NCJ Number
144597
Date Published
1993
Length
27 pages
Annotation
An experiment designed to evaluate the effectiveness of crime analysis and situational prevention in deterring shoplifting revealed the benefits of electronic tagging, the short-lived effectiveness of store redesign, and the ineffectiveness of uniformed guards.
Abstract
The experiment focused on electrical stores in the United Kingdom that specialize in stereos, video records, televisions, and domestic appliances. Of 29 stores studied, the following items were shoplifted: audiotapes (11 percent), videotapes (15 percent), films (14 percent), headphones (24 percent), and small domestic appliances (4 percent). The shoplifting prevention experiment evaluated the effectiveness of electronic tagging, store redesign, and the use of uniformed guards. Shoplifting was measured by repeatedly counting specific items each day and by detecting the disappearance of items that could not otherwise be explained. Measurements were performed during the week before the intervention, the week after, and 3 to 6 weeks later. Electronic tagging caused a significant decrease in shoplifting. Store redesign also reduced shoplifting, but the benefits of this approach did not prevail over time. Using uniformed guards had no significant effect on shoplifting. A program of research focusing on crime analysis and situational prevention of shoplifting is recommended. 39 references and 5 tables