How to Raise Anti-Theft Awareness

Raising awareness about shoplifting is one of the most important steps in combating theft from all types of businesses, from small independent shops to large corporate storefronts. Shoplifting is a serious threat, and with the current state of the economy, more non-professional shoplifters are stealing while still fitting the profile of normal, law-abiding citizens. Anti-theft awareness is one of the many things a business can do to stem the tide of shrinkage in its storefront.

1. First: Signage lets shoplifters know the damage and risks they face

   Stemming loss through education before shoplifters begin to steal is the most direct way shop owners can reduce theft in their stores. Signage in your stores educating shoppers about the higher costs they pay in increased prices of goods is one way to directly interact with your customers to let them know of the issues surrounding theft and can help your clientele become aware that it is going on around them. Other in-store signage solutions include conspicuous signs posted above security cameras and at entrances, alerting potential shoplifters to the fact that they are monitored and that they face criminal sanctions if they are caught.

2. Second: Anti-theft awareness education should become ingrained at an early age

   As one in three students under 18 is predicted to have some direct involvement in shoplifting, a novel course of action in its prevention can start in schools or at home. Many different shoplifting education programs for youth are available and work by instilling values that run counter to theft, and they also educate students as to the costs directly born by them when someone shoplifts: increased prices at the store, fewer jobs for them as they get older due to rising security and wholesale costs and reduced numbers of stores staying open for business in light of shrinkage.