Shoplifting and law enforcement: A consideration of social factors affecting both shoplifting and the initiation of legal proceedings consequent to the offence

Abstract

The first chapter represents an attempt to put shoplifting into a historical perspective. The offence is related to the changing social, economic and legal structure of English society. The second chapter describes and accounts for the trends in criminological research with regard to shoplifting from the turn of the century until the present day. Also, the aims of the present survey are outlined and an examination of the research data is made. Following this, the main factors contributing to store shrinkage are described, and an account of amateur and professional shoplifting techniques is related. Chapters 4 and 5 contain a detailed analysis of the survey's statistical material on shoplifting. Social characteristics of shoplifters such as age, sex, and occupation are elicited from the data. Characteristics of the thefts such as when they took place, their value, etc., are also recorded. Where the survey material is lacking or insufficient, a critical examination of previous research in the relevant area is made. General store security is examined. A description is given of both mechanical methods used to catch or deter shoplifters, and those involving store detectives. Role conflict among store detectives is examined. The following chapter's theme is the false picture of shoplifting created by the official statistics. Systematic bias occurs at a number of levels before certain cases are officially recorded. Pressure is occasionally exerted on suspects to plead guilty; guilty pleas may hide minor violations of the law by enforcement agents. Finally, the conclusion is reached that, with regard to shoplifting, positivistic theory relating economic status and crime is still relevant, though somewhat unfashionable, today. But also, as an offence, shoplifting is found to have certain negative qualities and these are considered in the light of Sutherland's theory of differential association. Some likely future trends in shoplifting are outlined.