You might not know it, but theft is still a common issue for retail businesses in Canada. In fact, Canada’s retail industry loses money to theft every year, because of customers and employees. Holidays are an especially busy time for retail theft in Canada.

To help you stop shoplifters in their tracks, we’ve outlined some key retail theft prevention tips for your business below:

1. Install a welcome bell at your door to help you keep track of who’s entering your store.
2. Make your presence known to ward off suspicious shoppers. A friendly greeting to your customers can not only make trustworthy customers feel welcome but also guilt-trip any sneaky shoplifters.
3. Follow up with shoppers after greeting them. If a shoplifter is engaged often within a store, they’ll think twice before they shoplift merchandise. This also has the added benefit of ensuring customers feel they can ask you for assistance if they need it.
4. Review your store’s layout to make sure there are no blind spots and that there’s enough lighting. You may also want to consider an elevated sales counter for better visibility. You can’t catch shoplifters if you can’t see them!
5. Keep expensive items near the checkout counter. Certain items in your store may be prime targets for amateur Robin Hoods. If the merchandise is near the checkout counter, there’s a better chance you can keep an eye on it.
6. Use electronic tags on all of your merchandise to detect non-purchased items that exit your front door. Nothing stops a quiet getaway quite like an obnoxious alarm.
7. Set up security cameras to help you capture blockbuster footage of every nook and cranny in your store. Surveillance systems or closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras can be extremely helpful, especially when you’re busing helping customers or simply distracted.
8. Offer to place things in a fitting room. You’ll be able to track the number of items being tried on and likely notice if something goes missing.
9. Offer to place merchandise behind the register counter. This allows you to keep track of merchandise easily.
10. Have one exit and entrance. If there’s only one way in and one way out, it will be easier to see who’s coming and going from your shop.
11. Pay attention to price tags when a customer pays. Although it’s not shoplifting, it is a form of retail theft if a customer alters price markings. Also be sure to issue customers receipts when they pay or are refunded, so that shoplifters can’t return to the store with a stolen item and demand a refund or store credit.
12. Hire an adequate number of employees. With more eyes looking out for shoplifting, the better chance you have of catching someone in the act. If your store is large enough, more employees could be helpful. Plus, additional employees can assist with other tasks too, like re-stocking shelves and assisting customers.

Want to protect your business from risks other than retail theft prevention? We can help!

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This blog is provided for information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and will not be responsible for any loss arising out of reliance on the information. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply to coverage. See policy for details.