SmallBusiness.wa.gov.au
The Small Business Specialists
Phone: 131 BIZ
Website: www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au
21 December 2010
Small business retailers should take preventative measures to limit the incidence of shoplifting during the busy Christmas shopping period this year.
Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) Acting Managing Director, Mr Ray Buttsworth, says shoplifting and theft by staff can be a big problem for small business retailers, adding pressure to already strained finances and resources.
According to the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) the cost of shoplifting is around $810 million per year, based on an estimated 7.3 million incidents of shoplifting per year.
In a report published by the AIC, statistics show that although shoplifting accounts for 70 per cent of all incidents of crime experienced by small retail businesses in Australia, it accounts for only 42 per cent of all incidents reported to police.
“While it may be impossible to completely eradicate shoplifting and theft by staff, small retailers can take steps to minimise the extent of the loss,” Mr Buttsworth said.
Establishing a policy for the prevention of shoplifting, clearly displaying signage indicating that customers’ bags may be inspected before leaving the store, and ensuring that staff are trained to be alert for shoplifting will create an environment of deterrence for the would-be thief.
In addition, the installation of surveillance cameras and convex mirrors will help staff keep an eye on the store.
Mr Buttsworth says using computers to track fraudulent transactions, and raising the awareness of managers and staff about the problem can help limit fraudulent activity in-store.
“A shoplifter is less likely to go through with the crime if they think someone is watching and will be able to identify them,” Mr Buttsworth said.
Ensuring a thorough check of work references during the recruiting process will also help to minimise the risk of employing dishonest people and having a robust, transparent system in place will make theft much more difficult.
For more information on safety and security in your retail outlet, contact the Small Business Development Corporation on 131 BIZ (131 249) or visit: www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au.
Media contact: Di Graham on (08) 9220 0218 or 0432 750 565
