How to Spot a Potential Shoplifter

Going to the store outfitted with an oversized handbag, a stroller, or a puffy parka isn’t a crime, but these items are associated with shoplifting. Shoplifters use these and other items (called “boosters”) to obscure merchandise and smuggle it out the front door. Of course, accosting everyone who’s pushing a stroller or wearing a coat isn’t the best loss prevention strategy. But if you know what to look for, you might be able to spot potential shoplifters.

Keep an eye out for these shoplifting red flags: 

Odd Behavior

If you notice a shopper moving erratically through the store, with no obvious purpose or focus, they might be planning to steal something. Alert your security team if you witness this type of behavior. 

Shoplifters don’t want to be remembered, so they usually avoid eye contact and interactions with employees. In fact, shoplifters may abandon their plans when an associate asks a friendly question, such as, “Can I help you find anything?”

Splitting Up

Shoplifters may work in small groups, splitting up when they enter a store. If you witness such behavior, take note of whether these shoppers seemed to communicate with each other before parting ways; if not, they may be executing a previously discussed plan. 

Looking for Witnesses

If you see a person look around while holding an item, they’re probably checking for witnesses. If working in pairs, you might notice one person looking around and providing cover for the person who’s doing the stealing. 

Improve Your Loss Prevention Plan

Educating employees about common signs of shoplifting can help prevent theft. Should you apprehend a shoplifter, you can build a case using DIGIOP’s business intelligence software. Select footage from one or more surveillance cameras, zoom in for details, and see frame-by-frame action of the shoplifter in action. 

Author information

Jim Close is the National Account Manager at DIGIOP, bringing to his role over 25 years of experience in all facets of loss prevention.