Risk Management Services Loss Prevention

May 2010

Because of this, thieves were able to steal data and create duplicate debit cards and use them at ATMs to take money directly from victims' back accounts, according to the WSJ story (link). Primarily in denominations of $500.

The thefts, according to the article, involved the use of electronic devices called "skimmers" that allowed these thieves to record information from shoppers' debit cards and obtain their PINs (personal identification numbers).

“The most common technique used by the bad guys is to distract employees attention away to another area of the store so they can perform their devious actions” says Joe Szvetitz managing partner for Risk Management Services. “Constant friendly aggressive customer service by all associates is the best overall deterrent to criminal activity.”

“All employees should strive to greet every customer who enters the store in a friendly, welcoming manner, as this puts those with ill intentions on the defensive and makes your normal customers enjoy a pleasant shopping experience”.

Additional measures such as CCTV coverage, especially at the entrances, as well as channeling customer traffic patterns through controlled and monitored entrances and cash wrap stations also enhance customer service and employee interactions.

Check out the NHRA website.



RMSLP now Ace Hardware's preferred loss prevention vendor for in-store consulting, training

For Immediate Release

Risk Management Services Loss Prevention is proud to announce that it is now the preferred vendor to Ace Hardware's Retail Loss Prevention Department for in-store consulting and training services.

The partnership will provide the best retail loss prevention support and advice to Ace Hardware Retailers, both in the store and on the phone.

Risk Management Services Loss Prevention (RMSLP) combines more than 40 years of professional experience in the loss prevention, safety, and investigative fields.

Now, as a proactive partner with Ace Hardware’s Retail Loss Prevention Department, RMSLP will be able to provide the most store specific audits, training, and general consulting information that is tailored to the needs of an independent hardware store or chain.

RMSLP has the experience, background and resources to provide every Ace store with a customized approach to evaluating and assisting in the improvement of the store’s controls.

“By working with Ace loss prevention professionals, RMSLP is uniquely positioned to offer Ace retailers personal solutions to situations that contribute to shortages and erode profits,” said RMSLP managing partner Joe Szvetitz. “RMSLP’s strategy is to carry on the tradition established by Ace Hardware Retail Loss Prevention (previously Loss Prevention Services, Inc.,) and that is be a cost effective alternative that positively impacts the bottom line.”

“Ace Hardware’s Retail Loss Prevention department is excited about this new partnership with RMSLP,” said Teri Vertullo, Ace's corporate manager for retail loss prevention and business continuity planning. “Their understanding of, and extensive experience with retail loss prevention, specifically in small, independently owned hardware stores, makes RSMLP an ideal partner for Ace Hardware.

“As Ace’s internal retail loss prevention department remains the direct contact for retailers related to best practices, controls, and trends, RMSLP will be able to interact with retailers in their stores to assist them as they develop these best practices and controls to help keep shrinkage as low as possible.”

Feb. 2011
Being robbed at gunpoint is something that all retailers pray will never happen in their store. The sad fact is, however, that it is happening more frequently.

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Jan. 2011
National and Ace Hardware Survey Results
This article summarizes data reported in the 2009 NATIONAL RETAIL SECURITY SURVEY, an annual survey conducted by the University of Florida and recognized by the U.S. retail ndustry as the most informative survey of its type; along with the results of an internal ACE ARDWARE INVENTORY SHRINKAGE SURVEY conducted by the Retail Loss Prevention epartment in which Ace retailers answered questions and provided data relating to their store's shrinkage. 

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Dec. 2010
In last month's LP Corner article 'TIS THE SEASON—ALMOST, we presented an overview of those policy, hardware and associate issues that should be addressed and functioning prior to the beginning of the holiday season in order to reduce your risk of increased shoplifting losses during this time frame. Hopefully you beefed up your defenses, and now your team's increased
awareness of the problem is paying dividends.

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Nov. 2010
While the “official” holiday season doesn’t begin for another three weeks or so, you’re already
displaying everything from indoor and outdoor Christmas lights and decorations to a variety of other
items that target the holidays. These displays seem to go up earlier and earlier each year; but then
comes BLACK FRIDAY and the real race to meet your financial goal begins in earnest. 

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Oct. 2010

PHILADELPHIA, PA - A female employee who had just been suspended from her job and
escorted from a Kraft Foods Inc. facility, returned with a handgun and opened fire Thursday, killing
two people and critically injuring a third before being taken into custody about an hour later, police said.

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