Shoplifting - when costumers steal

All shops occasionally experience customers that steal products. If the stealing takes place without violence or threat of violence, it’s theft. If the customer makes threats or uses violence, it’s robbery.

When is it shoplifting?

A simple shoplifting can develop into a robbery if the situation develops and the shoplifter becomes threatening or aggressive. You must be shure who can detain a shoplifter - and when.

How to prevent shoplifting

BFA Handel has developed a leaflet with guidelines: Shoplifting – sector guidelines for employers, management and the health and safety organisation. Among other things, this leaflet describes how you can prevent theft at your shop.

To employees: Be aware

Suspicious behaviour is an important sign that something may be going on: But what is suspicious behaviour, and how can you be aware of such behaviour?

Your responsibilities as a manager

Systematize prevention, create clear guidelines and actively involve employees in developing awareness and knowledge about theft prevention.

The work of the health and safety group

An important tool is to draw up guidelines for how you will handle a shoplifting incident and instruct the staff so that everyone knows what to do in the situation.