Cannabis Customer Diversion Awareness

Cannabis Customer Diversion Awareness

Customer diversion can occur at any retailer, and cannabis dispensaries are not immune. Though the increased security systems and procedures in place at a cannabis retailer make theft extremely difficult, those seeking to steal may still be attracted by the high-value cannabis. Like any business, customer diversion at a cannabis retailer could be as simple as an act of shoplifting, or it could be part of a greater organized crime operation. Regardless of reason, there are many steps that cannabis retailers can take to prevent shoplifting and organized cannabis theft.

Preventing Customer Diversion

Cannabis business owners can greatly reduce the risk of shoplifting by removing opportunities for customers to steal cannabis. This can be accomplished by only storing cannabis in the retail area in locked display cases or tethered sample pods. In addition to locking cannabis within locked displays, cannabis business owners may also use sample “dummy” products that appear to be real, but the packaging contains cotton or some other filler instead of cannabis.

There is more of a risk of shoplifting occurring at a cannabis business that stores cannabis products in the retail area where customers have access. In these locations, cannabis business owners should ensure that employees are well-trained on the signs of shoplifting and customer diversion tactics. Refresher training should be offered annually, as well as before major holidays, such as Black Friday.

The layout of the facility and placement of security devices are also crucial to deterring shoplifters. Cannabis business owners can effectively reduce the risk of shoplifting by ensuring that there are no blind spots in the facility, either out of sight of employees or video cameras, that shoplifters could abuse to divert cannabis. The video surveillance system should be of sufficient quality to identify each employee and customer on the premises.

Even if cannabis and cannabis products in the retail area are secured, customers may attempt to steal non-cannabis items, such as lighters, sweatshirts, paraphernalia, or other merchandise. In addition to training, preventing blind spots in the layout, and implementing advanced security systems, cannabis business owners should ensure that access to the retail area is well-regulated. This prevents the number of customers in the retail area from exceeding the number of assigned employees and can be facilitated through the use of a lobby or waiting room to check in customers. 

Preventing Organized Crime

Organized crime is a global problem and can be problematic for retailers and non-retailers across multiple industries. In retail, organized crime often occurs through planned thefts or robberies and can cause businesses to incur substantial losses. Preventing organized crime in a cannabis retailer is a similar process to many other “high-risk” retailers and there are many steps that business owners can take to protect their business.

Cannabis business owners should strategically set up their business so that it is easy for employees and video surveillance to track customers throughout the dispensary, as well as ensuring that no shelving, displays, or other elements create blind spots. Using an age verification system that confirms that the customer is of legal age and checks for excessive purchases, is another way to prevent organized crime from operating out of the business disguised as customers. 

How Can Sapphire Risk Help?

Tony Gallo and the team at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group has over 30 years of security experience and expertise. Schedule a risk assessment with our security experts to ensure your cannabis security is efficient and effective. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with current cannabis security news and trends!