The reality can be unsettling. Every day, retailers have their merchandise stolen from them. Whether falling victim to a small-time, petty thief or a massive, organized criminal ring, your outdoor retail business is under constant threat in a dangerous, high-priced game. In this scenario, the villain takes off with your precious, premium equipment, using it either for personal gain or to transport and sell for profit. You need to constantly shift and adapt to keep your wares safe. After all, data published by Outdoor Sports Insurance (OSI) indicates that retail theft insurance claims are up by a staggering 50 percent since 2020 alone, with the size of claims up 37 percent. From 2019 to 2021, 16 percent of all Outdoor Sports Insurance claims are theft related. And to make matters worse, one-fifth of those claims appear to be the work of coordinated crime rings. “With the pandemic, there has not only been a spike in outdoor recreation but a spike in the theft of outdoor gear,” said OSI managing director, Rob Martin. “Implementing best practices and taking another look at security protocols can go a long way toward mitigating the problem.” What steps can you take to keep your precious inventory safe? According to Martin, a combination of common-sense habits and savvy investment provides the best strategy. Know the Enemy According to OSI, about one-fifth of theft claims likely stem from a coordinated team of criminals, such as the widespread retailer bike shop theft ring that was recently shut down in Colorado. In this case, a syndicate of thieves would use moving trucks to break through physical gates and storefronts in order to steal the high-end merchandise and export it to Mexico and other countries for sale. By Brady Hicks Tips to protect your store from retail theft Shrink Rap Buyer’s Side InsideOutdoor | SUMMER 2022 12
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