Thursday, November 26, 1998

BBB gives shoplifting warning tips

The Better Business Bureau has issued a holiday warning to local businesses of the increased risks of shoplifting and employee theft during the holiday season. The information is pertinent for businesses - especially retail outlets - across Texas.

As the holiday shopping season nears, the risks of shoplifting and employee theft increase with the hiring of more temporary employees and the influx of holiday shoppers. Statistically, 70 percent of all lost revenue, or "inventory shrinkage" is the result of employee theft. A lack of adequate background checks on temporary or seasonal workers exacerbates this problem and leaves stores vulnerable to employee theft.

Steve Abel, president of the Abilene Better Business Bureau, said, "with an estimated $16 billion lost to businesses each year, shoplifting is one of the most costly crimes a business ever faces, however business owners can protect themselves by aggressively prosecuting shoplifters and posting visible warnings that shoplifters will be prosecuted in their stores." Abel added, "other low cost, effective deterrents for business start with arranging the store to keep exits to a minimum and displays neatly organized, and end with training employees to greet customers with eye contact and be alert to distracting situations."

The Abilene Police Department has an excellent crime prevention unit and would be happy to visit with any business to help them prevent this crime. For more information contact Sue Heath at 676-6520.

The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips for businesses to combat holiday shoplifting and employee theft:

1. Recognize that the problem of shoplifting is severe and dedicate the necessary staff and financial resources to address this problem appropriately.

2. Perform a separate "theft frequency" study for each store under your ownership, taking into consideration the different types of thefts that occur and develop a strategy specific to each store.

3. Establish a clear and forceful shoplifting policy in each store (explicitly stating that all shoplifters will be prosecuted) and prominently display this policy throughout your store.

4. Follow through with prosecutions of shoplifters and employees and publicize your efforts to combat shoplifting.

5. Be careful with the selection and training of all employees, thoroughly screening all potential hires, and adopt a "zero-tolerance" policy to discourage employee theft.