Which of the following is a method to engage customers and reduce theft?

Asking customers if they need assistance is an effective method to engage customers and reduce theft due to the direct interaction created between staff and shoppers. When employees approach customers and offer help, it not only enhances the customer service experience but also acts as a deterrent to potential theft. Thieves are less likely to act when they feel they are being observed or when they know that staff are actively engaged with customers, making them less likely to engage in suspicious behavior.

In contrast, sending automated emails primarily focuses on online engagement and communication, which has little impact on in-store experiences or loss prevention. Offering free samples can enhance customer engagement by allowing consumers to try products, but it does not directly address the issue of theft. Positioning products at the back of the store may influence customer behavior by making them walk further into the store, potentially increasing sales, but it does not inherently engage customers or create a presence that can deter theft in the same way that personalized assistance does.