Shoplifting Resources

1. "Colorblind Collaring: Avoid retail racism in your efforts to nab shoplifters and serve customers," by Steven C. Bahls and Jane Easter Bahls. Entrepreneur magazine, May 2001. http://www.entrepreneur.com/Magazines/MA_SegArticle/0,1539,288715----1-,00.html
   
   
2. Shoplifting: Racial Profiling, by Chris E. McGoey, the Crime Doctor
   (Argues that profiling customers on the basis of "conduct" is a good security practice, but that profiling on the basis of "color" is not. Included are a small number of suggestions relating to hiring, training, and supervision).
   
   
3. Australian Institute of Criminology, Preventing Retail Crime, by Susan Geason and Paul R. Wilson, 1992
   (Examines how situational crime prevention can be used in department and speciality stores, supermarkets, and malls to combat shoplifting. Includes case studies.)
   
   
4. British Home Office, Crime Reduction Unit, Preventing customer theft -- a guide for retailers. 2000
   (Gives a list of the main types of shoplifters, and provides a number of prevention suggestions in the areas of staff training, working with others, and physical security.)
   
   
5. U.S. Small Business Administration, Reducing Shoplifting Losses, by Addison H. Verrill.
   (This guide contains practical advice on how to spot, deter, apprehend, and prosecute shoplifters.)
   
   
6. Shoplifting, by Chris E. McGoey, the Crime Doctor
   (Discusses the costs of shoplifting, typical shoplifters, and prevention measures. Also links to other pages concerning detention and arrest of shoplifters.)
   
   
7. Security Management, Shoplifter Shakedown? by Michael Gips
   (This short article argues that collecting on civil recovery claims while a shoplifter is in custody may expose a store to accusations of extortion.)
   
   
8. Centre for Retailing Research, Electronic Data Tags
   (Discusses the main types of tags, range of applications for tags, and issues concerning the adoption of tags by retailers.)
   
   
9. Retailer News, Dealing With Shoplifters--Source Tagging Will Save the Retailer $$$, by Robert L. DiLonardo
   (This article argues for the adoption of electronic article surveillance (EAS) source tagging in the apparel business.)
   
   
10. Retailer News, The Financial Impact of Shoplifting, by Robert L. DiLonardo
    (Using an example from a men's apparel store, this article shows how devastating shoplifting can be to a store's profitability.)
    
    
11. Automotive Marketing Online, Grand Theft Auto Parts, by Teresa Piemonte
    (This is a very thorough article addressing shoplifting in auto parts stores, but its main points apply to most retail businesses. Issues discussed include the most common times shoplifting occurs, how staffing levels affect shoplifting, what products are most attractive to thieves, and civil recovery.)
    
    
12. The Art of Shoplifting, by Carmen Lawrence
    (This is a shoplifter's "step-by-step" guide for other shoplifters. It explains how to make sure no one is following or watching you, the use of "blind-spots," refund and exchange fraud, and general shoplifting techniques. It has been banned in Australia.)
    
    
13. Department of Textile and Apparel Management, University of Missouri-Columbia, Hometown Business: We All Pay the Costs -- Stop the Shoplifters, by Sharon Stevens and Betty Feather, 1993.
    (This thorough guide for retailers includes a breakdown of types of shoplifters, shoplifting techniques, and prevention strategies.)
    
    
14. Texas STEP, Shoplifting of Tobacco: What Retailers Can Do to Prevent It
    (This short article discusses the practice of "slotting" shelf space for cigarettes and how it makes shoplifting much easier. Simple prevention techniques are provided.)
    
    
15. UNISEN, Retail User's Manual
    (This manual, designed for users of Unisen theft deterrent products, contains good information about what you should do if a customer sets off an alarm in your store. The guidelines are appropriate for users of any electronic theft deterrent system.)
    
    
16. Witherspoon Security and Consulting, Shoplifting -- Detention and Use of Force
    (This describes "best practice" for the proper handling of shoplifting incidents by security personnel. It comes from the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC).)
    
    
17. How Stuff Works, How Anti-shoplifting Devices Work
    (This fascinating article examines the variety of anti-shoplifting devices being used by retail businesses and how these systems and devices work.)
    
    
18. CCTV Information, Retail Shrinkage, by Robyn Sones
    (This page from a larger website on CCTV includes an interesting table showing average rates of shrinkage for types of retail establishments, as well as shrinkage as a percentage of profit.)
    
    

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