Preventing Shoplifting

The nonpartisan Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on timely topics worthy of public consideration. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders.

The text below is an excerpt from the complete document. Read the full guide in PDF format.

Abstract

This guide is designed to provide merchants and retailers with a framework for understanding the underlying causes of their shoplifting problems and developing effective strategies to reduce shoplifting. It describes ways in which data on shoplifting can be collected and analyzed; helps readers identify and close off opportunities for shoplifting; and provides guidance on measuring the impact of those strategies. The guide offers an array of shoplifting prevention strategies that may prove effective, including: conducting employee bag checks at the end of each shift; partnering with local schools on anti-truancy efforts; increasing visible security guard presence during after-school hours; and tightening inventory control protocols. This guide is one in a series of six crime prevention publications that prescribe public/private problem solving partnerships to prevent crime.

Understanding Shoplifting

It is difficult for any business to fully understand its shoplifting problem. Losses from shoplifting, employee theft, and damaged goods are often labeled together as “shrinkage.” This section identifies common shoplifting patterns and explains why it is important for businesses to address this crime.

Shoplifting Patterns Shoplifting is usually a crime of opportunity perpetrated by regular customers, particularly juvenile males, and is sometimes considered a gateway for juveniles into the criminal justice system.

TIME. Shoplifting tends to occur after school hours, in the late morning, and during busy retail days (Wednesday through Saturday). Peak seasons for shoplifting are around winter holidays and when school is out of session.

LOCATION. Businesses that open to the street, rather than into a mall, may be at greater risk, as are shops with physical layouts that do not permit easy surveillance across all aisles. Shoplifting tends to be more problematic for businesses located near city centers, high-traffic areas, schools, and areas of concentrated low-income residents. Smaller retailers, especially those without any organized security precautions, are also at greater risk of shoplifting.

MERCHANDISE. Retailers specializing in “hot” merchandise are particularly vulnerable to theft. The acronym “CRAVED” highlights attributes of “hot items” (see sidebar). “Hot” merchandise for shoplifters includes tobacco products, CDs, video games, earrings, birth control products, decongestants, or brandname clothing and footware. Products such as cigarettes and single serving alcoholic beverages are susceptible to shoplifting by minors because they are unable to purchase them legally. Birth control products, such as condoms or pregnancy tests, are vulnerable because shoplifters are too embarrassed to purchase these items.

(End of excerpt. The entire guide is available in PDF format.)

The nonpartisan Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on timely topics worthy of public consideration. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders.

Usage, posting and reprint of materials on the UI web site:

Most publications may be downloaded free of charge from the web site in PDF format. This information may be used and copies made for research, academic, policy or other non-commercial purposes. Proper attribution is required.

Copyright of the written materials contained within the Urban Institute website is owned or controlled by the Urban Institute. Posting UI research papers on other websites is permitted subject to prior approval from the Urban Institute—contact paffairs@urban.org.

If you are unable to access or print the PDF document please contact us or call the Publications Office at (202) 261-5687.