NCJ Number
103831
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: (1986) Pages: 205-211
Date Published
1986
Length
9 pages
Annotation
One-hundred and one shoplifters, referred for psychological assessment through probation services in the metropolitan Toronto area over a 4-year period, were divided into three categories by the use of an economic situation and actual goods stolen: shoplifting for profit and two levels of 'non-sensical' shoplifting (shoplifting not obviously motivated by need or desire.
Abstract
It is the general consensus that most shoplifters are not persons with serious emotional problems, but instead are economically disadvantaged persons engaged in theft for profit or gain. A small percentage, however, steal things they neither need or want, seeking no financial gain. Comparisons of the groups are made on demographic and relevant background information, psychosocial stress factors immediately prior to the offense, and general psychological profile. The 'non-sensical' shoplifter has a greater chance of being older, married, foreign-born, adopted, having experienced an unusual childhood stress, and being depressed and socially isolated in comparison to other shoplifters. In general, shoplifters are more likely to be female. Stress factors over time in certain individuals was offered as one interpretation of the findings. 1 table and 11 references. (Author abstract modified)