Question

which security measure can be used to deter shoplifters as well as provide evidence to identify thieves and recover stolen goods?

hiring trained uniformed security guards
installing security cameras
placing security mirrors in key locations
using electronic article surveillance (eas) tags

Explanation:

Analyze the requirements of the question

The question asks for a security measure that serves three distinct purposes:

1. Deter shoplifters (preventative measure).
2. Provide evidence to identify thieves (investigative/record-keeping measure).
3. Recover stolen goods (restitutive measure).

We need to evaluate each option against these three criteria, applying principles of Risk Management to retail operations.

Evaluate "Hiring trained uniformed security guards"

• Deterrence: High. Visible guards discourage theft.
• Evidence to identify: Moderate. Guards can describe suspects, but human memory is less reliable than recorded footage.
• Recover goods: High. Guards can apprehend shoplifters on-site.
• Limitation: They do not provide permanent, objective recorded evidence to identify thieves after they have left the premises.

Evaluate "Installing security cameras"

• Deterrence: High. Visible cameras discourage shoplifters.
• Evidence to identify: High. Video footage provides clear, objective, and permanent visual evidence to identify thieves and hand over to law enforcement.
• Recover goods: High. Recorded footage helps track down suspects and recover stolen merchandise post-incident.
• This option satisfies all three criteria comprehensively.

Evaluate "Placing security mirrors in key locations"

• Deterrence: Moderate. Mirrors eliminate blind spots.
• Evidence to identify: None. Mirrors only assist real-time monitoring; they do not record or store evidence.
• Recover goods: Low. They only help if an employee is actively watching at the exact moment of theft.

Evaluate "Using electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags"

• Deterrence: High. Alarms sound if items are taken.
• Evidence to identify: Low. Alarms indicate a tag is passing through, but do not provide visual evidence of who took it.
• Recover goods: Moderate. Helps stop thieves at the exit, but ineffective if they run past the alarm.

Select the best option

Installing security cameras is the most comprehensive tool that deters, records high-quality evidence for identification, and assists in the recovery of stolen merchandise.

Answer:

• Hiring trained uniformed security guards
• Installing security cameras (Correct answer)
• Placing security mirrors in key locations
• Using electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags