When you start a retail business, you think about getting customers in the door, implementing strategies to keep them coming back and of course, making a profit. The fact that someone might steal from you is probably the furthest thing from your mind – until it actually happens.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter whether you run a small boutique or have a larger store with multiple locations, shoplifters will still find a way to help themselves to your merchandise. The key to keeping this type of loss at bay is to put a solid loss prevention plan in place.

Here are a few ways you can help prevent shoplifters from impacting your bottom line:

• Keep merchandise away from exits.
• Make sure shopping aisles aren’t overcrowded. This makes keeping an eye on them easier.
• Discourage crowding by keeping popular items different sections.
• Place cash registers by the exits so that customers must pass by them.
• Greet all customers when they enter, this’ll let them know they’re being watched.
• Don’t leave the store unattended during business hours.
• Keep small, expensive merchandise locked in a display case.
• Monitor commonly targeted merchandise more frequently when doing inventory.
• Install convex mirrors, closed circuit television (CCTV), and electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags.
• Consider requiring customers to leave any shopping bags, backpacks or gym bags at the cash desk upon entering the store.
• Give customers receipts for every purchase.
• Train staff on how to spot shoplifters and handle suspected shoplifters.
• Post signs which make it clear that shoplifters will be persecuted.