When it comes to retail loss prevention, it is safe to say that:

Though backpacks and bags might cause concern, 'people wearing bulky clothes on a sunny day' speaks for itself. So keep a close watch! Shoplifters always try to conceal items! Keep tabs on: ✓ Bulky clothing (coats, pants, maternity outfits) is often used to hide merchandise. ✓ Packages, bags, backpacks, and purses are possible hiding places. ✓ Special props include hollowed-out books, fake casts, umbrellas, secret pockets, belts, or hooks undercoats. ✓ Folded newspapers or magazines can be used to hide small or flat items. ✓ Customer's hands — and their pockets, purses, handkerchiefs. ✓ Open packages, purses, shopping bags, backpacks. Just don't put the cart before the horse! Don't forget that not everyone matching any of these characteristics means they are shoplifters. Make sure that you and your co-workers are watching the store like a hawk. Sometimes there's just so much you can do!

Reference: Shoplifting & Internal Theft Prevention - Crime and Violence Prevention Center • California Attorney General’s Office Photo by Marie-Michèle Bouchard on Unsplash