Merchants
who have had the misfortune
to live through both tornadoes and Gypsy store diversion thefts say that
the two are much alike. Both arrive unexpectedly, last but a few minutes and leave
chaos in their wake. Fortunately, store diversion thefts don't maim or kill as
tornadoes do, otherwise the store diversion can be as costly as the tornadoes.
If you own or operate a business, which is open to the public, your
greatest protection against store diversion thefts is knowing exactly
how these crimes are committed.
The term "Store Diversion Theft" aptly describes all of the elements of
this particular crime, as well as the order in which it occurs.
STORE
These highly organized thieves have in the past entered convenience
marts, department stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, and just about
every other type of store in existence. Once selected, a group of five
to as many as twenty males and females will enter and strategically
position themselves throughout the store.
DIVERSION
While filing into the store, various members of the group immediately
use a variety of methods to divert the staff's attention. These methods
range from an open attempt to feign shoplifting, to disrobing. In all
cases, the purpose of this activity is intended to draw attention away
from the store's safe, cash register, main office, or other locations
containing the daily cash supply.
THEFT
After the diversion is created, one member of the team will quickly
locate and steal the store's money. Through use of a prearranged signal
the suspects will leave the store en masse and enter getaway vehicles,
all of which depart in separate directions.
Unlike a tornado, these gypsy related thefts can be stopped by following
two simple rules:
ó
Always secure money is a safe, and keep it locked. Not on "day-lock,"
wherein one need only turn the dial once to the right in order to unlock
the safe. These thieves are aware of this practice and use it to their
advantage.
ó
Do not let these thieves take control of your store. Inform employees
about this type of offense before it occurs, and then tell what
procedure to follow should these thieves enter the store. The best
advice would be to remain at their assigned registers and immediately
call the police.
ó
Since these thieves are now stealing the tapes from store security
cameras, it is best to make certain that your camera is adequately
secured.
CAUTION: DO NOT attempt to detain these people in the store while
awaiting the arrival of the police. Although these groups are usually
non violent, they will not hesitate to become violent when necessary.
