Title: How to Identify and Prevent Retail Theft
Headings: A Guide to Preventing Retail Theft or Shoplifting
Retail Small Business Loss Prevention
A Guide to Preventing Retail Theft or Shoplifting
How to Identify and Prevent Retail Theft
Clues to Identify a Shoplifter
Using Preventive Measures Against Shoplifters
Stopping Shoplifters With Strong Policies

Content: How to Identify and Prevent Retail Theft
Retail Small Business Loss Prevention
A Guide to Preventing Retail Theft or Shoplifting
How to Identify and Prevent Retail Theft
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Matthew Hudson wrote about retail for The Balance Small Business, and has almost three decades of experience in the retail industry. Read The Balance's editorial policies
Matthew Hudson
Updated September 27, 2019
The crime of shoplifting is defined as a customer taking merchandise offered for sale without paying. Employees can also steal merchandise which falls into the category of theft. No matter how big or small the retail store may be, all types of retailers are susceptible to the problem of shoplifting and theft. Luckily, there are methods you can use to identify employee theft, shoplifters and shoplifting methods to create a less attractive environment for stealing your products. You can also implement shoplifting policies and procedures to protect your store against theft. According to The National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, a nonprofit organization that is a leader in shoplifting research, more than $35 million worth of merchandise is stolen from retailers each and every day. Shoplifting has become a large part of retail shrinkage . Clues to Identify a Shoplifter
In order to stop a shoplifter, retailers must first be familiar with the categories of shoplifters, common shoplifting methods, and know what to look for in customers who exhibit strange behavior. The main things to consider are visual cues.