Investigating The Facts

• What should I do first?
• What should I do after explaining why I need to talk to them?
• What If they refuse to produce the stolen article?

Question: What should I do first?

Answer: You should explain why you need to talk to this person. FOr example say: "One of our employees saw you put a pack of cigarettes in your pocket,(or

Question: What should I do after explaining why I want to talk to them?

Answer: You should investigate the situation by asking the suspected shoplifter some questions. The following is a generic suspect questioning checklist that you should use when you are investigating a shoplifting situation.

• What is your name?

• Where are you from? -- Why are you asking them this? This is a common investigative tactic to calm the situation down and at the same time get them to co- operate. Once you get their name, begin calling them by name in a friendly tone.

• (Mrs. Doe), one of our employees saw you take (and write- in that merchandise, whatever it was) and saw you conceal it in your pocket. Now we've got to have that toothpaste. So, you've got to produce that merchandise for us, or else we've got to know where you put it."

• Now, if they produce the merchandise (note right there, if they produce merchandise) then you can go ahead with the next question. And even if they deny having it, go on to the next question and wait for the police to arrive and do the search. However, if they do produce the merchandise, you should then ask...
• "Why did you take the merchandise?" Write their response on your interview sheet. Make sure you listen to what they're saying. Now, what they're going to do is probably either deny the intent to steal, (i.e., "I intended to, but I forgot.") Or they'll claim ownership and say, "This is mine, I had it already . . . I bought this somewhere else." Now, if you have a witness to the crime, and the merchandise taken is clearly identified as your product, and you're satisfied that the suspect's claim cannot be verified in Court, then simply say this, "Our company policy is to prosecute in all these situations." Never say "Our company policy is to prosecute a thief." You may be proven wrong. Remember, you should say, "OUR COMPANY POLICY IS TO PROSECUTE IN ALL THESE SITUATIONS." Then, turn them over to the police, sign the affidavit or arrest warrant and the police will take it from there.

Question: What if they refuse to produce the stolen article?

Answer: If they say, "No, I don't have anything on me," or "No, I didn't take anything," then just wait until the police get there and they will usually search the suspected shoplifter.

Now the next step is to decide whether or not to prosecute the suspect. The decision is not up to the police, it's up to you.

Send comments to vancleve@prairie.nodak.edu
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