Purpose:
The purpose of the Retail Loss Prevention Best Practice compilation is to provide comprehensive information and guidance relating to the policies, procedures, and practices pertaining to retail loss prevention in an Ace Hardware Store. It has been designed to serve as a set of recommendations created to ensure consistency in the application of various loss prevention operating procedures. The sequence of steps and key points identified are recommendations that, when followed are designed to help Ace Hardware retail locations achieve the most efficient operating results with minimum control and, ultimately, reduce shrinkage.
Updates:
This manual will be updated as procedures change and as new recommendations are added. The updates will be generated from the Oak Brook Loss Prevention Department when required.
Additional Information:
For a complete, downloadable set of best practices, please contact Retail Loss Prevention directly at (630) 972-2670 or at info@acelossprevention.com
A. Physical Security/Access Control
Perimeter Doors, Windows, Roof Access, Other
Perimeter Fencing, Gates & Storage
Exterior Lighting
Interior Access Points
Merchandise Displays
Employee Lockers
Alarm System
Store Safe
Key Control
Physical Security Devices
Miscellaneous
B. Store Operations
Opening
Closing
Employee Handbook
Protection of Proprietary Information
Protection of Customer/Employee Personal Data
Receiving
Rental
Equipment Repair Services
Buying Practices
Merchandise Checking and Marking/Price Change
Merchandise Transfers (Multi-store Retailers Only)
Policy “A” Controls
Vendor Returns
Special Orders & Layaways
Trash Disposal
C. POS Operations
Cashier Handbook/Training
ID/Password Controls
General POS Controls
Employee Purchase Controls
Refund Controls
Void Controls
Other POS Controls
Counterfeit Money Awareness
Credit Card Fraud Awareness
Check Acceptance Procedures
Cash & Sales Reconciliation
Management Reports Review
Robbery Awareness
D. Accounting Controls
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Physical Inventory
Cycle Counting
Petty Cash and Cash Disbursement
Unique Concerns (e.g., credit cards, gas cards, etc.)
E. Lumberyard Operations
Sales Controls
Gate Access Controls
Delivery Controls
Physical Security of Fence & Gates
Physical Security of Buildings
Physical Security of Company Vehicles
Lighting
F. Loss Prevention Program Management
Loss Prevention Accountability and Responsibilities
Shoplifting Awareness, Detection and Detention Policies
Employee Theft Prevention, Detection and Prosecution
Vendor Theft Awareness and Deterrence Policies
Occupational Violent Crime
G. Pre-Employment/Employee Screening & Training
Background Checks/Credit Checks/Drug Testing
Shoplifting Prevention Training
H. CCTV System
Provide recommended layout and quotes - or evaluate current system.
I. Safety
Required Posting
Accident Record Keeping
Awareness Training
Protective Equipment
Parking Lot
Tools and Equipment
Lock Out/Tag Out Compliance
Welding, Cutting & Braising
Forklift Operations
Hazard Communication
Flammables & Combustibles
Fueling Hazards
Electrical Hazards
General Fire Safety Requirements
Medical Services & First Aid
Emergency Operating Procedures
Customer Safety
Vehicle Safety
Miscellaneous Safety Concerns