Shoplifting can cost your business thousands of dollars each year and negatively impact the profit margins. But as a store owner you can learn how to spot a shoplifter and prevent it.
Recognizing the signs of a shoplifter can help prevent theft and reduce loss in retail stores. Let’s break down the most common shoplifting signs and give you tips on how to spot someone who might be stealing.
How To Spot a Shoplifter?
Avoids Eye Contact
One of the biggest signs of a shoplifter is avoiding eye contact. When people feel guilty, they tend to avoid making eye contact. You can instantly spot a shoplifter who is avoiding eye contact and keeping their head down.
Most probably, you’ll find them acting nervous around staff or security guards. If you notice someone who is overly avoiding eye contact or seems uncomfortable, it might be worth keeping an eye on them.
Oversized Bags or Clothing
Keep a close eye on people with big bags. Shoplifters can easily stuff items in an oversized purse, a backpack, or even in a thick overcoat.
Another shoplifting sign that you must take into account is that an individual carries more bags than usual. You may ask them to show whether the items they are carrying are paid or not.
Constantly Looking Around
If a person is planning to steal, they’ll probably be looking around to see whether anyone is observing them or not. This is one of the classic shoplifting examples.
If you see someone hiding from security cameras, employees, or other customers. This is usually one of the signs that may show someone who is most likely to steal.
Visiting often without buying anything
Another indication of a shoplifter is when the person visits the store often but seldom buys items.
They can enter the store to shop with the intention of leaving without purchasing.
This can be one of the signs someone is stealing. Make sure the store’s layout or its security systems are not faulty.
Distracting Employees
Some kinds of shoplifters work in groups. One person may always engage the employees, asking them questions, starting a conversation, or may even create confusion while the other is stealing.
This may be a sign of a shoplifter that they attract all the attention. Also, you’ll find them distracting others, including your employees.
Hiding Items
One of the most obvious signs of shoplifting is when someone tries to conceal items. Shoplifters may put merchandise in bags, under their clothing, or in strollers.
They may even carry their own shopping bags from other stores to split items into.
If you notice someone taking an item off the shelf and then hiding it beneath something else this is clear evidence of theft should be expected.
Nervous or Fidgety Behavior
Conclusiveness can be one of the signs someone is stealing. This sense of nervousness is often easily interpreted as people being up to no good.
Shoplifters may stride nervously, they may keep moving their hands or touch their clothes, or, their clothes, or the merchandise in the store.
They can also easily perspire or frequently look at their watch. This anxious behavior can also turn into one of the biggest causes of shoplifting.
Frequent Bathroom or Fitting Room Visits
Some shoplifters use fitting rooms or bathrooms to hide merchandise or remove security tags. They may take several items into a fitting room but come out with fewer or different ones.
If a customer spends too much time in these areas or visits them multiple times during their trip, it could be a red flag.
Group Behavior
Shoplifters often work in groups to confuse employees and cover each other’s tracks. If you see a group of people who seem to be communicating quietly, splitting up, or acting in sync, it’s possible they are planning a theft. Multiple people acting suspiciously can increase the chances of shoplifting.
How Can You Spot Shoplifting Signs As a Store Owner
Now that you know how to spot a shoplifter, let’s talk about how to prevent theft in a retail store. Stores like Walmart have taken extra steps to prevent shoplifting.
They use advanced technology like cameras, alarms, and security personnel. However, smaller stores might not have the same resources.
One effective strategy is to train your employees. This will help identify early signs of a shoplifter.
Employees who are aware of these behaviors are better equipped to engage and prevent theft before it happens.
Additionally, organizing the store in a way that reduces blind spots and placing high-value items in secure locations can also help deter shoplifters.
Some people steal due to financial need, others for the thrill, and some due to mental health issues like kleptomania.
Knowing this can help you approach the situation with empathy, especially when dealing with repeat offenders.
Using Walmart Measure As An Example
As a store owner, you learn shoplifting examples from a renowned store chain. Learn Walmart shoplifting prevention policy to draft an effective one.
Walmart has a huge store and offers a wide range of products; it is often targeted by shoplifters.
However, Walmart has implemented strict policies and uses advanced anti-theft technology, including self-checkout monitors, to catch thieves in action.
The store’s security teams identify signs of shoplifting and empower Walmart to be a leader in retail loss prevention.
Final Thoughts
Shoplifting can be a major problem for retail stores, but knowing the signs of a shoplifter can help protect your business. Keep an eye out for suspicious behaviors like avoiding eye contact, oversized bags, and nervous actions.
Train your staff, secure your merchandise, and be vigilant, and you can see a significant reduction in shoplifting.
Preventing shoplifting doesn’t require expensive technology. Sometimes, simply being aware and proactive is enough to deter potential thieves. Now that you know how to spot a shoplifter, you can better safeguard your store against loss.
