Preventing Theft With Proper Retail Packaging

In many cases, stealing is inevitable and a common act that occurs in most stores. According to the Annual Retail Theft Survey conducted in 2011 by Jack L. Hayes International, over $6 billion was stolen from just 24 major retail stores last year. This amount of theft is alarming but can be lessened by following certain preventative measures. The first step most retail stores take for theft prevention is installing alarms as well as increasing security personnel. But, there is one area that most retailers overlook, and it is improving the security of their retail packaging. 

 Retail Packaging Options 

 When it comes to retail packaging, there are many options to consider. The main concern, especially to prevent theft, is what style of packaging to use. For example, will the item be in a box that will not allow the consumer to preview the item or will the packaging be transparent. Also, will the container be thick or sealed to increase security of the object. With thermoforming technology, the packaging can be transparent to allow the consumer a clear view of the item, and it can be sealed to prevent theft. The two styles of plastic packaging that allow for a clean seal are clamshell packaging and blister packs. 

 Security Characteristics 

 Thermoformed packaging allows for quite a few security measures for retail items. The main security measure is the ability to seal the items within their packaging. This feature prevents items from being stolen as frequently because the items are harder to remove from the packaging. A shoplifter would struggle with this type of packaging longer while in the store where most of the actual theft ensues. Also, because of the added bulk to the item, the thief would have a harder time hiding the object within clothes or bags. 

 Other Added Features 

 Not included in most thermoformed packaging methods, there are extra ways to preventing theft that plastic packaging enhances. Such extras as zip tie locks and scan sensitive labels or tags that beep when not removed at exit are great extras that can easily be attached to plastic packaging. The coupling of these features can deter various shoplifting incidents from occurring. 

 Plastic Ingenuity works with their clients to provide the best options for retail packaging and clamshell packaging.