NCJ Number
83498
Date Published
1978
Length
44 pages
Annotation
Information from the literature, personal interviews, and official records formed the basis of this analysis of the extent and nature of shoplifting nationally and in Washington State and recommendations for a shoplifting prevention program for the State.
Abstract
Although retail losses have dropped during the last 8 years from their earlier peaks, reports of shoplifting are still low. Increases in apprehensions of shoplifters have resuled from retailers' attitude changes, increased customer volume, and larger numbers of security officers. About 90 percent of the population has probably shoplifted at some time, and 1 in every 50 customers in west coast stores is probably a shoplifter. In Washington State, shoplifting losses amounted to $16 per resident annually. Most loss is passed on to customers in the form of 1 percent to 2 percent price increases. Peak shoplifting activity parallels peak sales seasons and hours. Items commonly stolen include clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, records, toys, liquor, meat, and cigarettes. The three basic shoplifting techniques are concealment, subterfuge, and grabbing and running. Most shoplifters are amateurs, and four-fifths are under age 30. Motivations include stress, boredom, impulsiveness, and antisocial attitudes. The highest priorities of a prevention program for Washington should be a school program for fourth to sixth grades, training sessions for retail staff, a poster campaign, provision of information to all judges and prosecutors' offices, a training session for crime prevention officers, and a media advertising campaign. The prevention program should define shoplifting as wrong and as a crime. Advertising should be aimed at young and female shoppers. Tables and 49 references are provided.