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GREENSBORO — Area loss-prevention officers are ready to tackle the holidays — one shoplifter at a time.

They drew up a game plan earlier this month.

They talked strategy, and they shared crime-prevention tips.

“We are sharing information to become better educated and prepared for any incident we may have,” said Victor Johnson, public safety director at Four Seasons Town Centre.

He led a meeting of about 20 loss-prevention officers recently.

“We have methods of doing things that other stores may not and vice versa.

“We are all working to refine our loss-prevention strategies.”

It’s an approach officers in the Greensboro Police Department hope will catch on with other retailers.

“They aren’t talking about grandma coming in to filch knitting needles,” Capt. Chris Walker said.

“They are talking about 'We had three TVs taken out in a grab and run.’ ”

Walker said getting retailers to share information about suspects helps detectives break up shoplifting rings and can lead to savings for shoppers.

“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime ... when Walmart loses money, you and I ultimately pay for it when we go shopping.”

Authorities are also trying to prevent fraud this holiday season and to remind shoppers to remain aware of their surroundings, especially in the checkout line.

Some tips include not flashing your credit card in line; keep it in your hands with the numbers covered until it’s time to swipe and put it back in your wallet immediately.

If the cashier needs to see the card to compare your card signature to that on your receipt or to swipe it, make sure you get the card back.

Counterfeiters also prey on cashiers dealing with long lines of customers and consumers juggling purchases and shopping lists, according to the U.S. Secret Service.

Agents remind shoppers to look over their change before leaving the store — not only to ensure they get the proper amount in return, but also to make sure they don’t receive a counterfeit bill.

The agency also asks that shoppers be mindful of criminals attempting to steal or use stolen credit cards or store gift cards.

Retailers are urged to compare credit card signatures to photo IDs.

“Technology has forever changed the way we do business, making everyday financial transactions a prime target for fraud,” said Curtis D. High, agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Greensboro office.

Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7077 or ryan.seals@news-record.com