Loss Prevention: What Actually Works?

If you’re a retail store owner, loss prevention is likely at the front of your mind throughout your day-to-day operations. At a time when profit margins are tight and every dollar is being closely monitored, you’re looking for solutions that deliver proven results. At Blackbird Security, we work directly with retailers like you who face these challenges every day. 

Over the past decade, we’ve seen, analyzed, and replicated the results that make a measurable difference. We recently put together a loss prevention case study detailing how we helped one of our national electronics retailer partners recover 68.2% more merchandise at their Toronto location. Here’s how we prevented shoplifting, improved the in-store shopping experience, and protected the store’s customers, employees, and bottom line.

Key Takeaways:

• Visible security deterred theft before it happened, resulting in a 23% decrease in the number of incidents. 

• Proactive monitoring by undercover LPOs resulted in a 68.3% increase in recovered merchandise value. 

• Detailed reporting contributed to earlier incident resolution, reducing losses by 80%.

• A well-trained, professional retail security team delivers a strong ROI for businesses. 

The Risk of Retail Theft

Retail theft continues to rise across Canada, increasing pressure on store owners, managers, and staff. In 2024 alone, police reported over 182,000 incidents of shoplifting under $5,000 nationwide. As you’ve likely experienced firsthand, that value adds up quickly, leading to operational disruptions, and customer dissatisfaction. 

Addressing Retail Theft Requires Strategy

Despite increasing awareness of shoplifting and the growing prevalence of anti-theft measures, such as RFID tags and EAS gates, retail environments remain vulnerable. Open layouts, self-checkouts, and high-value, easily concealable products create opportunities for shoplifters. Peak shopping seasons, such as Black Friday and Boxing Day, open further opportunities for theft as crowded stores and preoccupied employees reduce visibility.

For our client, these factors led to frequent grab-and-dash incidents at their downtown location. This led to  rising shrinkage, increased pressure on employees, and a growing perception that the store felt unsafe to work and shop in. Addressing these issues required a proactive, comprehensive loss prevention strategy.

Loss Prevention Strategies That Actually Work

Backed by our case study, here are the methods that actually worked to prevent in-store theft, along with the metrics to back them up.

Visible Presence and Customer Engagement

23% decrease in the number of incidents.

A visible security presence remains one of the most effective deterrents to shoplifting incidents. Tactical security guards in vests stationed at entrances and throughout the store immediately signalled that our client was well protected, discouraging opportunistic theft.

Equally important was how our guards interacted with customers. They greeted each customer with a friendly welcome as they entered. This served a dual purpose: to deter theft, as shoplifters are far less likely to steal when they know they’re being monitored, and to create a welcoming environment for customers and staff. This elevated the in-store shopping experience, reassured store team members, and helped reposition our partner as a safe place to shop.

As a result of our increased security, theft attempts declined for five consecutive months as overall store security improved. 

Proactive Monitoring and Early Intervention

68.3% increase in recovered merchandise value.

Our undercover loss prevention operatives (LPOs) discreetly observed the store environment. Because they blend in with shoppers, LPOs have the advantage of monitoring customer behaviour at close range. This allowed them to identify risks early and intervene when necessary to safeguard our client’s merchandise.

As a result of our early intervention tactics, we were able to recover significantly more stolen merchandise with a value over $5000. 

Communication and Reporting

80% decrease in value of apprehended merchandise.

Our team was in constant contact with our partner’s store management, providing them with clear communication and comprehensive incident reports on a daily basis. This ensured oversight and accountability, while allowing us to strategically pivot and fine-tune our approach to loss prevention.

Our guards resolved incidents earlier, reducing losses at the point of arrest from $3000 in 2024 to just $600 in 2025. 

Partner With a Retail Loss Prevention Team That Delivers Results

There isn’t a silver bullet to loss prevention, and no single solution can deliver effective results all on its own. Rather, loss prevention requires a coordinated strategy led by experienced professionals. Retailers need adaptable strategies that prioritize safety and deliver proven results. 

At Blackbird Security, our retail security teams do just that. Every day, we help prominent retailers like MEC, Sephora, and Canadian Tire reduce shrinkage, support their staff, and create safer shopping environments. If you’re looking to reduce losses at your retail location, contact us.

Want to learn more about our retail security and loss prevention services? Explore our guide to loss prevention, where we cover everything you need to know about the field.