The clerks behind the counter should be friendly, attentive, and properly attired. Attentive and neat-looking clerks frighten off the casual shoplifter. Care should be taken, however, not to hire intimidating clerks since this may drive off honest customers. Flat wall mirrors, which cause little or no distortion, should be installed. They give a full view of the shop and enable the viewer to see shoplifters pocketing small items.
Video cameras are useful for larger stores.
Since real video surveillance cameras are expensive, facsimiles may be used. The decoy cameras, however, must be identical in appearance to real cameras in order to deter shoplifters. Wholesalers often have specialized expertise in space allocation and store design which can be utilized by retailers in eliminating self-service racks and displays of tobacco products and putting these products behind the counter or in locked cases. In addition, care should be taken to avoid purchasing stolen tobacco. The professional shoplifter sells cartons for lower than normal prices.