How to spot shoplifters

When I'm not writing on Hubpages I'm usually working as a security guard at a clothing store. I have seen many shoplifters come in and some do get away with it. Lets face it you won't be able to catch every shoplifter out there, but you can deter them by knowing what types of suspicious aspects to look for.

So who or what should make you suspicious? First of all notice their clothing, hooded sweatshirts, sunglasses, scarfs or any attempt to cover one's face is an simple way of spotting a thief, why the need to sport a scarf in the hot summer? Also don't forget baggy unfitting, or unseasonable clothing. Heavy, baggy clothing can be used to conceal items.

You also need to pay attention to suspicious behavior. When people come in pairs and split up and act like they don't know each other. Look for subtle movements such as hand signals or eye contact. Some may try and distract you by asking a lot of questions, while their partner slinks away unnoticed. Check to see if they enter together but leave separately. Make sure you also watch out for people taking quick glances around, looking nervous. Another red flag is when a customer is not interested in what they asked you about.

Another way to spot shoplifters is to observe suspicious movement. When they move around from place to place quickly and methodically. Closing up their clothes, or pockets for no reason. Walking funny or behind a sales counter. Keeping their hands in their pockets or down low out of sight. Roaming around the store with seemingly no purpose. Also if they are in one spot for a long time they may be deciding weather or not they want to attempt stealing so watch them too.

It's also important to know what the shoplifter carries. They usually have big bags. It's a red flag if they have a big bag that they leave open all the time. This makes it easier for them to drop smaller items inside. Old shopping bags or garbage bags are suspect too. If it's a clothing store, shoplifters may attempt to take large amounts of clothing into the fitting rooms. Watch and see what they come out with. Ask the employee working at the fitting rooms if all the clothes the person took inside are accounted for.

Shoplifting is often referred to as "the victimless crime" but this is not true. Many businesses as well as our economy are hurt by this crime. Stealing is stealing plain and simple. I hope this will make people more vigilant and aware of what to look for when they suspect a shoplifter in their establishment.