Shoplifting in Supermarkets, Drug Stores - Discount Stores Commercial Service Systems Annual Report, 21st

• NCJ Number: 93954
• Author(s): R Griffin
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 23 pages
• Corporate Author: Commercial Service Systems, Inc
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Report (Annual/Periodic)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This 1983 data on shoplifting in supermarkets, drug stores, and discount stores are derived from written reports submitted by clients of the Commercial Service Systems, Inc., with 95 percent of the cases occurring in California and the other 5 percent in other western States.

Abstract

Following the description of a method for estimating shoplifting losses, 1983 shoplifting losses are estimated for supermarkets. The average number of items recovered and the average value of merchandise recovered are reported per apprehension for the three types of stores. Separate information is provided in the aforementioned areas for items taken by adult males, adult females, total adults, total juveniles, total male juveniles, and total female juveniles. Data are also provided on the number of cases in which 1-25 items were recovered, the value range of merchandise recovered (number of cases within each value range), shoplifters referred to police (adults prosecuted and juveniles referred), time of day when apprehension occurred, the sex of the offender (adults and juveniles), the month and day when apprehension occurred, age of shoplifter, number of shoplifters under age 30, the increase in cigarette thefts, the value of merchandise recovered (total value and cigarettes as percentage of total), categories of merchandise recovered, and methods of concealment. Shoplifting data for 1972-83 are reported for the three types of stores in the following areas: number of cases, percent of adults prosecuted, percent of juveniles referred to police, day when most were apprehended (also month and time period), age group most often apprehended, percent under age 30, ratio of male-female apprehensions, percent concealed in pocket-purse or under clothing, average number of articles recovered, and the average value of merchandise recovered. Also included are memoranda on limiting civil liability in shoplifting cases and a new option for dealing with shoplifters provided under an amendment to Section 490.5 of the California Penal Code.