Retail Theft Rates are Up

18 June, 2009

Do you own a business? Recent studies suggest that retail crime rates - including employee theft, shoplifting, vendor fraud and administrative error - have increased, following a six-year low. With a funding grant from ADT Security Services, the University of Florida conducted a National Retail Security Survey (NRSS). After a six-year decline in retail crime, rates are back on the rise.

What factors are contributing to these numbers? Although there is no evidence to suggest that a weak economy directly relates to increased criminal activity, the economy does impact how employers operate their businesses. Employee cutbacks create an 'opportunistic environment' for shoplifters - both from within the store, and from without. With less supervision, it is easy to get away with petty crimes.

You can prevent loss. If you don't currently have a security system, now is the perfect time to invest in one. Monthly prices are very reasonable, and if you consider how much money you may save by preventing theft - the alarm system practically pays for itself! For added security, include surveillance cameras, and catch criminals in the act.