NCJ Number
93595
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 24 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1984) Pages: 63-73
Date Published
1984
Length
11 pages
Annotation
In this study, two observers watched 503 shoppers in a small department store in a southeastern English city and found that almost 2 percent took items for which they did not pay. A higher percentage of men than women shoplifted.
Abstract
The study was carried out during 3 consecutive weeks in August 1981. The 503 shoppers were randomly chosen from those entering the store. For each person followed, the observers recorded that date and day; the time of entry into and exit from the store; the total cost of all purchases made; and the sex, race, and estimated age of the person and of any companions. The observers made a detailed account of the behavior of anyone who shoplifted. Nine of the 503 customers took at least one item without paying for it. None of the shoplifters were apprehended by store detectives. Shoplifting was most frequent among those estimated to be aged over 55. None of the 24 shoppers thought to be juveniles took anything. Research methodology concerns are discussed. Two tables and 25 references are included.