How to prevent theft in retail stores during the holiday season?

Updated on September 27, 2024.

The magic of the holiday season is not all restful for merchants and mall administrators during which they must increase their vigilance and security efforts. To help them prevent and avoid theft, our retail security experts share best practices.

1 - Define displays based on the level of theft risk per item.  

Be sure to display valuable items and small items in a secure display or in a supervised area. In addition, it is important that these items are not placed near the exits so as not to facilitate the shoplifter’s escape.  

2 - Deploy floor walkers in the store. 

Shoplifters are adept at using ploys such as fighting, commotion or loud arguments to get the attention of staff while they commit the theft. The best solution to avoid this type of theft is to reinforce security with more security guards and floor walkers.

3 - Secure the back-room doors of the store with an alarm or a chime. 

This simple and effective solution helps prevent theft. When staff are busy and there is an influx of customers, it is easier for shoplifters to enter the back of the store. Installing a chime or alarm will alert staff to an intrusion. Also, make sure that employees' personal belongings, such as purses and wallets, are placed in a locked area. 

4 - Locate and replace "stockpiled" items. 

Stacking several high-value items in one place is a preferred target of criminals.  It allows them to grab the items in seconds and easily make their escape. To prevent this, ensure that staff remove items that have been stacked and return them to their designated display. At the same time, ask retail security guards to be on the lookout for shoplifters returning to the area. 

5 - Be more vigilant about label changes.   

Educate your staff to ensure that the product scanned into the cash register software is the same product purchased by the customer.

It is not uncommon for criminals to switch product labels to obtain a reduced price. Prevent this type of scheme by regularly checking labels that may be hidden in the fitting rooms.  

6 - Ensure that each store's caller ID includes the name of the business. 

When a store manager needs security to respond immediately, they should be easily identifiable to guards. This way, by seeing the caller ID, officers automatically know which store needs assistance. When a call is made to 911, the identification process is the same.

7 - Set up mystery visits in the store. 

To reinforce security control in stores, retailers can use mystery visits. This consists of validating the purchases made by employees, checking their bags at closing time or during shift changes.  

Another solution is to deploy a security guard at the exit of the store to check the bills of customers and employees.  

8 - Check the proper functioning of the security systems. 

It is important to be extra vigilant when checking the functionality of your security systems and their position. A failure of the system can be profitable for shoplifters.

By applying these valuable tips, merchants can increase their level of security during high-traffic periods. In addition, having a reliable business security solution in place by recognized security experts will make all the difference for your business.