Introduction

Implementing a proactive loss prevention tool to stop thieves before they can strike is the ideal strategy. As alcohol demand continues to rise, solutions are available that aim to prevent robberies before they start. 

This white paper explains the rising alcohol sales and loss prevention tools available to prevent shrinkage by helping find the best solution for each business. Additionally, it provides information on another high-demand product, energy drinks.

Introduction

Rising Liquor Demands Leads to Increase Theft 

For the last few years, there’s been a growing trend of alcohol demand which started in January 2017. Then when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, it was a significant contributor to liquor sales growth. An article from the online journal Alcohol, An Increasing Trend of Alcohol Beverage Sales explains how liquor sales rose during the pandemic. 

“During the COVID-19 period (March 2020 to September 2020), there were a total of 41.9 billion dollars in BWLS (Beer, Wine and Liquor) sales, representing an increase of 20% compared to the same period in 2019.” 

This movement doesn’t appear to be ending soon. According to Statista, the monthly liquor sales in May 2021 were about $6.07 billion. 

Types of Liquor Theft 

An increase in beer, wine, and liquor products, even amidst a pandemic, eventually boosts theft. There are two types of thieves that appear when product demand increases, amateur and Organized Retail Crime (ORC). Amateur theft is an individual who only steals the item they want. In contrast, ORC theft involves a group of professionals who target merchandise that can quickly be resold.

Typically, amateur thieves will only take one or two items for personal use. At the same time, ORC groups will attempt to remove as many products as possible and target the items with the highest resale value. 

A Proactive Loss Prevention Strategy 

Traditional loss prevention strategies such as security cameras, guard presence, signage, and mirrors are helpful when it comes to stopping thieves. Still, it doesn’t always prevent the robbery from occurring. The biggest reason is that it requires employees to watch and look for “red flags.” This can become a difficult task when the store is busy, especially around the holidays. 

Finding a loss prevention strategy that focuses on preventing theft before it occurs is an effective solution. Several proactive options are available – quad wraps, pins, safers, tags, and bottle locks. While all of the devices are ideal options for a variety of merchandise, one option offers more powerful protection at preventing theft before it occurs – bottle locks.

Read the following pages to learn about alcohol, liquor, and wine bottle locks. It explains the importance and how this loss prevention solution works.

Alcohol, Liquor, and Wine Bottle Locks – How They Work

Alcohol, liquor, and wine bottle locks are specifically made to protect beverages from being stolen and prevent in-store consumption. Unlike traditional loss prevention methods, as mentioned above, this is a proactive strategy that doesn’t require employees to monitor shoppers. 

These bottle locks are available in different styles and types. All of them work by placing the security device around the bottle’s neck. They are simple to attach and can only be removed with the proper detacher. 

Regardless of the lock style chosen, they all contain similar benefits. 

  • EAS and RFID Compatibility 
  • Easy to Detach at the Point of Sale 
  • In-Store Tagging Option 
  • Interchangeable Among Similar Sized Bottles 
  • Open Display Merchandising 
  • Reusable Locks (average 10+ year lifespan) 
  • Visible Security Device 

4 Types of Bottle Locks to Select  

As mentioned earlier, there are various styles of bottle locks available. The most effective locks to choose from include collars, caps, tags, and boxes. Additionally, some locks are specifically made to protect premium bottles. 

Each of the devices below can protect bottles of all sizes, including pints, quarts, 750 ml, 1.5 L, and Champagne bottles. 

Bottle Lock Collars 

Bottle lock collars give the appearance of handcuffs, and the design prevents the labels and foil from being damaged from the lock. As a result, this is the ideal device for small to medium-sized bottlenecks. 

How to use:

  • Place the lock around the bottle’s neck 
  • Insert the strap into the opening 
  • Squeeze the collar to adjust the size 
  • Remove the device utilizing the detacher 

Premium Bottle Collars and Premium Bottle Covered

An open-collar style lock is placed around the bottle’s neck and sits in a clear base. A second design is available that has a cap that slides down while covering and protecting the bottle.

Both designs are a benefit denial product that, if forcibly removed, will damage the product or its label. It’s the ideal option for protecting high-value premium items. 

How to use:

  • Sit the bottle in the base of the device
  • Use the black knob on the back of the device to move the collar into place 
  • The lock is activated 
  • Remove the lock using the detacher 

Bottle Lock Caps 

Bottle lock caps give the appearance of a plastic case surrounding the top and neck, creating an impressive visual deterrent for thieves. They work well for bottles with wide caps and short or long necks.  

How to use:

  • Place the device on the bottle’s cap
  • Turn the clear cap clockwise
  • Pull device upwards until it clicks into place 
  • To tighten the lid, turn it clockwise 
  • Click the button to lock
  • Remove the lock using the detacher 

Bottle Box 

Bottle boxes have a similar appearance to safers and offer the same level of protection. It works well for protecting unusually shaped bottles or items in a gift box. The bottle boxes are available in large and extra-large sizes. 

How to use:

  • Place the product inside the box
  • Turn the lock at the top of the box to secure the item
  • Open the device using the detacher 

Protecting Another High Theft Item: Energy Drinks

Wines and liquors aren’t the only high theft beverages on the market. Individual energy drinks are also easy to steal. This is why there’s a version of the bottle locks available that can protect those items – energy caps.

Energy Caps

The cap’s design is similar to a black bottle cap featuring a magnetic lock. This device prevents in-store product consumption, can integrate into an existing RF and AM EAS system (it can be used without one), and allows for open merchandising. In addition, they fit most 8.4, 12, and 16-ounce cans. 

How to use:

  • Place the cap on the top of the can
  • Squeeze the two sides together until it clicks into place
  • Remove the device utilizing the detacher 

The caps can protect cans of all sizes including:

  • 8.4 oz.
  • 12 oz.
  • 16 oz.
  • 20 oz.

Buying Loss Prevention Tools from a Trusted Source 

Third-party suppliers can sell cheap, imitation, and poorly made devices. This makes it necessary to find a trusted loss prevention company to partner with to purchase these locks. An industry partner provides quality products, offers advice, explains specific product differences, and considers the business goals when determining the best solution. 

Product Protection Solutions (PPS) provides complete, custom, and technologically advanced loss prevention solutions to fit a company’s specific goals and needs. Learn how PPS can help your business protect its profits! Contact PPS using the online form or by phone at 888-542-3065.