Shoplifters- The National Retail Federation reports that one out of every ten shoppers attempts to shoplift. There are three categories of shoplifters:

1. The average amateur shoplifter who accounts for 75% of the arrests.

2. The full-time amateur shoplifter who accounts for 20% of the arrests.

3. The professional shoplifter who accounts for 5% of the arrests.

Common Characteristics of a shoplifter:

The Amateur Shoplifter: The amateur usually prefers the busier times when the store is full, and customers and employees are occupied. Many amateurs prefer the seclusion of fitting rooms or corners of the store. The amateur's actions are not premeditated, but if an opportunity presents itself, the shopper succumbs to the temptation. This is called "impulse stealing". Since they don't know themselves that they may steal, neither will you and so this makes them difficult to catch.

The Full-time Amateur Shoplifter: These are the people that your employees say, "We know these people steal". These people have a prior history of shoplifting convictions, and account for 20% of those apprehended. They're typically a well-dresses young adult. The difference between these people and the everyday citizen shoplifter is the motive.

The Professional Shoplifter: These are the real "pro's" that make up a small 5% of those that are arrested for stealing. They steal for one reason only, and that's money. The professional likes to work when employees are least alert, and are early bird, lunchtime, shift change, or last minute shoppers. Most of these people work in pairs and are well dressed and, needless to say, well trained. They are also often habitual drug users who support their habit from shoplifting your merchandise.

The best thing you and your employees can do to prevent theft, is provide exceptional customer service to customers. When shoplifters enter your store, they want privacy. When you acknowledge them and continue to monitor them. They have lost their privacy and will go somewhere else where the staff is not as alert.