NCJ Number
81796
Date Published
1981
Length
21 pages
Annotation
Data were collected from 100,671 students and 4,275 retail merchants in 38 States to determine the perceptions and attitudes of students and merchants toward shoplifting.
Abstract
Students from fifth grade through college were surveyed because a previous study had indicated that teenagers are the most likely group to be involved in shoplifting. Brief questionnaires were distributed to each group by volunteer workers such as Parent/Teacher Association personnel and Chamber of Commerce volunteers. A total of 49 percent of the students admitted that they had shoplifted at least once. Three-fifths of those who had shoplifted stated that they would continue to shoplift in the future. Most of the shoplifting was unplanned. Planned shoplifting appeared to be based on thrill-seeking and the desire to get even. Students who had shoplifted viewed authorities as being lenient with respect to prosecuting shoplifters. Only 17 percent of those who had shoplifted had been caught, and only one of eight who was caught was arrested. Less than half of those who were arrested went to court and two out of seven of those were released without a sentence or a fine. Shoplifters were less convinced of the seriousness of shoplifting than were nonshoplifters and were also more inclined to blame the stores rather than themselves for their actions. About 77 percent of the retailers acknowledged that shoplifting was a problem, while 43 percent stated that employee theft was a problem. Shoplifting's costs exceeded 6 percent of sales. In comparison to the previous year's survey, increases in shoplifting were reported by both groups surveyed. To reduce shoplifting, retailers should state and exercise a policy of prosecution. Students must be convinced that shoplifting is not worth the risks. Tables, five references, and appendixes presenting the study questionnaires are provided.