Smart Retail Security - Why Targeted Tagging Beats Blanket Coverage
Retail theft is rising fast in the UK, but not all products are equally vulnerable. At Chirp Protect, we believe smarter retail security starts with understanding where your store losses come from - and focusing on the products that really matter. Tagging every single item is costly and unnecessary. The real answer is targeted protection.
Understanding Retail Loss and Shrinkage
Retail shrink, also known as stock loss, costs UK retailers billions every year. Around 60-65% of shrinkage is caused by external theft, often carried out by repeat offenders. Thieves don’t steal randomly - they target products with high resale value and easy concealability. Common theft items include alcohol, fragrances, cosmetics, meat and consumer electronics.
Lancashire Police’s 2025 Operation Vulture highlighted how predictable shoplifting patterns are. The crackdown on retail crime hotspots confirmed what retailers already know: a small number of products are repeatedly targeted, accounting for the majority of shrink.
The 80/20 Rule in Retail Theft
Security audits show that 20% of SKUs often account for 80% of retail losses. Spreading your loss prevention budget across all products dilutes its effectiveness. By focusing security tags on the small percentage of high-risk items, retailers achieve a stronger deterrent and a higher return on investment.
Why Chirp Protect Tags Outperform Standard EAS Tags
Traditional EAS tags have limits - they alarm at exit gates but are able to be bypassed using magnets. Chirp Protect’s tags are designed for today’s retail environment:
- Magnet-proof - resistant to illegal detachers
- Self-alarming - trigger an alarm if tampered with, not just at exits
- Integrated - link with CCTV, radios, headsets, and smartwatches
- Durable and reusable - for up to 5 years
These features make Chirp Protect tags the best choice for securing high-value, high-theft products.
Smarter Loss Prevention with Chirp Protect
Chirp Protect doesn’t have to replace your EAS system - it can enhance it. By tagging only the 10-20% of products that drive the majority of losses, retailers protect their profits without unnecessary spend. With the Chirp Protect ITS Box, stores gain:
- Real-time alerts when tags alarm
- Louder in-store deterrent alarms
- Automatic CCTV timestamping for faster investigations
- Instant notifications to staff via radios or smart devices
Cut Losses, Improve Security, Increase ROI
Retailers using Chirp Protect consistently report fewer theft incidents and stronger staff confidence. A targeted tagging strategy reduces losses, improves store safety, and saves long-term costs. Because Chirp Protect tags are reusable, they deliver sustainable value compared to disposable tags.
Protect What Matters Most
Stop wasting money tagging low-risk products. Focus your loss prevention strategy where it makes the biggest difference. Visit our product range or request a free demo today to see how Chirp Protect can reduce shoplifting and retail shrinkage in your store.
