Loss Prevention Asset Protection Jobs

Companies are faced with narrowing profit margins in today’s economy. A reduction in transportation costs, buying at lower wholesale prices, reducing overhead costs and operating with fewer employees are several ways companies are addressing this issue. But often this is still not enough to satisfy stockholders and board members. Company executives may request loss prevention and asset protection methods be employed. In today’s economy, this is a lucrative career choice. 

The term loss prevention refers to most methods utilized to reduce business losses. This position would require people skills and accounting knowledge. Loss prevention and asset protection careers also require an analytical personality type. There are several career opportunities in this field including:  

• Employment in a Loss Prevention and Asset Protection Company –  A company might prefer not to hire a full-time employee and pay a salary plus benefits. Instead this company might contract these duties out to a loss prevention and asset protection company. This company will assist a business to increase profit through paperwork audits, investigations of theft and loss, conduct employee awareness meetings, set-up abuse hotlines for anonymous calls, policy and procedure development and mystery shoppers. 


• Store Detective or Security – Giant retail conglomerates hire store detective teams to monitor for employee and consumer theft. Store cameras are often placed in strategic locations throughout the store. One detective may watch the camera monitor, while another detective dresses as a shopper and walks around the store. It may be necessary for the detective to carry a gun and apprehend shoplifters. Store detectors are often requested to complete paperwork and testify in court.


• Loss Prevention Officers or Asset Protection Agents – These agents are hired to focus on investigating check and credit fraud, embezzlement, merchandise pilferage and shoplifting.