Retail theft: What your kids need to know on the job

Does your child work in retail? If so, they need to be aware of what to do when it comes to retail theft. Their employer should have proper policies and procedures in place. But you can help your teen by learning what these policies should look like and being aware of their rights on the subject.

This post will walk you through what they should do if they see retail theft, the training they can expect to receive, and how to speak to an employer who enforces bad retail theft policies.

What to do if they see retail theft

Retail theft is on the rise. And with young workers often taking on the role of cashier or retail employee, it’s important they know what to do if they see retail theft. You can help educate your child on the appropriate actions to take.

Tell your teen that if they feel unsafe or think their colleagues may be put in a dangerous situation, to walk away. It’s not worth your child’s or anyone’s safety.

Emphasize the importance of promptly notifying the police when they witness a theft.
Tell them to document all relevant details of the incident for the police report. Reiterate that it’s not their responsibility to stop theft.

“Often, employees are told they’re the eyes and ears of the workplace. But that doesn’t mean they need to confront and deal with this stressful, high-hazard issue. It’s important all employees understand that while protecting the business is important, it’s their knowledge of safety that’s paramount.” - Pamela Patry on the Small Biz Safety Podcast.

How to talk to a boss who tries to enforce bad retail theft policies

If detaining shoplifters isn’t in your child’s job responsibilities, then they shouldn’t be asked to do so. Sometimes, employers may attempt to enforce policies that unfairly burden employees in the event of retail theft. Detaining shoplifters should not be your child’s responsibility.

Teach your child to approach their boss respectfully and express their concerns about such policies. They can use their knowledge of their workers’ rights to support their argument for fair treatment.

If your child is nervous about bringing up the subject, here are a few tips for speaking to their employer. They can also come prepared with a list of potential solutions so the conversation feels productive instead of accusatory.

If car talks aren’t working for you and your teen, there are a few other things you can try to get your kid to take workplace safety seriously.

Ways to prevent retail theft

The best way to prevent retail theft is to stop it from happening in the first place. Here are a few practices your young worker can bring to their employer's attention:

a well-lit open store with no hidden areas (mirrors can be used to see around corners or into nooks)
clear anti-shoplifting advertising
keep valuable merchandise locked away or behind the counter
shoplifting policies, procedures, and employee training in place
closed-circuit cameras
spot-checking receipts at the exits
having trained loss prevention officers on shift

Employee training on retail theft your child can expect to receive

Your teen should expect to receive training not only on retail theft prevention, but on the activities that surround it, like handling and processing cash, and safe practices for opening and closing the business. They should ask, what procedures are in place to keep the staff safe?

Training on retail theft may include:

Confirmation that putting themselves or their colleagues at risk is never an option. Staying safe should be, first and foremost, the most important task.
Being vigilant and paying attention to any potential shoplifters. Knowing the process for reporting any shoplifting activity.
How to interact with the hired loss prevention officers.
How to report suspicious activity (and what constitutes suspicious activity).
Awareness during busy hours, when opening and closing the store, and during shift changes.
To stay calm and neutral and never be aggressive with shoplifters.
The store policies to enforce and how to enforce them, such as asking customers to leave large bags or backpacks at the till.
Refresher training throughout their employment. Safety training should not be a one-and-done event.

Want to learn more? Here are a few employer-focused resources on workplace violence and harassment you can use to educate yourself on the risks of retail theft: