Increased Shoplifting Rates Could Mean Increased Violence

[Joe]

Knoxville Police are reporting that shoplifting incidents are up 14%
over 2007, according to this report. Not surprising, as I have
reported throughout this year about city after city experiencing
similar increases in the shoplifting rate.
We have also examined the causes in several earlier articles, to
include the economy, low risk/high profit, and simple greed.
I firmly believe that awareness, and educating retailers about how to
deter theft, is the key to turn this trend around. News reports like
the one referenced here are a good way to get the word out to the
public that the rate of theft is increasing. They reach the retailers
so they can be aware of the problem and be more diligent in their
efforts. They reach the customers, who then understand why certain
security measures are in place, like locked fixtures, etc. They also
reach the shoplifters, who are sent the message, “We are watching for
you.”
Shoplifters are also aware of most companies’ policies in regard to
the “hands off” rule. They know that no major retailer wants to be in
the news because an employee, a customer, or a shoplifter was injured
in their store. They also don’t want to be sued. Shoplifters are very
aware of this.
Most people who don’t work in the loss prevention field don’t realize
that every single apprehension is a confrontation, and therefore has
the potential to turn violent. It is true that 85% or more of
shoplifters apprehended comply very easily, without a fight. However,
the loss prevention agent never knows when he or she will face down
the guy who has a long criminal record, and outstanding warrants. He
won’t go down without a fight.
The National Association of Private Officers has reported that, in
September alone, 12 Private Security Officers were killed while on
duty. Although the report doesn’t specify how many were loss
prevention agents, they do include loss prevention in their
statistics.
It’s a very dangerous business we are in, folks; and as the rate of
shoplifting incidents increases, so will the risk of violence
perpetrated by the shoplifters. Desperate people do desperate things.
Be safe out there.