Shoplifting is always going to be an issue if you work in the retail industry. It’s just a fact of life. Thankfully, working in the security industry like I do, I get to be in the know when it comes to preventative measures for problems like this.
And lucky for you, I’m sharing my wealth of knowledge with you!
(I don’t know if I’d call it a “wealth of knowledge,” but you know how these things go…)
Exit alarms and delayed egress are excellent ways to prevent shoplifting and I’m about to give you the lowdown on both.
Exit Alarms and Delayed Egress: Preventative Measures for Shoplifting
Delayed Egress
Delayed egress is one of the top features used for preventing shoplifting. In fact, we’ve done both an entire newsletter and extended newsletter on the topic. You can find them here and here.
Delayed egress is a feature that’s used along with an exit alarm. When the delayed egress device is activated, the exit alarm will sound and a timer begins to count down. (This is all internally, in case you’re imagining some sort of giant clock ticking down the numbers like a bomb getting ready to detonate.) Typically, the amount of time is 15 seconds and once that’s up, the door automatically unlocks.
This is an excellent way to deter thieves, but it’s important to note you need to check with your Authorities Having Jurisdiction to make sure the delayed egress meets code in your particular facility.
Exit Alarms
Would a loud siren going off while you try to scramble out of a store with your arms filled with stolen goods deter you from stealing?
That’s what I thought.
Exit alarms are your first defense against shoplifting. They draw immediate attention to the perpetrator and your loss prevention team will be able to catch or at least identify him or her.
You can have an exit alarm that is integrated into the exit device itself or you can have one that’s an auxiliary piece of hardware. There are pros and cons to each device. But, if you’re looking for something to go easy on your pocketbook, wall- or door-mounted exit alarms might be exactly what you’re looking for. These are substantially less expensive, but can be just as effective.
Shoplifting is an act that can cost your company and something you want to stay on top of. If you’re interested in looking into upping your facility’s security, let us know. We have several people on hand who are able to answer any questions you may have!