Observation Techniques:  

What this beginning phase of the training encompasses is to teach you (and/or your employees) the who, what, when, where, how and why of shoplifting: who to be on the lookout for, what to look for to identify a possible thief, when are the thefts occurring, where (what part of the store) do they occur, how do the shoplifters do it (the tricks of the trade), and why are they ripping off your store. You will also learn why the physical makeup of your store is a key factor in determining how you will be able to protect your assets.

Apprehension Procedures:

This second phase of the training has to do with stopping a suspected shoplifter. When you actually stop someone suspected of shoplifting, you will be making a citizen’s arrest. Being able to go unnoticed while watching a person steal is one thing. But actually confronting that person and recovering your merchandise is quite another. And doing it safely and legally so you don’t jeopardize yourself, or leave yourself open to a lawsuit is key. You’ll learn the basic three elements necessary to establish that a crime has been committed, the steps required in making an apprehension, how to recover your merchandise, interviewing a shoplifter, how to handle juveniles, deciding when to prosecute or not, and more.

Criminal Prosecution or Civil Demand:

Once you have apprehended a shoplifter, successfully recovered your merchandise and have them sitting quietly in your office, what do you do with them? Do you just let them go? Do you call the police? Just what are the benefits of filing criminal charges against this person? Are there any? And what about something called “Civil Demand”? Just the facts on what you can legally do to protect your business from future thefts.