NCJ Number
188736
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 13 Issue: 4 Dated: 2000 Pages: 19-33
Date Published
2000
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The study reported in this article used a consumer-behavior research method to investigate British consumers' attitude toward shoplifting, the effectiveness of retail security measures, and the factors that encourage or inhibit customer theft.
Abstract
Northampton was selected for the study, because researchers believed it to be typical of a medium-sized, local shopping area in terms of the demographic characteristics and spending patterns of the local population, and it contains a good mix of both multiple and independent retailers. To ensure that the sample was representative of shopping activity in Northampton, the questionnaires were distributed on each day of the week over a two-week period to consumers using the central shopping district, a suburban shopping center, and two "out-of-town" superstores. Of the 417 consumers surveyed, 32 percent admitted to shoplifting behavior, with 7 percent having shoplifted within the previous 12 months. The behavior of the current shoplifters was influenced by their pro-shoplifting attitudes; a lack of moral concerns about the behavior; social influence; and their perception that shoplifting is a low-risk, low-cost crime. Recommendations are offered as to how the attitudes of shoplifters can be changed and thus increase perceptions of the risks and costs of shoplifting. 1 figure, 9 tables, and 33 notes