Retail losses in the United States are billions of dollars each year.Merchants may want to take legal action against shoplifters.It's important that you don't accuse someone without valid proof, or handle their detention in an unreasonable manner, because the laws surrounding stealing can be difficult.You could face charges of your own.The best practices for stopping and detaining shoplifters are outlined in this article.
Step 1: There are signs that someone is about to shoplift.
You can't detain someone who you think has shoplifted, you have to see them hide the merchandise on their own or in their belongings before you can accuse them.If you want to catch shoplifters, you can either watch them from the floor or use a security camera.If you see a potential shoplifter, look around them to see what other customers or store employees are doing, the suspect is wearing clothing that is too big or loose or the clothing is not in tune with the season.Also, etc.There are benefits to using a security camera.It's not a crime until the shoplifter tries to leave without paying and you have the entire incident on videotape.They are very similar to a dash cam.The shoplifter can't dispute the crime they committed if they have it on tape.
Step 2: The suspect should be watched constantly.
Even if you have to follow a customer around the store, it is important that you keep an eye on them at all times.You have to see the suspect select the merchandise and try to walk out without paying.Concealing merchandise is not a crime if the person or persons attempt to leave with merchandise without paying.This happens a lot among teenagers and first-time shoplifters.They can dump the merchandise.If you are on the floor, someone behind the camera can watch and record the crime.Every time, more eyes on the shoplifter works in your favor.
Step 3: Wait until the suspect leaves the store.
If you want to legally detain a shoplifter, you have to see them conceal the merchandise, watch them all the time, and wait for them to exit the store with the concealed merchandise in their personal belongings.Wait until the shoplifter is outside the store to disqualify the excuse that they intended to pay.If they exit the store without paying for their purchases, this is when you can stop them.Shoplifters can use the excuse that they are still shopping and intend to return inside to pay in stores where merchandise is displayed outside.Rather than approaching the shoplifter alone, it is always best to have another employee with you, and at least one of you should be of the same sex as the suspect.
Step 4: The shoplifter should be approached calmly.
If possible, approach the shoplifter from the front.Once you have stopped the shoplifter, whether it be in the mall or the parking lot, identify yourself as a Store Detective or Loss Prevention Associate and calmly advise them that they hid merchandise which was not paid for.The shoplifter needs to tell them where they hid the merchandise and what they stole.To argue or dispute this fact is pointless because you have been watching them the entire time.It makes you more professional as well.If they return the merchandise to you in the parking lot or mall and tell you that they "forgot to pay for it", you should not be surprised.They are trying to downplay their crime or explain it away.Don't fall for this.You shouldn't chase a shoplifter who runs away from the store or shopping mall.Shoppers and store employees are at risk because of two people running through crowded areas.Sometimes an exception can be made if the suspect runs into a parking lot or empty area, but it should go beyond the confines of the property.
Step 5: Get the stolen merchandise.
It is a good idea to try to recover the stolen merchandise while you are still outside the property, as this will confirm the theft and allow you to detain the shoplifter.If it becomes obvious that the suspect no longer has the merchandise on, it is best to apologize and let them go, as you have no proof of theft.This is a bad stop.
Step 6: The shoplifter should be escorted back to the store.
The shoplifter should be told that they need to return to the store to discuss the matter.The majority of shoplifters will quietly comply in the hopes of being released.If you haven't already done so, take them to the loss prevention office to get the stolen merchandise.Take a picture of the shoplifter.You should call the police.If you don't hand the matter over to them sooner, you could face charges yourself if a judge deems the time you spent detaining the shoplifter to be unreasonable.If the shoplifter is a minor, an elderly person, or a person with mental disabilities, you may want to call relatives to pick them up instead of calling the police.Depending on the state, this can make the crime a felony.You should know your state's laws regarding these amounts.
Step 7: You need to hold the shoplifter for a reasonable amount of time.
It is important to only detain the shoplifter for a reasonable amount of time, and use no more than "reasonable force" when handling them.If you don't, you may be exposed to civil liability.If a shoplifter becomes violent and poses a real threat to the safety of the store staff and customers, it is possible to use handcuffs.The person who applies the handcuffs will be responsible for the health and safety of the prisoner from that point onwards.Using excessive force, extreme foul language, verbal threats and racial or religious slurs are all considered to be against the law.
Step 8: The situation should be handed over to the police.
If the shoplifter is drunk or under the influence of a drug, the police will be called.A citation will be issued to the shoplifter.They will be given a court date to answer the charge.The shoplifter will be escorted from the store and told not to return to it under any circumstances.If you see a shoplifter in the store sometime after the incident, you can tell them to leave even if they haven't stolen anything.