RATES OF BYSTANDER OBSERVATION AND REPORTING OF CONTRIVED SHOPLIFTING INCIDENTS

• NCJ Number: 8275
• Journal: Criminology Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: (NOVEMBER 1972) Pages: 247-267
• Author(s): D P HARTMANN; D M GELFAND
• Date Published: 1972
• Length: 21 pages
• Corporate Author: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

EXPERIMENT IN WHICH BLATANT SHOPLIFTING WAS ENACTED TO DISCOVER DETECTION AND REPORTING RATES AMONG SHOPPERS WITH DIFFERENT BACKGROUND CHARACTERISTICS.

Abstract

THERE WAS A SUPRISINGLY LOW RATE OF DETECTION AMONG CUSTOMERS OF EVEN THE MOST BUMBLING SHOPLIFTER. AMONG THOSE WHO DID OBSERVE THE STAGED SHOPLIFTING, THERE WAS GREAT RELUCTANCE TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE SHOPLIFTER, ESPECIALLY IN WOMEN. REPORTING RATES ARE GIVEN FOR SHOPPERS BY SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, SEX, AGE, AND PLACE OF RESIDENCE. SEVERAL SUGGESTIONS ARE OFFERED TO MERCHANTS FOR ENLISTING THE AID OF THEIR CUSTOMERS AGAINST SHOPLIFTING.