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Empirical Analysis of Retail Entrepreneurs' Approaches to Prevent Shoplifting

NCJ Number
236383
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2011 Pages: 269-282
Author(s)
Sami Kajalo; Arto Lindblom
Date Published
2011
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study explored shoplifting in retail stores in Finland.
Abstract
This study investigates what kinds of approaches are used by the retail entrepreneurs in order to prevent shoplifting in their stores. The present study utilizes elements of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) in its theoretical approach. The population for the study consisted of 946 Finnish K-retail entrepreneurs. The data collection was carried out through an Internet survey in February and March of 2009. A total of 161 retailers filled in the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 17 percent. This study provides several interesting findings. First, retail entrepreneurs use four means of preventing shoplifting: Attractiveness of the Premises, Ease of Surveillance, Formal Surveillance, and Social Control. Moreover, this study revealed that retail entrepreneurs be categorized according to the use of CPTED-based approaches in their stores. The groups are: retail entrepreneurs preferring ease of surveillance, retail entrepreneurs preferring formal surveillance, retail entrepreneurs preferring informal surveillance, and retail entrepreneurs preferring social control. (Published Abstract)