Preventing shop theft

Theft prevention checklist

Good customer service is a deterrent

• Acknowledge customers when they enter the store.
• Ensure empty hangers and excess stock are removed from racks and shelves.
• Check the number of items taken in and out of changing rooms.

Watch for suspicious behaviour

• Keep customers in view.
• Pay attention to customers who appear nervous or distracted.
• Pay attention to customers wearing loose or bulky clothing, especially in hot weather.
• Pay attention to customers who remain in the store for lengthy periods of time.
• Pay attention to customers who loiter outside before shopping.
• Question people in restricted areas, stockrooms or stairways. Check identification of tradespersons.
• Inspect prams, shopping trolleys, boxes and bags before customers leave the store.
• Keep a record of customers who return items.

Secure cash handling and stock control

• Never leave cash registers unattended.
• Limit the cash kept on site and in the register.
• Ensure customers cannot access behind the counter.
• Do not count cash in front of customers.
• Install security tags on items and barriers at the exits.
• Where possible, lock expensive and portable goods in security cabinets, or keep them away from exits.

Secure the store

• Secure all exits, for example install good quality locks, solid doors and window bars.
• Ensure fire doors or doors to staff areas remain closed and locked.
• Install a monitored alarm.
• Install sensors or alarms to alert staff to a customer entering the store. Electronic doors achieve the same.
• Check all doors are locked at close of business.
• Make sure no one is hiding in the store at closing time.
• Install CCTV with a view of customers entering the store, and customers paying. Use stickers or signs to show that the store has cameras. Ensure staff know how to save and download CCTV footage.
• Show customers they are on camera by having the camera feed visible.
• Install an alarm, which can be discreetly activated. Options include a button near the cash draw or activation by foot or knee.

Consider the store layout

• Ensure the store is well-lit.
• Ensure staff can see over shelves and clothing racks.
• Install mirrors to help staff to see obscured floor space.
• Keep store windows clear, so staff can see the street.

Other things you can do

• Roster at least two staff members per shift, so the store is never unattended.
• Hire store security and/or loss prevention officers.
• Regularly clean surfaces to make it easier for police to take fingerprints.
• Use scenarios to train staff on what to do in a robbery. Visit responding to a robbery or armed robbery for guidance.
• Keep witness description forms near the cash register.
• Mark exit doors with coloured height markers.
• Join your local traders’ group.

What to do if there has been a theft in your store

If there has been a theft in your store:

• tell your supervisor or manager.
• as a witness, report the offence rather than waiting for your manager to report it.

Report it

For emergencies, to report a crime in progress, or for immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).

If required, report the incident to WorkSafe Victoria on 13 23 60.

Report anonymously to Crime Stoppers by:

• calling 1800 333 000 or
• making an online report.