By OBAKENG MAJE
The police have noted with concern a recent spate of shoplifting incidents. The shop owners and assistants are urged to adhere to safety hints.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the shop owners should meet and greet shoppers and acknowledge their presence.

“Keep your store organised and tidy. Know common shoplifting tactics and be extra aware of shoppers with oversized clothes and bags. Optimise your store’s layout and try to install low racks so that you can have a full view of the shop. Install security cameras and add more mirrors to your store.

“Use customer service as prevention immediately after a shopper entered the shop. Train your employees to be able to spot shoplifters, usually picking up and putting down goods on racks. Use retail inventory as a management tools to always know your stock levels,” he said.

Kock further said the shop owners should identify at-risk items and place it in plain sight of shop assistants. He added that, shoplifters can always assess how easy it is to steal from a shop by how soon after they enter they are spoken to by a member of staff.

“Work out where inside the store thefts are happening. As far as possible, utilise electronic tagging on goods in store. Personal safety is in numbers so employ enough staff for your store.

“Security officers inside stores also assist as a deterent and help to tighten security against shoplifting. Keep a constant eye on fitting/dressing rooms,” said Kock.

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