NCJ Number
93791
Date Published
1983
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Concerted action by retailers, police, courts, and the public is the only way to reduce shoplifting.
Abstract
Retail theft is a big problem in Australia, amounting to nearly $600 million annually. Sixty percent of this theft is internal theft by employees, and 40 percent is shoplifting by customers. Internal theft is seldom referred to the police, but it can be reduced through various techniques: increased supervision of employees, checking references before hiring staff, and keeping job satisfaction high. Customer theft is more likely to involve the police because it is more public. Many young people engage in shoplifting, but it is not known whether this is just a transient phase of adolescence or the beginning of a lifelong pattern. Females do more shoplifting than males. Repeat offenses are frequent, and stronger action by retailers and the police would help. Numerous moves could reduce shoplifting: improved physical security, staff training and motivation, community education programs, and legal remedies. Although the absence of solid research data makes it impossible to evaluate these activities, Australian retailers appreciate the importance of a concerted effort to combat shoplifting. They are now approaching the problem seriously. Three tables and 22 footnotes are provided.