The holiday season is a big time for brick-and-mortar retailers across the Houston area, with business skyrocketing as shoppers search for the perfect gifts for loved ones. As business increases during this time of year, so do shoplifting charges.
Shoplifting and employee theft in Houston are crimes that affect the entire community, from the companies that suffer the losses to law enforcement and the legal system to the consumers who must pay higher prices to cover the costs of extra security measures.
With the holiday season in full swing, Houston retailers must be extra vigilant for incidents of shoplifting. Security professionals have several suggestions to reduce the risks of shoplifting, employee theft and other Houston retail thefts, including:
- Focus on customer service. Good customer service is an excellent deterrent to shoplifting.
- Implement a comprehensive loss prevention program that involves all employees.
- Require all new hires to pass a thorough pre-employment screening test.
- Display items in such a way that they discourage theft. Place high demand and highly popular items in highly visible spots.
- Keep the amount of items on the sales floor to a limited number of units.
- Invest in and utilize effective anti-theft technology such as EAS tags and other merchandise alarms, CCTV security cameras and monitoring system, entry and exit alarms and product tie-downs.
- Use an effective point-of-sale exception based monitoring program that will quickly identify possible fraudulent transactions at the point of sale.
- Closely monitor all entrances and exits, parking lots and waste containers. Don’t let patrons take items into the restrooms. Keep a close eye on patrons while entering and exiting changing rooms.
Get Help With Shoplifting Charges in Houston
In most cases, shoplifting is considered to be a misdemeanor offense, but the penalties for theft depend largely on the value of the items involved. A conviction for shoplifting charges in Houston can result in steep fines and even jail time. If you or a family member have been accused of shoplifting, employee theft, or other retail theft, it is important to seek the services of expert legal counsel.
Lisa Shapiro Strauss is a former prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney who has been helping people accused of crime in Houston and Harris County for more than 20 years. Her unique experience allows her to examine your case from both sides and develop an effective defense strategy that delivers the desired outcome.
If you’ve been accused of shoplifting, contact Houston shoplifting attorney Lisa Shapiro Strauss to schedule a free consultation.
