Shoplifting

Shoplifting is theft of merchandise for sale in a shop, store, or other retail establishment, usually by a would-be patron or customer. It is one of the most common crimes that police and the courts deal with.

Economic Impact and Response from Shops

Retailers claim it has significant effect on their bottom line, stating that about 0.6% of all inventory disappears to shoplifters. In 2001 it was claimed that shoplifting costs US retailers $25 million a day. Other observers, however, believe industry shoplifting numbers to be greatly exaggerated. Studies have found that over half of what is reported as shoplifting is either employee theft or fraud. Perpetrators often justify shoplifting as a "victimless crime".

Related Topics:
2001 - Employee theft or fraud - Victimless crime

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Companies have introduced many technologies to combat shoplifting. Many stores have video cameras filming all areas of the store; larger stores are often are patrolled by undercover investigators. Security devices are often affixed to products that set off alarms at the store exit if they are not deactivated by a cashier.

Related Topics:
Undercover investigators - Security devices

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