NCJ Number
76611
Journal
Criminology and Penology Abstracts Volume: 20 Issue: 6 Dated: (November/December 1980) Pages: 639-642
Date Published
1980
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A brief survey of 240 shoppers in four shopping centers in England found that most customers were aware of security devices but few found them offensive and that many shoppers were willing to report shoplifters.
Abstract
Most of the sample were women, although a sizeable number of men and a range of ages were included. Results show little general opposition to most forms of security devices. However, some concern was expressed about the use of closed circuit televisions, suggesting that their use may discourage a minority of potential shoplifters. The shoppers were also questioned regarding their willingness to report various types of people for shoplifting in the case of either low-valued or expensive items. Results show that the value of the item involved in a theft seems to be a much more significant determinant of preparedness to report than in that people expressed more concern over thefts of expensive items. However, respondents were more lenient toward and tramps for both the low-value and expensive items. Two tables and two references are included.