CVS provides a guideline in their store policy to help prevent and avoid Shoplifting cases. One of the ways CVS keeps shoplifters in check is by different anti-theft measures. Apart from prevention measures, CVS also provides the corrective measures of handling shoplifters to the law enforcement agencies when caught.
What are the policies used by CVS to prevent Shoplifting?
The issue with shoplifters is that they can be anyone; because someone buys a product from a store does not mean they cannot steal extra items at the store. That is why CVS had to devise different methods of preventing shoplifting. They include:
CCTV Monitoring
CVS ensures that all its stores have CCTV video monitoring. The CCTV helps in checking the activities of shoppers, employees, and any other person that is allowed access into the store premises. Using CCTV, it is easier to capture shoplifters. With a team monitoring the video footage from the CCTV, it becomes almost impossible to shoplift at the store. In a situation whereby a shoplifter is lucky enough to get out of the store, the CCTV footage would reveal the identity of the shoplifter and the footage would be submitted to the law enforcement agency to follow up with the suspect.
Security Guards
A CCTV video monitoring device might allow a shoplifter to get away especially when the theft was not noticed by the team immediately. But with security guards placed at the entrance and all other vital areas of the premises, shoplifters can easily be arrested when stolen items are found in their custody. The way a security guard checks for stolen items is by asking for the receipt of purchase from shoppers leaving the store; the receipt will be used to check the items the shopper purchased. If a certain item is found with a shopper and the shopper fails to provide the receipt of the item, such a person can be suspected of shoplifting.
Locking of Cabinets
Retail stores like CVS have adopted the security measure of locking cabinets to protect items against theft. Items that are delicate and come at high prices might be locked by the store, shoppers who are interested in purchasing such items would be required to speak with a shop assistant. The shop assistant will open the cabinet and allow shoppers to pick whichever one of the items they want while monitoring the shopper after the shopper has selected an item. Locking of the cabinet helps to avoid theft and also avoid damages to delicate items.
Asset Protection Staff
CVS has a team called the Asset Protection Staff; the role of this team is to ensure that all properties are managed, maintained, and not stolen. The asset protection staff often comes to the store to inspect and ensure every piece of equipment and property is intact and not missing. The periodic inspection done by the asset protection staff makes the CVS team work together to ensure the asset is protected and maintained.
Alerting Staff
Staff is encouraged to watch out for shoplifters while they are carrying out their daily tasks. For example, some staff can be found moving around the cabinets when shoppers are checking out products. Such staff is not just placed to help shoppers identify items faster but also, they are there to ensure shoppers do not sneak products into their bags.
Arresting Shoplifters
Another measure CVS puts in place to check shoplifting is by arresting shoplifters. Although, shoplifting is seen as a minor offense that might not necessarily involve the police, in a situation where the shoplifter is found with some weapons or steals expensive items, the local law enforcement agency will be involved. When shoppers get arrested and punished for their crimes, it serves as a warning for others who might be tempted to get involved in the crime.
Keeping Track of Shoplifters
Another way shoplifting is prevented is by keeping track of shoplifters. Shoplifters that have been caught at the store would be required to put in some details about them, such as their name and address. These details would be used to keep track of them whenever they appear at the store again. CVS normally has a data record of shoplifters; this data help the store know which products to secure the most.
Conclusion
The retail store understands the effect of shoplifting on their business. If shoplifting is not properly tackled, it can result in a loss for the brand. From the customers’ point of view, a store that keeps having shoplifters around at all times is not a safe one to shop at so CVS needs to place this in mind while tackling shoplifting.
Can a shoplifter be handed over to the police at CVS?
Yes, the law enforcement agency can be involved in the case of a shoplifter. However, it depends on the kind of items stolen and the damage involved. In a situation whereby the shoplifter assaulted an employee in the process of getting caught, the police would be informed.
Are there CCTV cameras at all CVS stores?
Yes, there are CCTV video monitors made available at all CVS stores for theft prevention and monitoring of business activities.
