NCJ Number
66699
Date Published
1980
Length
0 pages
Annotation
INTENDED AS A SHOPLIFTING DETERRENT, THIS FILM EXPLORES AND EXPLODES SIX SHOPLIFTING MYTHS. IT IS DESIGNED FOR SCHOOLS, PTA'S AND OTHER CIVIC GROUPS, STORE EMPLOYEES, AND POLICE.
Abstract
DRAMATIZED SCENES EXAMINE SIX MYTHS OF SHOPLIFTING: (1) THAT NO ONE IS VICTIMIZED; (2) THAT NO ONE GETS CAUGHT; (3) THAT IF YOU GET CAUGHT, NOTHING HAPPENS; (4) THAT NO GETS ARRESTED; (5) THAT IF YOU GET ARRESTED, THE ARREST DOESN'T STAY ON YOUR RECORD; AND (6) THAT ONCE THE INCIDENT IS OVER, IT'S OVER FOR GOOD. THE FILM EMPHASIZES THAT SHOPLIFTING DOES HURT PEOPLE BY CAUSING RETAIL STORE LOSSES OF OVER $2 BILLION ANNUALLY THAT ARE PASED ON TO THE CONSUMER AS HIGHER PRICES. THE FILM ALSO SHOWS THE APPREHENSION OF A YOUNG BOY WHO STEALS A RECORD TAPE IN THE BELIEF THAT NO ONE EVER GETS CAUGHT. THE BOY'S PARENTS ARE CALLED BY THE STORE SECURITY OFFICER. IN SIMILAR SCENES COUNTERACTING THE SHOPLIFTING MYTHS, A JUDGE TELLS A YOUNG MAN HIS SHOPLIFTING ARREST WILL REMAIN ON HIS RECORD AND AN EMPLOYER TURNS DOWN A PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEE AFTER FINDING THAT SHE WAS CAUGHT SHOPLIFTING. THE FILM STATES THAT SHOPLIFTERS WHO CONTINUE WILL EVENTUALLY GET CAUGHT BECAUSE OF MORE EFFECTIVE EXIT CONTROLS, ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, AND ALERT SECURITY PERSONNEL. A MEETING GUIDE WITH DISCUSSION SUGGESTIONS IS INCLUDED. (AOP)