Shoplifting is a growing concern for retailers across Colorado. Whether you’re running a small boutique or managing a larger storefront, the impact of theft can ripple through your business — causing financial strain, lowering team morale, and disrupting customer trust.
As a trusted security company in Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Security understands the challenges local businesses face in protecting their merchandise. Shoplifting is a common and costly problem for retailers. We want to help you take proactive steps to prevent shoplifting in your store.
This guide offers practical strategies and long-term solutions to help Colorado businesses protect their investments and stay ahead of retail theft. Keep reading to see how you can protect your business from theft!
Common Shoplifting Tactics and Trends
Understanding how shoplifters operate is the first step in stopping them. While methods vary, some tactics have become more advanced:
- Hiding items in bags, clothing or strollers
- Switching tags to pay less at checkout
- Using distraction techniques such as asking staff for help while others steal
- Organized group theft or flash mobs to distract staff
- Increasing use of digital tools, such as foil-lined bags or mobile devices, to block or bypass security sensors
Teaching your staff and preparing your systems with these methods helps them to better anticipate and prevent theft.
Proven Ways to Prevent Shoplifting in Retail Stores
You don’t need to change your entire store to improve results. Begin with effective strategies that help to minimize the chances of theft like:
Improve Store Layout and Visibility
- Keep shelves low and aisles wide to reduce hiding places
- Avoid blind spots that make monitoring difficult
- Install security mirrors and visible signage that warn people about surveillance
Use Physical and Digital Surveillance Tools
- Place security cameras and monitors in high-risk areas and near exits
- Use real-time motion detection alerts to monitor suspicious movement
- Attach surveillance tags to high-value merchandise
Train Employees to Spot Suspicious Behaviors
- Teach staff how to recognize nervous or erratic behavior
- Train them on how to professionally approach suspected shoplifters
- Encourage staff to confidently take preventative action by staying visible, making eye contact and engaging with customers, all of which can deter theft
Should You Hire Security Guards to Deter Theft?
Hiring professional security guards is one of the most effective ways to deter shoplifting. A visible, unformed presence can prevent theft before it happens.
- Guards act as a deterrent, making shoplifters think twice.
- Trained security guards are more effective than undercover loss prevention methods.
- Trained security guards provide a visible presence that helps prevent theft. Their presence can deter thieves from attempting to steal. Guards can also respond quickly to emergencies, help customers and calm down tense situations.
- Undercover Loss Prevention officers work behind the scenes to catch shoplifters in the act. While this can be effective for identifying repeat offenders, it doesn’t stop most first-time or opportunistic thieves.
- Investing in security can lead to a better return on investment than losses from stolen inventory.
- Security guards can reduce theft by up to 50%. Investing in security each month typically costs less than the value of stolen goods, especially in stores that display expensive items. Stopping even a few significant thefts can pay for a security guard or surveillance system.
- In addition to protecting inventory, good security keeps employees safe, lowers insurance costs and makes the shopping experience better for customers.
What to Do If You Catch a Shoplifter
If a suspected shoplifter is caught, it’s essential to follow the correct legal and safety protocols.
- Know your store’s policy and Colorado laws regarding detainment.
- Call for a manager and avoid physical confrontation if you are not accurately trained for this situation.
- You should involve law enforcement when the shoplifter refuses to cooperate and leave, when the theft involves violence, threats or weapons, or when stolen items exceed a certain dollar amount.
- Contact law enforcement if needed and document the incident.
- Use available camera footage to support your report.
Working with trained security staff ensures that your response is handled professionally and in accordance with legal guidelines.
The Cost of Shoplifting for Small Businesses
Shoplifting affects local businesses negatively. According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP):
- Over $13 billion worth of goods are stolen from retailers every year
- 1 in 11 people in the U.S. have shoplifted at some point
- Colorado has seen increased incidents, including in areas like Aurora, where law enforcement is cracking down on retail theft.
Shoplifting not only causes financial losses due to stolen products, but it also leads to higher employee turnover, lower morale and in extreme cases, store closures.
Protect Your Store with Professional Security Solutions
To prevent shoplifting, you need more than just watching for suspicious behavior; you need a secure, well-managed retail environment. With the right support in place, you can reduce loss, improve safety, and give your staff the confidence to focus on what they do best — serving your customers.
At Pikes Peak Security, we specialize in protecting Colorado businesses with customized security solutions, including on-site guards and specialized retail security. Contact us today to learn how we can help protect your business, reduce theft and ease concerns for your staff and customers.
