NCJ Number
74730
Date Published
1980
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This guide outlines a program for combating shoplifting which covers the extent of the crime; organizing the community against it; educating the public, especially youth; and gaining the cooperation of the criminal justice system and retailers.
Abstract
Business loses $8 billion to shoplifting every year, and 5 cents out of every consumer dollar is spent for shoplifting losses or prevention. Shoplifting prevention is described as the cooperation of retailers, the police, the courts, and consumers to stiffen lax prosecution of shoplifting; education of young people; and communication of the facts about shoplifting. An outline of shoplifting information includes survey responses of young people and retailers concerning shoplifting and shoplifting law. A plan to organize a community coalition to prevent shoplifting lists various community groups to contact and suggests some initial organizing step. The guide discusses an antishoplifting campaign that includes gaining community support, developing a plan of action entailing a statement of the problem, outlining the responsiblities of organizations involved, and evaluating the program for its effect on the incidence and public awareness of shoplifting. Components of an effective campaign will include surveying students about shoplifting attitudes (since most shoplifters are youths); surveying retailers about shoplifting losses and prevention; sponsoring a wide variety of youth education programs, such as field trips and lectures; educating adults about the impact of the crime; and engaging help of the police, the courts, and the media. Questionnaires and footnotes are included.