1. Joe Buchwald on Retail Loss Prevention
About the Author: Joe Buchwald is a Loss Prevention Detective at Macy’s West. With a wealth
of experience in law enforcement and crime response strategy, Joe Buchwald is well versed in
behavioral observation and appropriate response and management tactics following security-
related crimes.
The statistics regarding shoplifting in the United States could be considered alarming. The
National Association for Shoplifting Prevention reports that the retail industry loses $13 billion
worth of goods through shoplifting each year, and that one in every 11 people has shoplifted. In
2012, loss prevention is a complex and well-organized unit within the retail industry. Specialists
in security and loss prevention are not simply responsible for preventing shoplifting. A wide
range of security-related crimes are an unfortunate reality for the loss prevention team. These
include credit card and gift card fraud by employees, financial allocation fraud, and theft of
property and money by both staff and customers.
Extensive knowledge of law enforcement and conflict resolution tactics are essential tools for
effective loss prevention. Financial crimes by staff members are prevented through extensive
financial reporting and auditing processes, as well as the careful observation of video footage.
Analysis of human behavior including body language is a vital component to effective loss
prevention, and the knowledge of floor plans and exit strategies should be committed to memory.
Loss prevention detectives are security experts with a diverse range of skills and relevant
professional, legal, and practical experience.