Case Study:
Ms. Smith is the new security manager for a small regional retail establishment selling farm supplies, clothing, and hardware items. She is responsible to ensure inventory shrinkage is kept to an absolute minimum. Inventory shrinkage occurs in many different ways one of which is through persons entering the store and committing theft.
Store owners have noticed that shrinkage has increased dramatically over the past couple of years and decided to hire Ms. Smith in an effort to reduce shrink. Being a family oriented business which hires only local people, they have instructed Ms. Smith to focus on the shoplifting problem.
In order to reduce shoplifting theft, Ms. Smith attempted to improved security in two areas. First; she hired several new security officers to work as "plain clothes" store detectives and second; she installed a video surveillance system.
However, after 6 months, the retail shrink figures have not been reduced.
What other security techniques might Ms. Smith try in order to reduce shoplifting losses?
What other shrink options should Ms. Smith consider?
Given the general retail statistics on shrink, where would you be concentrating your efforts is you were Ms. Smith?
Sample Solution