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RETAIL LOSSES - ASSESING THE RISK

NCJ Number
65452
Journal
Security World Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: (FEBRUARY 1980) Pages: 32-35
Author(s)
A B FLEISHMAN
Date Published
1980
Length
4 pages
Annotation
BECAUSE RETAIL LOSS FROM EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL THEFT GO BEYOND DOLLAR LOSS AND EXTEND TO EMPLOYEE MORALE, LOST RECORDS, AND BAD PUBLICITY, SUGGESTIONS ARE MADE FOR A WORKABLE PREVENTION PROGRAM.
Abstract
A COMPREHENSIVE LOSS PREVENTION PROGRAM SHOULD PROVIDE AN UMBRELLA UNDER WHICH ALL STORE PROTECTION SUBSYSTEMS, SUCH AS INSURANCE, STORE DESIGN, POLICE AND FIRE PROTECTION, AND SAFETY, ARE INCLUDED. EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE TRAINED IN LOSS PREVENTION, AND PREEMPLOYMENT SCREENING IS NEEDED TO IDENTIFY THE POTENTIALLY DISHONEST AND TO IMPRESS UPON EMPLOYEES THAT PROPER CONTROLS EXIST. LOSS PREVENTION PROGRAMS AND POLICIES SHOULD BE PRESENTED POSITIVELY, MONITORED PERIODICALLY FOR ADHERENCE, AND EXPANDED AS THE BUSINESS GROWS. EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF POTENTIAL EMPLOYEE DISHONESTY INCLUDE (1) LOW IDENTITY WITH THE COMPANY; (2) FRUSTRATION WITH THE COMPANY, CUSTOMERS, AND COWORKERS; (3) POOR SELF-IMAGE; (4) UNWILLINGNESS TO COOPERATE WITH COWORKERS AND FOLLOW POLICY; AND (5) POOR PERCEPTION OF THE COMPANY'S FINANCIAL SITUATION. TO IDENTIFY THESE ATTITUDES, EMPLOYERS SHOULD SURVEY PERSONNEL ON SUCH TOPICS AS JOB SECURITY, WAGES, WORKING CONDITIONS, PROMOTION, COMPANY GROWTH, APPRECIATION OF GOOD WORK, DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES, INTEREST IN THE WORK, AND PERSONAL RECOGNITION. BASED ON THE RESPONSES, COMPANY POLICY SHOULD BE ADAPTED TO IMPROVE WORKER ATTITUDES AND PROVIDE CHALLENGE, PERSONAL RECOGNITION, AND IDENTITY WITH THE COMPANY'S GOALS. MOREOVER, A CONTINUING AUDIT PROGRAM IS NECESSARY. THIS INVOLVES THE GENERAL AUDIT PERFORMED ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR AND SPECIAL AUDITS, CONDUCTED IF VIOLATIONS ARE FOUND. THE FOLLOWING MEASURES ARE ALSO RECOMMENDED: CONTROL OF PARKING LOTS, KEYS, TRUCK SEALS, RECEIVING AND SHIPPING OPERATIONS, VENDOR TRUCKS, TRASH AND GARBAGE, AND FORMS; ISSUANCE OF EMPLOYEE IDENTIFICATION CARDS; USE OF CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION AND ALARM SYSTEMS; AND MONEY CONTROL UPON OPENING AND CLOSING FOR BUSINESS. (MRK)