WE’LL MITIGATE YOUR LOSSES BY RESOLVING HARMFUL CRIME WITHIN YOUR BUSINESS
Loss Prevention
- Detection, apprehension, and processing of shoplifters
- Prosecution of offenders and issuance of Trespass Notices
- Circumvention and prosecution of Organized Retail Crime issues, crime rings and professional shoplifters/’boosters’
- Recovery of merchandise and prevention of theft and fraud
- Reduction and control of merchandise/inventory shrink/losses
- Mitigation of issues related to disorderly conduct, causing a disturbance, mischief and vandalism
- Improved safety and security of employees and patrons
- Documentation of occurrences and compilation of statistical data
- The review and archiving of CCTV video evidence
- Statement composition
Internal Investigation
- The complex investigation of employees suspected of being involved with internal acts of dishonesty, theft, fraud, policy infractions, and workplace harassment/sexual harassment
- Gathering and analysing evidence
- Conducting interviews and noncoercive interrogations
- Advising on the merits and/or potential disadvantages of proceeding with a criminal prosecution, and what would be required
- Liaising with police to have criminal charges laid where deemed appropriate
- Seeking restitution to cover financial losses
- Composing comprehensive reports and documenting evidence
Loss Prevention
Vaughan Investigations has extensive experience in the field of Loss Prevention, handling thousands of occurrences each year, which primarily include the detection, lawful apprehension, and processing of shoplifters and other individuals engaged in criminal activity. In such circumstances, offenders are arrested following the committal of a criminal offence(s), and returned to the premises at which time they are identified, trespassed, and released to police. Due to the sheer volume of cases and extensive tenure, we possess a broad and in-depth knowledge of how to execute Loss Prevention efficiently, effectively, and professionally, while respecting the associated legalities and liabilities.
Despite the fact that directly addressing shoplifting matters by arrest and prosecution is our primary mandate, Loss Prevention is broad and encompasses the prevention of crime, recovery of merchandise (which would otherwise have been stolen), the mitigation of violent and unsavory occurrences (for example, those causing a disturbance, engaged in disorderly conduct, aggressive behaviour and uttering threats, loitering, mischief, vandalism) and the general safety and security of employees and patrons. We respect and understand the limitations and the best course of action during a plethora of variables unique to each individual occurrence.
Loss Prevention
We do not employ uniformed Security Guards, but rather Loss Prevention Officers. Where relating to Loss Prevention, the function of a Security Guard differs from that of a Loss Prevention Officer, in that the Security Guard is placed as a potential visual deterrent and designed to hopefully dissuade shoplifters and/or other criminal behaviour before maturity; whereas the Loss Prevention Officer apprehends offenders who commit an offence, and in other circumstances the offence is inhibited before maturity and merchandise is recovered. We believe that this approach is far more effective in addressing matters of theft and curbing the volume of occurrences impacting inventory shrink, while mitigating other issues impacting retailers, their staff and customers.
Through decades of experience and tens of thousands of occurrences relating to Loss Prevention and retail crime, we have determined that the vast majority of shoplifting occurrences are covert in nature, meaning that suspects conceal/hide their actions during the course of completing a theft. Shoplifters will conceal stolen merchandise into bags, boxes, purses, backpacks, clothing/jackets, and even shopping carts by strategically hiding the contents of unpaid merchandise. Many times shoplifters will walk past Security Guards in possession of concealed stolen merchandise without inhibition; affording themselves the ability to get away undetected. Therefore, the vast majority of occurrences are undetectable by Security Guards. Moreover, should the theft be brazen and overt (whereby the offender does not attempt to conceal their actions), Loss Prevention Officers are better prepared to stop the offender, make an arrest, and recover merchandise, whereas Security Guards are mandated to not get physically involved.
Security Guards have their place in retail environments and serve a distinct and respectable purpose. However, their responsibilities are not interchangeable, unlike those of Loss Prevention Officers.
Loss Prevention
Shoplifting is a serious problem impacting retailers across Canada and globally and in many cases, retailers have very few tools to curtail thefts from taking place. For safety and liability reasons, most employees working within the retail sector are instructed not to intervene during thefts. Employees are mandated to have a hands-off approach and limit verbal intervention, outside of a typical customer service model approach.
Shoplifters are not limited to any one group, or demographic, and there is a vast varying catalyst driving people to shoplift. Some thefts are petty, meaning a low value is shoplifted, while others are planned, organized, and executed by professional shoplifters/groups.
The petty shoplifting occurrences need to be addressed seriously, as typically when a petty shoplifter is apprehended, it is not their first time. A parallel can be drawn between impaired driving and shoplifting, in that some surveys postulate a person may drive impaired 80 times before receiving their first DUI (Driving while Under the Influence) offence. In similarity, shoplifters may commit a vast number of thefts before being caught. In addition, those shoplifting regularly may steal a lower value on one day and a higher value on another. Therefore, a low value apprehension must not be weighed solely on the value stolen at that time, but rather the duration and quantity with which the victim has been targeted. Simply deterring an offender from committing a theft on one occasion, does not hold the same corrective affect as apprehending the offender, identifying them, trespassing them from the premises, and seeking prosecution (being the ramifications for their delinquent actions).
Organized Retail Crime (“ORC”) groups and individuals stealing merchandise for resale is a major issue among most retailers. These individuals are relentless, fearless, and treat shoplifting as their job and in many instances drug use is a related impetus and a long prior criminal history precedes them. Vaughan Investigations possesses vast exposure to ORC occurrences and recognizes that large thefts involving substantial financial loss to their clients is of vital importance.
We excel in the investigation of crime rings, the surveillance of ORC suspects, complex report composition required by the Crown Prosecutor’s Office, and liaising with police to help facilitate appropriate criminal charges in relation to Theft, Possession of Stolen Property, and Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime.
We are an industry leader in Loss Prevention and possess the experience, background, and knowledge to properly aid retailers, clients, and corporate security officials in choosing the best course of action tailored to suit their needs.
internal investigations
Vaughan Investigations specializes in the internal investigation of employees and is responsible for thousands of successful internal matters including theft, fraud, drug offences, policy infractions, and harassment. We work closely with corporate security departments and other corporate officials of large corporations and aid them with internal matters, including complex and convoluted matters of employee dishonesty.
We possess the skill and experience to approach these matters professionally, effectively and efficiently from start to finish. We Investigate sensitive internal issues by first collecting all available evidence as it relates to the matter, inclusive of witness observations, video evidence, transactional data, etc.
We analyse all available evidence and then conduct suspect interviews to determine crucial investigative information and follow through with noncoercive interrogations, designed to obtain an admission of truth.
We provide corporate officials and human resources advisors with the evidence and findings, so that they may make a fully informed decision as to what level of disciplinary action is warranted. We conclude each matter with a fully comprehensive and detailed report. Where criminal charges are to be laid, we handle the whole process and liaise with police, and the Crown Prosecutor, where required.
internal investigations
We hold the experience to advise clients on the merits and potential disadvantages of pursuing a criminal prosecution. Frequently, managers are highly motivated to proceed with criminal charges; however, this is not always the most prudent course of action. Criminal prosecutions can often be a protracted and ultimately an unsatisfying process, and the level of evidential proof that is required must meet a higher standard than that required in purely civil proceedings (including the adequate support of employee dismissal). Ultimately, this decision rests with the client and we can provide input that results in a fully informed decision.
Some matters may require a different approach which may involve surveillance and/or the installation of covert CCTV (hidden video evidence) over and above being resolved solely by investigative interviews and effective noncoercive interrogation. We can recommend the best course of action and will accommodate the required direction, ensuring the best possible result and resolution.
In additional, we aid clients with respect to external investigations involving suspects targeting their retail outlets for high value and high frequency theft and frauds. We possess the expertise to obtain and document occurrences in an easily digestible format and reporting system recognized by police as being properly constructed and ready for the Crown Prosecutor.
Surveillance
Vaughan Investigations utilizes surveillance to capture evidence in support of investigative needs, inclusive of Internal Investigation and Organized Retail Crime. Some matters under investigation may require additional information and evidence obtained by the discrete surveillance of suspects.
- Surveillance of suspects under investigation
- Record, document, archive and report on the findings and evidence obtained
- Make apprehensions where warranted following the completion of a criminal act
- Compose comprehensive reports and document evidence
We have a vast amount of experience in suspect surveillance, inclusive of the ability to follow and maintain continuity of suspects and capture their actions via video surveillance equipment. All related pertinent video imagery is archived and accompanied by a comprehensive and detailed report package.
Surveillance
Vaughan Investigations utilizes surveillance to capture evidence in support of investigative needs, inclusive of Internal Investigation and Organized Retail Crime. Some matters under investigation may require additional information and evidence obtained by the discrete surveillance of suspects.
- Surveillance of suspects under investigation
- Record, document, archive and report on the findings and evidence obtained
- Make apprehensions where warranted following the completion of a criminal act
- Compose comprehensive reports and document evidence
We have a vast amount of experience in suspect surveillance, inclusive of the ability to follow and maintain continuity of suspects and capture their actions via video surveillance equipment. All related pertinent video imagery is archived and accompanied by a comprehensive and detailed report package.
Surveillance
In some cases, where a criminal offence (in relation to a matter under investigation) is witnessed during surveillance, we are capable of effecting lawful apprehensions whereby arrests are made, bringing offenders into immediate custody and seizing stolen merchandise. Whereas most Private Investigators who execute surveillance are only responsible and limited to documenting occurrences observed, our investigators on the other hand, in light of the comprehensive scope of our investigations, our experience and background in criminal matters of this nature, are able to act accordingly and decisively in such circumstances, thereby avoiding missed opportunities where an arrest is the best course of action.
The majority of our investigations requiring surveillance are in relation in internal theft (employee dishonesty), or external theft (ORC related thefts). However, we do handle other surveillance matters, such as malingering injury investigations and corporate matters.