The Average Shoplifter

The Average Shoplifter

Despite many misconceptions there is no stereotypical shoplifter, shoplifters can be male or female and of any ethnicity, their appearance also bares little indication as to whether someone is a shoplifter or not. The myth that all shoplifters wear track bottoms and hoodies is also misleading. High profile celebrities are among the homeless and less well off regular shoplifters.

The Average Shoplifter

There are many methods used by shoplifters to steal products often depending on which category of shoplifter they fall into;

• Opportunist - will steal products that are the easiest to steal.
• Professional - usually steal to order.
• ORC - Organised Retail Crime - steal high value products in high quantities.
• Kleptomania - impulse to steal that cannot be controlled.

Some shoplifters can be identified by monitoring the customers body language. Looking for these tell tail signs indicate the customers intentions are suspicious;

Suspicious body language

• Avoiding eye contact with staff and other customers 
• Selecting products and checking for security tags
• Looking around the store for CCTV and staff
• Selecting high value products and dumping with low value products 
• Selecting high value products and walking around the store

Product selection

• Selection of high value product 
• Selection of several high value products
• Checking product for security tags

Concealment

• Bags
• Newspapers 
• Boxed - trolleys or baskets
• Pushchairs

Professional shoplifters are aware of their body language and avoid looking suspicious, the best deterrent being customer service and having staff present near high value products that have high losses within your store. 

Written by: A Shermer

Retail Security Consultant with ASCONIA 

(The above information is an exert taken from the retail security training presentation provided to retailers by ASCONIA Retail Security Consultancy www.asconia.co.uk )

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