I read with some interest Herald reporter Scott Pesznecker’s story the other day about people stealing catalytic converters so they could sell the rare metals inside. It’s similar to a story we published in May about a band of thieves that ripped off a stack of iPods from Lynnwood’s Best Buy store.
The group distracted employees and took 39, or more than $15,000 worth, of the music players.
Shoplifting teams that target specific items are nothing new. But they seem more sophisticated these days, and there’s more at stake – especially for smaller businesses.
“They can go under if they don’t get a handle on their theft or their shoplifting,” said Steve Paxton, a crime prevention specialist with the Everett Police Department.
I asked Paxton what small businesses should do to combat theft, and he offered a lot of good advice on store layout and hiring good employees and training them well.
On layout: “In one store that I dealt with, the shelves were 8 feet high,” he said. “You couldn’t see over the top of the shelves. You could be right next to the customer and you wouldn’t know what he was doing.”
Paxton recommends that stores have lower shelves and that owners set up surveillance lines from the register so employees can see down all the aisles.
“You need to reduce all the hiding spots,” Paxton said, adding that may mean adding convex mirrors or video cameras in spots not always visible to employees.
Paxton noted that store owners are often afraid to add mirrors or cameras because they don’t want real customers to be turned off or think they aren’t trusted. But most customers don’t notice them or care, Paxton said.
“It’s not offensive to law-abiding customers who come into the shop,” he said. “The message you’re sending is to the crooks – that you won’t tolerate shoplifting.”
Expensive or commonly stolen items should be near the front counter or behind it, Paxton said.
And he noted that wireless chimes on the front door help busy employees know that someone has entered or left the store.
Other than cameras, Paxton said, most of these items aren’t expensive.
On employees: Paxton said it’s important to do a good reference check, especially for managers who have access to the safe and daily proceeds.
In many cases, employees are responsible for theft, he said.
“You can be losing a lot out of the door with your employees,” Paxton said. “The key word is screening … making sure you know who you’ve got in the store.”
Paxton suggests monthly or quarterly meetings with employees to train about theft and other issues. Role playing various scenarios can be a big help, he added.
He suggests having two workers on duty at all times and making an effort to greet each customer as he or she enters the store.
“It’s good customer service that also says, ‘I’m paying attention to you. I see that you’re here and if you’re going to shoplift, know that we’re watching.””
Most cities have crime-prevention specialists who can help with training, either by passing out some information or conducting a training session, Paxton said.
He recommended that business owners contact their local police department if they need help.
Mike Benbow: 425-339-3459; benbow@heraldnet.com.
Take a bite out of crime
Everett Police are creating a South Everett Business Watch group in an effort to reduce business-related crime.
Meetings are planned for the second Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the south precinct at 1121 SE Everett Mall Way. Owners, managers or their designees are encouraged to attend.
Lunch will be provided at the sessions, which are intended to create partnerships and a business network. A similar group is planned later for businesses in north Everett.
For further information, call Steve Paxton at 425-257-7521.
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