NCJ Number
178951
Journal
Journal of Security Administration Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: June 1999 Pages: 29-40
Date Published
June 1999
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Interviews of 38 shoplifters in the United Kingdom formed the basis of an analysis of how these offenders perceived various retail security approaches and whether these approaches acted as a deterrent.
Abstract
The research focused on the deterrent effects of closed-circuit television, electronic article surveillance, dye tags, store signs, security guards, and retail staff. The participants included 22 men and 16 women ages 16-46 years. Some were known to the retail company that sponsored the research; others had been caught and were on probation. Twenty-seven participants had begun shoplifting between ages 6 and 16 years; 24 shoplifted more than once a week. Many of the security approaches appeared to deter some individuals, but some participants claimed to be deterred by few security measures. The effects of the deterrents appeared to be temporary for these individuals, because they reported that they returned later and committed the theft. Findings demonstrated that most of the offenders appeared to use some form of rational choice, although their use of rational choice was limited by situational constraints or the need to fund drug or drink problems. Findings suggested that situational crime prevention measures will deter some offenders. However, more research is needed to identify the characteristics of approaches that deter. 22 references