If you’re part of the Indian retail sector, you’ve probably already faced the bitter truth: retail theft is no longer just a rare incident—it’s become a full-blown challenge. Whether it’s a customer slipping something into their bag, a break-in at night, or even an employee quietly skimming from the till, theft is eating into profits and peace of mind.
And while this isn’t a uniquely Indian problem—retailers around the world are grappling with similar issues—the rising instances of shoplifting in India are particularly concerning. The financial hit is bad enough, but what makes it worse is the aftermath: increased security costs, bumped-up retail prices to recover losses, and the kind of reputational damage that no brand wants to deal with.
Shoplifting isn’t always about necessity. Sure, some are driven by financial desperation, but others do it for the adrenaline rush, or because of psychological conditions like kleptomania. And then there are the ones who do it “just for fun.” Whatever the reason, the challenge for store owners and managers remains the same:
How do you identify a shoplifter (Indian retail scenario) before it’s too late?
To help tackle this growing issue, Miraz Securitas, India’s top security services company for retail shops and shopping malls, shares some practical strategies for retail businesses to spot shoplifters and keep their stores safer.
- Technology is a Boon – Technology is indeed a boon today. Artificial Intelligence is making the world a better and safer place to live in. In the retail world, AI is playing a key role in improving store security and preventing theft through various smart systems:
- AI-Powered Surveillance & RFID Technology
Smart video cameras analyse customer behaviour in real-time using facial recognition and body language cues to detect suspicious activity. RFID tags help track inventory accurately, send alerts during theft, and reduce issues like understocking or overstocking. - Predictive Analytics at Point-of-Sale (POS)
AI analyses POS data to identify patterns that might indicate theft, such as items frequently being sold without scanning, or high numbers of voided transactions and returns. - Sales & Inventory Comparison
Machine learning compares sales records with inventory data to detect missing or stolen products. Retailers can then take steps like locking up high-risk items or increasing surveillance in vulnerable areas.
- Observe Their Body Language – One of the tell-tale signs that help retailers spot the shoplifter is their unique body language. They usually look nervous and try to avoid eye-contact with the staff. In fact, they look for blind spots where the camera cannot see them clearly. Shoplifters often linger in these areas, pretending to browse, while constantly checking their surroundings. Their movements seem suspicious. They look pretty indecisive and overly cautious. They keep fidgeting with their personal belongings and are always looking for the golden opportunity to make their move.
- Their Attire Speaks – People who usually enter a retail store with the intention of stealing often wear loose clothing or clothes with multiple pockets. This is a helpful tactic for concealing items that may go unnoticed at the security checkpoint, especially if they are without identification tags. However, it is important to understand that not everyone who wears a baggy outfit is a potential shoplifter. It becomes even easier during winter, as many people wear layered clothing to beat the winter chill. But there are some who wear, so retailers need to observe carefully. Watch out for loose clothing, extra-large jackets with multiple pockets, and oversized bags.
- Look For Distraction Tactics – Another very common sign of shoplifters is their tendency to distract the staff at a retail store. They may engage employees in friendly conversation while an accomplice quietly steals items. Sometimes, if a customer claims they can’t find a specific product or size, the staff may go to the storeroom to check, giving the shoplifter the perfect opportunity to grab the items they had been eyeing. These are common tactics often used by seasoned shoplifters.
- Keep A Close Watch on The Trial Rooms – Some smart shoplifters adopt sophisticated methods to execute their thefts. They simply step into a trial room with lots of clothes. Their real intention is to remove the price tags/ identification tags and put those clothes inside a bag and make a stealthy exit. Fitting rooms are the ideal spots for such activities as these rooms are without cameras. This absence of monitoring enables them to work rapidly and effectively, which usually goes unnoticed until too late by store personnel.
Closing Thoughts – This article is an eye-opener for anyone working in the retail industry. It brings to light how shoplifters act, what signs to look out for—from body language and clothing to distraction techniques—and how technology such as AI and RFID can assist. Being aware and alert is the way to safeguard your business.
Under the successful leadership of Mr. Mahajan, Miraz Securitas Pvt Ltd today has achieved an over 100% growth rate within half a decade time. His vision for upgrading private security service has helped Miraz Securitas established a footprint PAN India. Today Miraz ,a trusted name has clients , across all market segments such as top universities, private & international schools, prestigious institutions of government of India, retail establishment, & more.
In the year 2017, Miraz Securitas won the prestigious ‘MSE 4’ ratings by global rating & research organization – CRISIL & India’s Public Sector unit NSIC for accomplishing high-performance capability & above-average creditworthiness among other Indian companies.