Shoplifting Prevention In Your Store

December 21st, 2022



1 in every 11 people in the United States admit to actively commit shoplifting offenses or admit they have shoplifted in the past. Shoplifting costs businesses throughout the United States billions of dollars each and every year, some of which are businesses in the Chico, CA area. In order for retail establishments of the Chico, CA region to be successful, they have to put their inventory out there for their customers, but how can they do this while minimizing their shoplifting risk? 

The best way to limit shoplifting is to focus on security and to create an environment that is unattractive to shoplifters, while still remaining attractive to honest paying customers. Businesses of Chico, CA rarely take a proactive approach to their security, instead of waiting until something goes wrong to really make the investment in security they should have been making all along. By the time they invest in a worthwhile security strategy, they may have lost thousands in inventory due to shoplifting already. 

Security Strategies To Deter Or Catch Shoplifters 

There are a few things that retailers today can do to deter shoplifting at their retail businesses. Some tips for deterring or catching shoplifters in the act are: 

  • Avoid profiling – You may have an idea in your mind of who a shoplifter is. For most, they think of a female aged between the teenage years and mid-’20s. Not only could you be unfairly mistreating customers, but you could be missing actual shoplifters as you watch those you “think” are most likely to do it. A study was conducted by the University of Florida on shoplifting, and it found that shoplifters are more likely to be men than women, and they’re likely to be gainfully employed. Typically, a shoplifter doesn’t need to shoplift, but the do it for the “rush” or excitement of the experience. 

  • Keep your store organized – A clean and organized store is a store that is much more difficult to shoplift from. Shops that are messy or unorganized show rather plainly how easy it would be to take inventory without that inventory being noticed. Keeping your store clean, open, and organized keeps shoplifters at bay. 

  • Install security cameras – Security cameras are a highly effective shoplifting deterrent, and they can catch shoplifters in the act should an individual attempt inventory theft. If shoppers know that they’re being watched by a security camera, they’ll know that their actions are likely to be seen. A shoplifter wants to take what they want and get out without being caught, and they know this will be far less likely with cameras keeping watch. 

Saving Your Inventory And Pleasing Your Customers 

Retail businesses have to strike a delicate balance of taking care of their customers and taking care of themselves. When it comes to shoplifting, investing in better security and looking at shoplifting from a logical place is important to keep that balance going. If you’re looking for the security measures you need to keep shoplifting at bay, contact us today. 



What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
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