Shoplifting

Original publisher: [Washington, D.C.] : U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, [2002] OCLC Number: (OCoLC)50036420 Subject: Shoplifting -- United States -- Prevention. Excerpt: ... The Problem of Shoplifting 3 police to take some kind of preventive action, usually in the form of increased presence or patrols. This may be of little deterrent value, since shoplifting takes place inside the store, † British retailers, in particular, have away from police view. Consequently, this guide focuses on sought to avoid the term other preventive actions police might take. In many cases, " shoplifting " on grounds that it suggests a less serious form of theft. their most important task is to persuade store owners and They prefer " shop theft. " However, managers to improve their security. This is difficult, because " shoplifting " has been in use since many retailers believe that the police should protect them the 17th century ( Walsh 1978 ). from dishonest people, people who should be caught and † † † Studies of criminal sanctioning punished. As mentioned, others are content to ignore the have consistently failed to show any 3 problem until it seriously affects profits. Whatever the clear deterrent effects. In regard to shoplifting, the chances of getting reasons, the police may have an uphill task convincing retailers caught are so low, and the risks of that their sales practices and lack of security may be severe punishment so small, that most researchers believe offenders contributing to the problem. pay little attention to the possible costs ( Bamfield 1997; Burrows 1988 ). Faced with these attitudes, it is tempting for police to wash their hands of shoplifting and let the shops bear the consequences. But there are many reasons why this may be shortsighted, including the following: • Shoplifting is often regarded as an entry crime, from which juveniles graduate to more serious offenses. • Shoplifting can be said to fuel the drug trade,...