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Store Detectives
Profession shoplifters say that their biggest occupational hazard is the store detective. Retail chains vary widely in their loss prevention strategies. Some have plain clothes store detectives or loss prevention investigators operating in every store; other retailers looked at the "hard" ROI of store detectives, and now have no plain clothes staff whatsoever. Professional shoplifters know that they have to look around at people to spot a store detective, and this action alone result in them being spotted by the store detective first, which will ultimately lead to arrest. For this reason professional thieves may specifically target chains with no plain clothes security staff. The ROI of a Store Detective is the reduction in loss caused by reputational crime deflection.
To an extent, store detective services suffered a decline with the advent of the Fixed Penalty Public Nuisance Notice. The new 2009 sentencing guidelines means that once again the store detective will be able to demonstrate a high ROI. There has previously been negative information regarding effective ROI of Store Detectives. The Data has been skewed by in-experienced managers believing that a uniformed guard "out of uniform" is a Store Detective. A high quality Store Detective is versed in the art of covert surveillance, people watching and behavioural expertise.
The store detective will work within a legal framework understanding "any person" powers of arrest, whilst avoiding any accusations of unlawful or wrongful arrest. It's aretailer's choice whether to employ "In House" or use contract detectives. In House store detectives are often much higher paid than their contracted counterparts, which can lead to the best contract store detectives eventually seeking an in house position.
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