When people think of the type of stores most likely to be robbed, liquor or convenience stores come to mind, but a large percentage of robberies occur in big box stores. The high priced goods at some of these stores can be quickly sold on the black market. Organized theft rings make it a practice to smash, grab and be out within minutes.

Secure The Entrance. Create a security guard presence at the store entrance to observe all those coming and going. They will be able to spot those customers with overly bulky clothes or large purses that could fit stolen goods.

Position Cash Registers and Merchandise. If possible, place checkout stations so they are near security. Avoid displaying easy-to-steal merchandise close to exits.

Electronic Surveillance. Besides standard security cameras, large retailers are beginning to use facial recognition to spot potential shoplifters. Faces of shoppers entering the store are compared to those in a 25 million-person database. Data can then be retrieved to indicate if the individual has been arrested for shoplifting and how many times and when they’ve recently visited the store. If the data shows customers have a shoplifting conviction, security guards can be alerted and then closely watch the individuals.