For boutique owners, the best defense against theft is a combination of high-quality surveillance technology, trained security personnel, and a strict "call the police" policy. While the loss of "new" inventory is frustrating, the legal and reputational cost of a vigilante incident—like those described in sensationalist headlines—is far higher than the price of any garment.
In many countries, the use of force and humiliation as a means of punishment is strictly prohibited. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, for example, states that "no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment." For boutique owners, the best defense against theft