One of the most valuable tools in loss prevention is the ability to create the perception of control. In other words, employees, customers, and would-be shoplifters must always believe loss prevention is watching, even when they are not.

A simple example of this is when loss prevention agents are conducting surveillance, whether on the sales floor, or in a camera room. Obviously, the LP agent can’t be everywhere all the time. He also can’t be looking at every customer at all times. But, the LP agent does see everyone coming and going at some point while watching his/her store. The perception of control comes into play when the would-be thief believes that he/she is either being watched, or could be watched at any moment.

Of course there are many other methods used by loss prevention to create the perception of control. Everything from signs at fitting room doors to posters on break room boards; from audits of paperwork to integrity shops. And there are many more that we won’t mention here.

The fact is that, without the perception of control, it would be pretty difficult to do our jobs. This perception of control also tends to motivate honest employees to call out suspicious activity to the LP agent, making investigations go much more quickly in most cases. It comes down to a simple fact: If employees, customers, and thieves perceive that loss prevention is in control, then they are.

Is it all smoke and mirrors? Of course not. But, there are tricks of the trade that allow loss prevention to “be everywhere and see everything”, even when they can’t.

We are all hearing the warnings. We are seeing the increased rates of both shoplifting and employee theft. It is urgent that we all use every tool available to us to deter as much theft as possible, and to recover as much as possible to protect our profits and shrink lines. Now is not the time for business as usual. Loss Prevention professionals must do more with less, and still hold the line on shrinkage.

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