Loss Prevention
Our loss prevention officers work in retail stores and businesses prevent crime and the theft of 
property. They may operate surveillance equipment and wear plain clothes to blend in with other customers. Alternative titles may be: Store Security, Floor Walker, or Retail Security Officer.
The outlook for loss prevention officers looks good for the future, due to increased awareness of store theft and security.
Loss prevention officers are employed by retailers to provide security advice and services. Our loss prevention officers may be uniformed or work as plain-clothes security officers and perform "floor-walking" and patrolling of store premises. In addition, our security officers are able to monitor businesses using electronic surveillance equipment, such as hidden cameras and closed-circuit television.
Inventory shrinkage cost United States retailers over $31 billion last year according to the 2002 Retail Security Survey. Everyone who enters your store could be a potential shoplifter. Ranging from small children, teenagers, young adults, adults and senior citizens. Shoplifters can be well dressed and well groomed and they come in all shapes and sizes. Don't let them fool you!
According to University of Florida criminologist Richard C. Hollinger, Ph.D., who directs the National Retail Security Survey, the results indicate that in 2002, retailers lost 1.75 percent of their total annual sales to shrink, up from 1.69 percent the prior year. Hollinger said that the results of the survey should serve as a wake-up call to the retail industry that shrinkage continues to be a multi-billion dollar source of revenue loss.
Where Inventory Shrinkage Happens
- Employee Theft 46%
- Shoplifting 30.6%
- Administrative Error 17.6%
- Vendor Fraud 5.8%
Tasks and Duties of Our Loss Prevention Officers
- Monitor cash on premises and stock delivery
- Plan crime-prevention strategies
- Perform security checks on staff members
- Fill out reports regarding store theft
- Assist in stocktaking
- Carry out weekly stocktaking on products at high risk of theft, such as electronics
- Train staff to be security-conscious
- May perform bank deposits
Knowledge, Skills and Personal Qualities of Our Loss Prevention Officers
Good communication skills are an absolute necessity for our loss prevention officers. Dealing with people from many varied backgrounds and cultures is a common occurrence. Our loss prevention officers must be very knowledgeable on legislation regarding theft and arrest, as well as ways to detect shoplifters and prevent theft. They also need to know about credit, security and financing, as well as surveillance observation methods and equipment. Our loss prevention officers are mature, observant, honest and firm. Confidence, patience, staying calm and being polite are just a few of the qualities that our loss prevention officers possess. They are able to work well under pressure and have an eye for detail. They also have a reasonable amount of physical fitness.
Mystery Shoppers Program
Saskatoon Private Investigations Inc. would like to introduce our company to you. We are a locally owned and operated business located in downtown Saskatoon. We are a very professional and discreet investigation firm that offers 24-hour service, 7 days a week. Our meticulous attention to detail will provide you with the results you require. We offer many varied services for our corporate clients.
One of our specialties is a mystery shopper program. Our mystery shopper program can assist you in understanding how your customers view your business and provide you with an objective examination of how your customers are served.
In our mystery shopper program, one or more of our investigators will enter your business, posing as a potential customer/client. They will then evaluate your staff and business on a wide variety of criteria. Some of the criteria are cleanliness of the location, customer service, general setup of the business location, or any specific criteria you request.
Saskatoon Private Investigation Inc.'s mystery shopper program is valued because we provide a non-biased and honest evaluation based solely on the criteria you select. All evaluation results are strictly confidential and provided only to you.
If you have any questions about our mystery shopper program or any other investigative needs, please don't hesitate to call Saskatoon Private Investigations Inc. at 975-0999. We will work hard to get the truth for you.
