes work in teams. One person keeps an eye out while the other does the stealing. They forget the eyes in the sky: security cameras. Or, make direct contact with the cameras and find areas without them.

 What to do if you spot a shoplifter:

1. Radio LP a description of the person: race, gender, clothes (color, type, etc.) and their location.
2. Keep them in contact sight, don't get distracted. Keep LP on your wear abouts. If lose sight, they can drop the goods and when you stop them, they can press charges for false accusations.  Remember, it's not stealing until they are outside the store. Concealing the item can prompt you or LP to hold them. But, if they ditch it before you get there, you might have legal issues.
3. If this happens when LP has left for the day, have an employee call the Police, and let management know, too.

 Books you might find helpful and able to apply when taking down those who resist. 

1. Defensive Tactics: Modern Arrest & Control Techniques
2. Defense Tactics for Law Enforcement