NCJ Number
95379
Date Published
1983
Length
45 pages
Annotation
Shoplifting is costly to consumers and taxpayers. Persons tempted to shoplift should take certain preventive steps to avoid succumbing to the temptation.
Abstract
The FBI defines shoplifting as a part of larceny. Basically, all shoplifters are either amateurs or professionals. Amateurs may be kleptomaniacs, housewives, vagrants, or juveniles. Professionals generally steal for a living and are most commonly interested in small, highly valued items for which they can find an easy resale market. The National Coalition to Prevent Shoplifting estimates that each American family pays about 10 cents out of each dollar they spend to cover the cost of shoplifting or shoplifting prevention. Taxpayers must also pay for shoplifting through increased taxes to cover salaries for law enforcement, court costs, and other activities associated with shoplifting cases. To prevent the temptation to shoplift, an antishoplifting plan should be worked out before any shopping trip. Ways to say 'no' to the suggestion of shoplifting are recommended. Several tests on shoplifting are included, as are newspaper accounts of what has happened to shoplifters in Alaskan jurisdictions. A glossary of terms related to shoppifting is provided, along with a 12-item bibliography.