From Optics to Outcomes: Rethinking Pushout Theft Prevention

Problem

Visible security ≠ effective prevention

Retailers invested in gates and guards to stop pushout theft. The intent was clear, but the outcomes didn’t match the optics.

What the Data Showed

Offenders adapted. Theft continued.

• 49% of pushout attempts bypassed the entrance gates
• 27% exited through self-checkout areas
• 24% went through manned or unmanned registers

Gates relied on timing, attention, and compliance, all easy to exploit.

Why Gates & Guards Fell Short

High friction. Inconsistent results.

• Affect 100% of shoppers
• Depend on human judgment and policy
• Create visibility, not certainty

Offenders waited, watched, and chose the easiest path.

What Worked – Control at the cart

Purchek® acted directly on cart behavior, not assumptions about intent.

• Low friction for paying customers
• Direct intervention for offenders
• Automated, repeatable, and measurable stops
• No confrontation. No chase.

The Impact – Real prevention protects margin and people

A single $500 pushout can require $16,000+ in sales to recover. Stopping carts protects shrink, margin, and store teams consistently.

Key Takeaway (Bottom Callout)

Real prevention does not stand at the gate. It starts at the cart.

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