NCJ Number
136473
Date Published
1992
Length
120 pages
Annotation
A survey of 2,000 retail stores in the Netherlands in September 1991 gathered information about the level of victimization, criminal damage, reporting to the police, preventive measures, and other reactions to crime.
Abstract
Responses came from about 1,000 retail shop owners. The analysis considered theft of merchandise and money, burglary, graffiti, vandalism, robbery, and threats of employees. Results revealed that retail shops experience higher rates of victimization than do all businesses, with 63 percent experiencing victimization compared to business victimization of 42 percent in 1988. In addition, the most common crime was theft of merchandise, followed by burglary. Theft of money is rare, but the total damage is relatively high. Vandalism is relatively common. Department stores, office supply stores, and shops for household appliances experienced the highest levels of victimization. About 10 percent of the crimes were reported to the police. The main reason for non-reporting was the view that it would be futile. Shop owners often deal with shoplifters themselves, requiring compensation or other sanctions. Inexpensive prevention measures are generally used, and little cooperation exists among shop owners to prevent crime. The rate of victimization has declined in the past 5 years, but the total damage has increased. Tables, footnotes, photographs, and list of other publications