U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

COPING WITH SHOPLIFTERS

NCJ Number
11605
Author(s)
K M ROGERS
Date Published
Unknown
Length
32 pages
Annotation
PAMPHLET DESCRIBING OPERATING METHODS, PREVENTIVE AND COUNTER MEASURES, APPREHENSION, PROSECUTION, AND TRIAL PREPARATION.
Abstract
CATEGORIES OF SHOPLIFTERS DISCUSSED IN THIS BOOKLET INCLUDE THE AMATEUR, THE JUVENILE, THE PROFESSIONAL, THE KLEPTOMANIAC, AND THE ADDICT. THE ARTICLE INDICATES THE LOCATIONS IN THE STORE AND TIMES WHEN SHOPLIFTING OCCURS, BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS THAT DESERVE INCREASED ATTENTION, MECHANICAL DEVISES USED IN SHOPLIFTING, AND WAYS IN WHICH ACCOMPLICES FACILITATE SHOPLIFTING. AREAS TO CONSIDER IN DETERRING SHOPLIFTING ARE COURTEOUS ATTENTION TO CUSTOMERS BY SALESPEOPLE, EASILY SUPERVISED DISPLAY ARRANGEMENTS, SUFFICIENT STAFFING AT RUSH SEASONS, PROFESSIONAL SECURITY STAFF, MIRRORS AND ONE-WAY VIEWING WINDOWS. SALESPERSONS SHOULD KNOW THE PRICE OF MERCHANDISE TO AVOID TICKET SWITCHING, AND BE AWARE OF MERCHANDISE WHICH HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN LISTED AS STOLEN. ALTERNATIVES TO APPREHENSION ARE NOTED. THE AUTHOR STATES THAT WHEN IN DOUBT, IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO ERR ON THE SIDE OF SAFETY IN ORDER TO AVOID SUIT OR UNFAVORABLE PUBLICITY. GUIDELINES FOR INTERROGATION INCLUDE A SAMPLE CASE HISTORY FORM. ALSO DISCUSSED ARE POST-TRIAL PROCEDURES, AND RECOVERY AND RESTITUTION.