Shoplifting - A Life & Death Problem

[May K. Toney]

Shoplifting a life-and-death
problem for bookstores


By Ayako Oguni
Mainichi Shimbun

March 24, 2003



For many struggling bookstores, shoplifting can be the last straw that breaks the stores financially. But the damage that theft causes for stores is often underestimated publicly, and in extreme cases, people have even heaped criticism on the people who have caught shoplifters -- like in one incident in Kawasaki earlier this year.

The case involved a third-year junior high school student who was caught stealing six comic books at a secondhand bookstore in Kawasaki on January 21. When the store alerted police, the boy tried to make a getaway, but while he was escaping, he ran into the path of a train and was killed.

Some people harshly criticized the storeowner for the store's actions afterwards, calling him a "murderer" and protesting that the boy was "merely shoplifting." But Kinya Shimazaki, president of the Bunkyodo bookstore chain and a strong opponent of shoplifting says that incidents like this are forcing stores into bankruptcy. He says a tough stance needs to be adopted.

"At our stores, we report shoplifters to police even if they are only elementary school students," Shimazaki says. "This is to make them understand the seriousness of crime.

"If someone is caught shoplifting, we don't quietly take them to a police box, or have a police officer come in through the back door. We have a uniformed police officer come in through the front door and then we hand the shoplifter over to him. We try to reduce the damage from shoplifting by making our firm stance widely known."

Some may argue that contacting the parents of young shoplifters is sufficient to deal with their crimes, but Shimazaki says that this doesn't work nowadays because of the attitude that the parents often adopt.

"When we contact parents and have them come to the store, some of them suddenly take the offensive and angrily say, 'It's only shoplifting,' or 'You just want us to pay the money, right?' This is the case for about 80 percent of parents. You can't always trust in the parents to properly teach their children."

Shimazaki's low tolerance toward shoplifters goes back a long way -- it was shoplifting, in fact, that got him into the book business in the first place.

"The reason I quit my job at a bank about 30 years ago and started helping out at the bookstore my father run was because the shop was on the brink of going into bankruptcy because of shoplifting," Shimazaki explains. "At the time our store measured about 33 square meters. We employed several part-time workers and when we had one staff member follow each customer that came into the store, we caught about 40 shoplifters in one month. However, most of them were adults and there were hardly any children. That's completely different now. Now a lot of shoplifting is from minors, including junior high school and high school students."

He says shoplifting has been a life-and-death problem for bookstores since long ago, and 'shoplifting bankruptcies' are an everyday occurrence. "If the shoplifting rate reaches 1 percent of all the books a store handles, it won't be able to survive. Shoplifting is one of the main reasons that year by year, about 5 percent of the nation's bookstores go out of business. At our 235 stores, shoplifting costs us about 400 million yen a year. Nationwide, the financial damage to bookstores is estimated at between 20 billion and 30 billion yen a year."

Shimazaki says that the type of thefts has become worse recently.

"In the past, there were a lot of cases where shoplifters would steal one or two books that they wanted to read, but recently people are stealing dozens of books so they can sell them."

A lot of the stolen books are passed on to "new secondhand-book stores" -- stores that sell secondhand books in new condition, says Shimazaki.

"When a new secondhand-book store appears, there is a tendency for shoplifting to increase at the other bookstores in the area," he says. "When the shoplifters are caught, they are usually found with expensive books and photo collections that they normally wouldn't read themselves. The books are sold to new secondhand-book stores that offer to buy them at high prices. These shoplifters will steal an entire series of a comic book. If there is just one book missing, they won't be able to sell the goods at a high price."

In some cases, says Shimazaki, book slips that are usually removed when the books are sold are still attached to the items in new secondhand-book stores, clearly indicating that they have been stolen.

Security labels are one way that some stores have countered the problem often used, but these are sometimes removed by thieves. Shimazaki says that ones that are embedded into books at the binding stage are more effective, but publishing companies are reluctant to take up this option because of the cost. This attitude needs to change, he says.

"It is the bookstores that are victimized by shoplifting, and for the publishers, it's a matter of profits. But recently new publications are being sold in new secondhand-book stores immediately after they are released, which is affecting the sales of the publishing companies as well. It is not just someone else's problem now. Shoplifting countermeasures are an issue for the whole book industry."

[Robert Smith -]

This is a subject that has been touched on many different ways in the past. No matter which way you look at it, or who it's happening to, everyone loses when shoplifting occurs. I have made my point of view obvious of this subject for some time now, and I honestly believe that this type of crime could start to begin to lessen if the legal system for this country would get more serious and enforce stricter laws for people caught doing this crime. Otherwise, no matter how you go about it, or how many shoplifters a company stops or catches, it will continually grow and decrease the bottom line for any kind of retail business.

[Sara E Pickett]

Robert,

I agree. There are far too many people, some parents and some NOT, that say "It's just shop lifting".
Some feel that time is better spent with law enforcement searching for the hardened criminal.
The queston is "WHERE" does it all start.

I am certainaly no expert on criminal behavior however I do believe there is or may be a progression of criminal activity and may or could just start with simple shoplifting.

Weather it be a book, cd, or a piece of clothing, it's all the same
and a crime no matter how trivial the item may seem to be. Everyone looses when shoplifing occurs. The store owner, the store itself, the future patrons, and the shoplifter also loose.

The shopflifter, like EVERY other person... " write's his/her own history". We make our own choices everyday and pay for the choices we make.

The story refered to is a sad one, but the book store owner was no more responsible for the shoplifter's death than you or I.

The shoplifter made his own choice to run away from the consiquences of making that choice by not facing reality, and now this shoplifter will never get another chance.

[May K. Toney]

You are so right, Robert. The subject has come up several times in different ways. I clearly recall and share your past and current views. For some reason, I just never thought that anything but rare books would be targeted as well! Is nothing safe? Is there a shoplifting ring for toothpaste and floss? Where will it end? I always thought shoplifting was limited to items of obvious value that would turn an immediate profit. In my mind, this story suggests that criminals may now view this type of crime as something more or less than an easy way to make a fast profit.

Reading this story confirmed that this problem spans the globe and crosses cultures. I agree that this worldwide problem can only be adequately addressed with more stringent, effective and consistently applied laws.

Thank you for your comments.

[Mr Jose Bonavich Jr]

Hi Everyone,

Here's a story I thought might bring a smile to your face. :)

When I was 6 yrs old, I was with my mother in a small gas/convenience store, while she was paying for gas I was "eyeing" the candy that was of course displayed at my level. Not thinking about it, I picked up 1 chocolate football (foil wrapped). Well, when we got out to the car, my mom saw what I had in my hand. She told me to go back into the store and tell the owner that I "stole" it, she didn't drag me into the store or even go with me, she just stood by the car and watched. Well, I of course, did not want to do this, I didn't even know what I had done was wrong, but off I went. The owner was so impressed that I had come back in to return the piece of candy, that he let me have the candy as a reward for being honest.

I don't know if that experience has kept me "honest" but I will certainly never forget it, and if I should ever have children, I think I will follow my mother's example if I should discover one of my children taking things without paying for them :)

[Kathleen Padgett]

I never would have thought about second hand books as a source of illegal revenue and a market for stolen books. I too thought shoplifting was limited to "personal wants" and items of value that people could sell for large profits.

We need more parents like Liesl's who teach their children responsibility and values. Cheers to your mom Leisl, she taught you a valuable lesson without humiliating you in your innocense of childhood.

[Carolynne Giffoni -]

Leisl,

Your mother is to be commended. Something similar happened to me with one of my sons years ago. He came home with a candy bar that I knew he didn't have money to buy. When confronted about where it came from, he admitted that he stole it. We returned to the store and I had him tell the owner/manager what he had done. He was really ashamed and the owner thanked him for returning the item and being regretful. As far as I know he never stole again and is now a successful businessman.

The standards have to be set at home giving a strong moral base.

Carolynne

[Mr Jose Bonavich Jr]

Kathleen & Carolynne,

I will admit at the time I didn't appreciate the lesson my mother was teaching me but over the years I grew to understand. I agree that lessons of morality begin at home and those of us fortunate enough to have parents that teach us those lessons are blessed. :)

[May K. Toney]

Carolynne, Leisl,
It's interesting that you mention how, even petty theft, was dealt with in your home. That brought to mind a few favorite sayings of my parents that lasted me a life time. First, "Don't touch anything you can't pay for because it will cost you a great deal more than it's worth". Second, "If you don't have respect for the property of others, you have none for us and the way we raised you. Either one requires that we revisit the issue in a private session that will last until we change your mind."

My parents were both loving and caring people but they refused to raise or provide for criminals of any sort...at any time. I was always more afraid of them than anyone or anything else. They were dedicated to be our parents first. Friendship came much, much later. I'm not a supporter of child abuse. However, it's apparent that much of this parent-child understanding has been lost over the years. Parents are so busy trying to be their child's best friend they forget that they must be parents.

[Mr Jose Bonavich Jr]

Parents are so busy trying to be their child's best friend they forget that they must be parents.

That's it in a nutshell :D ...My mother and I didn't become friends until I became a much wiser adult ;) though she still does the mother thing, we've also become extremely close friends.

I think part of the problem is that parents/teachers/authority figures are so afraid of prosecution for "child abuse" that they hesitate to do anything to correct a child's behavior. Though many charges are ultimately found to be "inaccurate" the nightmare of proving your innocence can cost you your job/home/family/etc.....so most people have come to the conclusion that no action is better than possible accusations.

And of course, that decision of inaction leads us back to shoplifting, because the child never learned the morality of stealing.

[Carolynne Giffoni -]

May, Leisl,

Both of you have underlined valid points. Discipline and being taught right and wrong only enhance the moral fiber of the child. I certainly do not espouse any beatings etc. but do believe that a child should be taught that there are penalties and rewards for certain behaviours. They have to understand the differences.

Carolynne

[May K. Toney]

Originally posted by Carolynne Giffoni
Discipline and being taught right and wrong only enhance the moral fiber of the child.

As usual, Carolynne, both you and Leisl are right on target.

[Carolynne Giffoni -]

May,

Thanks for seeing the merit in my beliefs. There are some persons that think right will surface as a miracle. I can't remember ever hitting my sons but just explaining things in a "sit down"....which they dreaded...hehe :D I made a point of laughing together, and when the laughter wasn't there...they knew something wasn't right and just dreaded the "lecture". But the lectures did sink in, and the loss of laughter made a point, and they knew and learned that an example was always being set. I never said.."don't swear" and then swear myself. I bit my tongue when I felt like swearing....and they learned later that I could indeed swear....but not when they were in their early years.

I might add that swearing to me is rather simplistic to what I hear nowadays...my swearing is "***", "bloody ***", son-of-a-00000, etc. Oh well.....the proof is in the pudding as they say, and my sons are successful and happily married. I admit that my old fashioned ways perhaps don't work for those with new philosophies...just that it was successful for me. Their solid base of morality will serve them well as they teach their own children...its all a domino theory...:D

Carolynne

[May K. Toney]

You are to be commended, Carolynne, in the rearing of your children and your sense of moral values. It made me smile when you spoke of your efforts not to swear around your little ones. In my case, I made up stupid little words and phrases, fiddly stix or fuddly dud. The kids knew I was upset simply by the way I said them.

As adults, our children have repeatedly thanked us for the way we raised them. There were lectures, punishments and spankings but lots of love, care, discipline and guidance thrown in for balance. Parents and children have to deal with so much today that I empathize with them. It's much more difficult for them to balance things in their homes and in their lives.

[Byron Burke II]

Hello, I agree with almost everyone that replied to this story. When I was about 3 1/2 to 4 years old. Maybe to young to understand that candy that was laying around (In the box on the Rack) was not put there for me like at Grandma's house. I took a peice of gum and stuck it in my mouth. Well as a lesson my mom made me tell the owner that I stole it. Then to help drive it home a little better my mom called my uncle who is a police officer, and he showed up with the siren blaring and lights flashing. After I was cuffed by my uncle and put in a cell in my little town that I lived in the point was cut into my soul of stealing is wrong and if it is not yours you better not touch it.

[Alvin Dean Wilkerson -]

Originally posted by May K. Toney
You are so right, Robert. The subject has come up several times in different ways. I clearly recall and share your past and current views. For some reason, I just never thought that anything but rare books would be targeted as well! Is nothing safe? Is there a shoplifting ring for toothpaste and floss? Where will it end? I always thought shoplifting was limited to items of obvious value that would turn an immediate profit. In my mind, this story suggests that criminals may now view this type of crime as something more or less than an easy way to make a fast profit.

Reading this story confirmed that this problem spans the globe and crosses cultures. I agree that this worldwide problem can only be adequately addressed with more stringent, effective and consistently applied laws.

Thank you for your comments.

[Alvin Dean Wilkerson -]

you are so right! rob things like this is what makes this world thinks that they can do what ever they want to do. thats why the world needs people like us( p. i.) to do the right things for people who can't do for them self.:) :)

[Mr Jose Bonavich Jr]

Byron,

I'm glad when I "lifted" my piece of candy my mom didn't know anyone in the police department ;) .

[Michael Harris]

Unfortunately, many people are quick to blame the victim of the crime (e.g., the bookstore manager) and not the perpatrator if the perpatrator gets hurt.

I support the bookstore management in this. I had no idea that shoplifting was so bad for bookstores. The link between the establishment of a second-hand bookstore and the rise of shoplifting is one I never would have suspected.

[Corinne Pedriani--]

It's too bad to see these things happen. I'm glad to see the owner is taking such a hard stand on this, though. Someone needs to do it. I never would have thought books were such a popular target for stealing, but it might have something to do with how easy it is. Books are one of the few things that aren't sold in any packaging, they're compact, mass produced, and most lack any security device. Not to mention the common bookstore setup-all those aisles offer privacy. The device inserted into the binding of the book sounds like a good idea, and I hope the publishing companies don't wait until their shoplifting loss outweighs the cost of using them. They may be able to wait that long, but I doubt the small bookstores can.

[May K. Toney]

Originally posted by Byron Burke II
Then to help drive it home a little better my mom called my uncle who is a police officer, and he showed up with the siren blaring and lights flashing. After I was cuffed by my uncle and put in a cell in my little town that I lived in the point was cut into my soul of stealing is wrong and if it is not yours you better not touch it.
Hi Byron,
My husband was the most creative disciplinarian I'd ever seen. But even he would not have thought of this one and our families are loaded with law enforcers!

[Michael Harris]

The shoplifting story still bothers me. The attitude of the public is worse than the death of the shoplifter.

We need for society to figure out what is right and what is wrong. :confused:

[Diane Jarosz]

True that it is sad the young boy died by such a horrific circumstance.
It is also true that stores have to shut their doors and go out of business due to shop lifting.

I wonder, when shop lifters are caught, can they also be booked for "theft of revenue" and "loss of income?"

DJ

[Michael Harris]

Diane,

You have been busy today. I have received a dozen emails saying you responded to one of my subscribed threads.:) :D :cool:

As to the shoplifting: I would file civil suits (plural) against the shoplifters. I think 'loss of income' and 'emotional distress' should work for a start. I would sue the parents of any juvenile shoplifter seperately.:mad:

Police need to have clearly defined standards for chases. I read about one last night (for my CJ classes) -- officers cannot go more than 30 mph over the posted limit. This works when the officers have had a certified course in high-sped chases.:D

So, chasing a 'bad guy' at 75 mph in a 55 mph zone is okay, but 75 mph in a 50 mph zone is not. This should reduce some of the accidents, and more importantly, some of the fatalities.:mad:

Other rules should deal with the nature of the crime. You can persue a murder or rape suspect with more vigor than you would a jaywalker or flasher.:o :eek:

It was truly an eyeopening article.:cool: :D :)

[Diane Jarosz]

Yes. It sure sounds like a true eye opener.
Many states have adopted new laws in pursuit of suspects, especially in cars.
I've read stories where many innocent bystanders have been fatally injured due to high speed chases.
My brother is a policeman. I worry about their safety also.
DJ

[Michael Harris]

Diane,

There are published surveys and stories that show what works in different types of communities. No small or mid-sized police department needs to do anything but literature reaserch to find a set of standards that should work for them.

Of course, once instituted, they will need tinkering and tailoring. I am a business process engineer - I understand this.:o

[Jeffrey R. Pedrotti -]

One of my courses deals with shoplifting and a majority of shoplifters are drug addicts who steal so they can sell it for cash.Also another problem is organized crime rings called Booster mobs that operate in gangs and protect each other just like a gang does.A newspaper in Los Angeles recently reported that 75% of the shoplifting in LA is drug addicts.The Booster Mobs on the other hand are professional organizations who scout stores that are easy targets and then send in a team of 3 or 4 people.Half of them will try to make it obvious they are shoplifting so as to attract the attention of security,while the other half are ripping the store off with no one watching.They are not worried so much about getting busted because the "mob" will bail them out. The best thing a store can do is to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.A lot of stores are not willing to do this,thus they earn reputations as easy targets.The stores that do prosecute and have signs saying they will usually get a reputation as "tough on crime" and the word gets out on the steet and the crooks stay away. The course recommends that if you are hired to be a store detctive then you should also encourage the management to prosecute always regardless of who it is.If it is a teenager and it is his first time it is better to teach him a lesson the first time rather than take it easy on him and he moves on to more serious crimes.:cool:

[Mark Dehe]

From a personal point of view, I just recently ended a relationship with a mother of two small children. She would routinely think nothing of going into a store and helping herself to the grapes in the produce aisle or sneaking into one or more movies within a single theatre while paying for only one. And of course her children were there to witness all of this. Obviously, these were small things that to her were 'no big deal'.

Now this wasn't a mother who hated her children. As a matter of fact, if you asked her, she was the greated mother in the world, denying her children nothing - except discipline. She could not understand my point of view that all these subtle behaviors were being witnessed by her children; witnessed and duplicated. I am convinced, especially moreso after reading a number of these posts, that criminals are slowly molded because of simple bad parenting. Of course there are other factors involved such as living in neighborhoods with high crime rates, etc. But parents can and do make the difference.

I agree wholeheartedly that any crime is a crime and should be handled accordingly rather then swept under the rug.

[Michael Harris]

Mark,

I have two points to make concerning your post.

1) I am sorry that your relationship had to end, but I commend you for your courage in ending it.

2) You make a very good point about the development of criminals.
I am convinced, especially moreso after reading a number of these posts, that criminals are slowly molded because of simple bad parenting. Of course there are other factors involved such as living in neighborhoods with high crime rates, etc. But parents can and do make the difference. I hope the woman realizes what she has done to her children.

I know what can happen on the flip side - when you talk to your children about doing right, show them by example what the right things are, and discipline them when they need it. I have an almost grown-up daughter and she knows right from wrong by watching her parents do the right things.

My daughter does get upset when she sees those who do illegal or unethical things prosper.

Again, thanks for your comments.

[Julie Mercer -]

I agree. There are far too many people, some parents and some NOT, that say "It's just shop lifting". Some feel that time is better spent with law enforcement searching for the hardened criminal. The queston is "WHERE" does it all start.

Sara,
"WHERE DOES IT ALL START?" That seems to be the question, doesn't it?

I have attached a link that I found to be quite interesting and applicable. If you begin to take care of the minor offenses, it helps to control the major offenses.

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/crime/windows.htm

Julie Mercer

[Patrick Egan]

I like the article that I read ,there should have foot patrol this they will get to knowthe people.This way they would trust the police more and he eaclph other.
Pat

[Patrick Egan]

Think back when my brother got busted for shoplifting,my dad did the same thing took him in the store in front of everybody and tell the manger what he did.Some people thought my dad was wrong,there was more that agred with him.
Pat

[Julie Mercer -]

Pat,
Good for your dad! That is an excellent way to handle the situation. It certainly instills accountability! There doesn't seem to be too much of that anymore. It sounds like we grew up with the same parenting style, I am a better person for it!

Have a good day :)
Julie Mercer

[Michael Sheffield-]

This is an unfortunate sad but true story. The bookstore owner had no idea the kid would take off and run. That is the problem with the world today. People dont take responsibility for their own actions. I have seen the scenario where parents take the offensive towards you instead of their kids who commited the crime. People do not realize that shoplifting opens the doors to many other crimes. I have found out from shoplifters it is addictive. If they get away with it the first time they want to try again. One even told me it is an adrenaline rush to get something out of the store untouched. As far as people on the victims side, I believe part of that goes down to the way the newspapers and TV reporters write and report the news. The way they make a story sound makes people react to things without knowing the whole story or the full truth.

[Julie Mercer -]

As far as people on the victims side, I believe part of that goes down to the way the newspapers and TV reporters write and report the news. The way they make a story sound makes people react to things without knowing the whole story or the full truth.

Isn't that the truth!

Julie Mercer

[Prem Prasad]

It is a very interesting topic on "Shop Lifting". I do agree on most of your opinion. Parents, adults or children you can not trust because now a days it can be anyone shop lifting. It is a crime but some do not care of gettig caught for the major or minor offenses.

[Latisha N Smith]

Yes, it is very true, everyone does did get hurt in a situation like this. The store owner takes a major sat back when items are stolen and the shoplifter sometimes learns his/her lesson the hard way. One thing I have come to terms with is the finger shouldn't always be pointed towards the parents. It comes a day that male/female is responsible for their own actions. There are so many parents out there teaching and raising their children to do the right thing instead of the wrong, but in reality it's still that child decision to make the right choice.

[Wendy Brown]

From a personal point of view, I just recently ended a relationship with a mother of two small children. She would routinely think nothing of going into a store and helping herself to the grapes in the produce aisle or sneaking into one or more movies within a single theatre while paying for only one. And of course her children were there to witness all of this. Obviously, these were small things that to her were 'no big deal'.

Now this wasn't a mother who hated her children. As a matter of fact, if you asked her, she was the greated mother in the world, denying her children nothing - except discipline. She could not understand my point of view that all these subtle behaviors were being witnessed by her children; witnessed and duplicated. I am convinced, especially moreso after reading a number of these posts, that criminals are slowly molded because of simple bad parenting. Of course there are other factors involved such as living in neighborhoods with high crime rates, etc. But parents can and do make the difference.

I agree wholeheartedly that any crime is a crime and should be handled accordingly rather then swept under the rug.

I couldn't agree with you more, Mark. Parents do make the difference. Those who treat these behaviors as 'harmless antics' are in for years of heartbreak later on.

It would be nice if the parents behaving dishonestly were caught and reprimanded in front of the children. It might help undo some of the damage.......providing the parent takes it seriously from that point.

[Gary Eads]

Shop lifting can sometimes be the first step to a life of crime. This crime can be charged as burglary, depending on the persons intent, when they enter the business, which can then be charged as a felony. And sometimes as we all know things escalate, and it gets worse as time moves on. In my opionion these minor crimes should be dealt with more seriously.A traffic violation will cost you more than alot of what I feel are much more serious criminal violations, such as shop lifting.

[Flora Porter]

Pat,
Good for your dad! That is an excellent way to handle the situation. It certainly instills accountability! There doesn't seem to be too much of that anymore. It sounds like we grew up with the same parenting style, I am a better person for it!

Have a good day :)
Julie Mercer
Hi Julie,

I can relate. My father did instill accountability for my actions. I came home from the store with a piece of candy or potatoe chips that i did not pay for. Well, my dad took me back to the store to pay for stuff i didn't pay for. At some point in my life he washed my mouth out with soap for cussing. I am glad i grew up with a father's supervision.
He kept me in check.

Flora

[Michael Harris]

Flora,

Fathers who do their job as fathers make a real impact.

I did okay with my daughter, but she has her mother's mouth - a gutter mouth at times. I have heard this described as a "potty mouth"; I wonder which is more appropriate.

[Shelley M Parker -]

I know this is an older post, but I think that it is definitely a thread worth continuing or renewing. In the month that I have been involved in IPIU there have been a great number of new recruits....and I am a firm believer in the thought that "old topics deserve new blood every once in a while....its what keeps them good".

With that said, I am running across this thread for the first time, so here's my chance to offer my unsolicited 2 cents.

In my past life, I was an Asset Protection (Loss Prevention) Manager for a major retailer -and I supervised a team of 4 to 8 individuals. I was certified in interviews and interrogations and non-violent crisis intervention. This may sound a little extreme to the outsider, but to you members of law enforcement and PI's - you know this is necessary, and a good thing for retailers.

I have interrogated and interviewed employees (inside shrinkage), shoplifters and boosters. My youngest apprehension was 10 and my oldest was almost 60. All genders, races and ages, and professions for that matter. I was injured during a couple of apprehensions and handcuffed my fair share. I like to think that I was proficient in my skills as I received a confession or an admission everytime.

So, what's the point of my post you may ask? Why am I rambling? Well, because I think that my personal experience (witnessing shrinkage first hand) gives me great insight to the loss and harm caused to everyone. Loss is huge in the major retailer world, so I can only agree with, and imagine the detriment to the "little guy". The general population never fully understands the ramification of loss, but we do...as do loss prevention professionals, and law enforcement officers.

Responding to other's comments about kids and their reactions to shoplifting (getting caught) and their parents (which are usually just as bad)...I have many, many stories, and have experienced the full gammit of emotions.

If anyone wants to discuss general shoplifters, the long hours of overnight survelliance to crack internal theft cases, or boosters(which I find the most interesting)...I would love to renew this thread and branch it off into other areas.

Thanks to everyone, as always for their comments and insight. I continue to learn and grow everyday! You are a great group...to which I feel honored to be a part of.

[Josie Ray]

If anyone wants to discuss general shoplifters, the long hours of overnight survelliance to crack internal theft cases, or boosters(which I find the most interesting)...I would love to renew this thread and branch it off into other areas.
Please click here:
http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?p=228663#post228663

[W Kotz]

Another story about setting an example. Years ago as a loss prevention specialist for a major department store in Washington, D.C. I worked in a store located in a primarily black neighborhood. I was one of 7 or 8 specialists working under cover. The store’s employees and customer were 98% black, I’m white. One day I caught a young man, about 10 years old steal something small. After getting him into the office we talked. I decided to call his mother instead of calling for transport from the local police department since he was truly sorry, was very polite and I could tell that he learned his lesson. When his mother arrived she talked very little to her son but let me have it with both barrels. The statement she made some twenty years ago still is very vivid in my mind; she accused me of just watching him because he was black. She couldn’t understand that there were no white customers in the store at the time I arrested her son. The thing that I want to emphasis is to never generalize. Shoplifters come in all colors, shapes, sizes and from all walks of life. My partner, who was still in training, quit his job when I brought his local bank teller in the office in handcuffs because he could not believe people like her could do something like this. Believe me when I say, that 75% of all shoplifters I have dealt with, had the money to pay for the merchandize they walked out with.

[Shelley M Parker -]

Wolfgang -

I would have to agree with you whole-heartedly about your recent shoplifting post. I can attest to each of your statements. I worked in two very different markets (for the same retailer) and accusations of racism, gender bias, economic bias were always a part of the day.

Regarding people of all walks of life, and your statement about most people having the money to pay for merchandise they lifted - well I am reminded of another story...of a man I finally apprehended for shoplifting....he was a regular. He drove a new (less than a year old) BMW and just happened to be a Dentist. Once apprehended, he admitted that he shoplifted for the thrill. The day I apprehended him, he had taken a 60 dollar portable CD player, yet he had over $500 cash in his wallet. He was highly educated, married, the father of three, a pillar in his community and live in a high dollar prestigious neighborhood. He thought he was invincible. Moral of the story, shoplifters do come from all walks of life.

Thanks for sharing your story.

[Robin M Ellefsen]

I spent over 15 years as retail grocery store manager. I can tell you from direct experience that if you are not aware of what goes on around you, shoplifting can indeed cost you YOUR JOB. I lost quite a few GOOD department managers because we knew of the shoplifting but obviousely you cant catch everyone. If you are in a heavy shoplifting area the shrink can far and away negate any profits incurred. The grocery industry on average makes a penny on the dollar. That doesn't leave much room for any kind of shrink much less the shoplifting type.

As far as process we would call the police on anything over $100. Anything under we would use discression as to how they handle themselves. Remorseful, we would make them pay, tell them not to return, and let them go. Cocky and aggressive, we'd call the cops.

as far as kids were concerned, usually a pen, piece of candy/gum, nail polish, etc. were the targets. We would use discression there to.

The problem that is not discussed is the fact that when you call the police for every shoplifting incident (including the kid with the piece of gum) they eventually become irritated and negative to the process and eventually begin to show up slower and slower to at times not at all. Its kinda like crying wolf too many times. We decided that we wanted them there immediately when we had someone that was very aggressive and unruly, so we curtailed the lesser calls and handled most of them on our own.

[Robin M Ellefsen]

Hey Wolfgang, with you sticking out like a sore thumb, I cant believe that anyone in that store would take anything. Everyone had to know you were undercover from the store. Of course I'm sure the little guy didn't know any better.

[Michael Harris]

Robin,

Traditionally, the margin in the large chain grocery stores is 2-3%. The only way they can stay profitable is to keep expanding. The smaller stores do not have that option and usually have a smaller margin.

Shoplifting is only part of the shrinkage - pilferage is still a big problem.

[Dave Sanz]

But the kid was only shoplifting!!!!!! What a stunning degree of ignorance, to say it nicely. "ONLY" shopliting? ONLY breaking the law in a lesser degree? You know what? My girlfriend works for loss prevention for a big retail store, and she has had a gun pulled on her for doing her job. She is only doing her job, but she can get killed over a stupid incident like that. I dont care how you look at it, a crime is a crime, and even though it might be overlooked, we all pay for those few who shoplift.

[Robin M Ellefsen]

Mike I agree, employee theft far and away trumps shoplifting. It's not even close.....The worse part of it is that most of it does not get calculated until inventory time which is too late. Thats why one thing I'd love to get into is the employee theft PI piece. There is so much out there....

The grocery chain I was at for 25 years (store manager for many of them) had 115 stores in Chicago. A lot of the small stores in high rent areas were making good money because their per cap was so high. I opened and managed a store in the inner city doing $600K a week (big store 70K sq. ft.) and making money there was unbelievably hard. The per cap was around $13. Everyday I could only imagine how much was going out the door, and I don't mean the front door. Its not size of store that dictates profits, its location, location, location.

Usually, the only way most all companies can survive is to expand. Even the big boys on Wall Street need to do that. You can not stand pat in the business world. Someone will come up behind you and pass you by if you stand still for one minute.

Mike Thanks for the response. Love talking retail. Take care.

[April Rank]

This article appears to have been written for an English language publication in Japan. I don't think the used bookstores give prices like that here in Arkansas!

It would be interesting to find out what the shoplifting patterns are for the bookstores here in the US. I am making a big guess that the franchises in the malls, and the huge super bookstores (with fancy coffees) take a bigger beating than the small neighborhood mom-n-pop bookstore.

On the other subject, getting punished for stealing at a young age helps us to learn NOT to take what isn't ours JUST because we want it.

On the otherhand, some teens wouldn't take it just because they want it. They know it is wrong, they've been punished as children. BUT, they are in a different situation now: with a group of friends who are doing it for kicks and putting pressure on them to go along with it.

It is the same with drug addiction. Lots of those people do know it is wrong and bad for them. They knew it at the beginning and were taught much better than that from their parents.

I know of some good kids who got into trouble this way. They knew it was wrong! They didn't even want to do it! Of course, there are a lot of the others who do come from backgrounds of nonparticipating parents, or parents who are bad examples like what was mentioned above. I guess those kids are the ones who are doing the enticing! But I'm writing this for the parents of good kids who haven't hit their junior high years yet.

Some of us are immune to such pressure when it comes to things like that. But some of us with the best of intentions completely cave in under peer pressure.

So while I am thanking God my parents put fear in me for stealing, I am also thankful that I was one of the ones who for some reason, was immune to that kind of peer pressure as a teen.

While I encourage teaching right from wrong, I also encourage doing whatever it takes to build your child's self-image to the point that they do not need to get their FEELING OF VALUE from whether or not they please their so-called friends. Easy to say, but I think I'll still be learning how to do this after my boys are grown and gone.

Let's just say it is something we should strive for.

[W Kotz]

April, you are so right regarding the kids and shoplifting. I seen many of good kids who did it because of pressure from others they hang out with. One of the things we have to understand is that the majority of the kids stealing are not bad kids and most will try anything at least once. It's our job to make them understand right from wrong. Thanks for your input.

[Vernon Jackson]

Robin,

Like you, I also spent many years in the retail business as store manager, district manager and eventually Director of Human Resources for a chain with operations in 48 states.

Our philosophy on shoplifting was the same as yours regarding calling the police. They do get tired of being called so many times for shoplifters who have taken items of small value. We tried to handle all shoplifting internally with our loss prevention staff and generally only called the police if the shoplifter became aggressive or violent and/or had concealed or tried to take items of higher value.

We had a situation very similar to Wolfgang's, where the store was located primarily in a black neighborhood with over 90% black shoppers. Being a white manager was sometimes difficult for all the reasons Wolfgang already mentioned. There was a gang of very bold "hit and run" shoplifters, who would come in at any hour day or night and grab very expensive items like leather coats and run out the door. The way we finally stopped them was to provide the police with their make of car, license tag number and their physical descriptions. Eventually the police found out that they were stealing these goods and selling them in a small store for 25% or so of the retail value.

But with that said, about 70% of our shrink was internal. This was where our loss prevention people had the most success - and saved us the most money. In fact, I firmly believe that the "hit and runners" were getting inside information as to staffing, best times to hit, etc.

Anyway, it's not going to go away - and there will always be a need for skilled and knowledgeable PIs in this particular area.

[W Kotz]

Amen, are you sure you didn’t work in the same store I worked in? We had the same exact situation with the leader coats. You are also right on the mark on the subject on internal theft. One of the things we were faced with constantly was the cashier selling merchandise to friends and family at a very very high discount rate, if you know what I mean. :cool:

[Vernon Jackson]

Wolfgang,

I know exactly what you mean. I had that situation also. Also had a district manager involved in selling expensive Nike athletic shoes by the case for little or nothing to some lower level punks working for the mob. That alone doesn't take long to ruin your profits for the year. :mad:

[Victoria S Kinney]

Good morning, I read some very interesting threads regarding the rise in shoplifting and how serious it has gotten. I used to be a loss prevention agent. I worked for a department store. While watching aprroximately 4 people lifting shoes and putting them in a baby carrier and waist bands of their warm up suits. Three of them decided that it wasn't worth it and put the stuff back. But this one young gentleman headed for the front door, and we were told to not stop anyone until they got past the point of purchase and not to chase them into the parking lot. After stopping the young man with the help of 2 store managers and putting one handcuff on him and was about to put the second one on, he went crazy and swung his arm up and cut my head open with the open handcuff and jumped in the car that was waiting for him at the curb. After talking to the police the officer said that it sounded like the kid was on drugs. The ones that shoplift have more rights than the store owners, because if they get hurt, they can come back and sue the store. Plus the owners have to watch for their own employees that help their relatives or friends shoplift by letting them get merchandise for about a 1/4 of the original cost. I got out of the line of business because the stores don't want to pay the loss prevention personnel anything. I was making $7.25 a hr. But I still watch people when I go to stores. It just amazes me. Thank you for letting me ramble. Everyone have a good day.

[Julie Mercer -]

I was making $7.25 a hr. But I still watch people when I go to stores. It just amazes me.
Victoria,
I know, isn't it amazing how SO MANY people complain about shopping lifting and the cost the is passed on to the consumer. But, they don't want to pay to have their merchandise protected. They would rather take the loss than compensate an employee. That blows my mind!
Julie

[Patti Schubert -]

Shoplifting is wrong. It doesn't matter if it is a single book to a hundred books to one dollar to ten thousand dollars. The end result will always be the same. Those business owners work very hard for every dollar they get. If you went by hourly pay you would be surprised that they don't make anything for the time and effect they put into their business. As a former business owner I know what it takes to stay in business. Stealing from a big business to a small business, we all pay with rising prices. :(

Patti

[Kristie L McKinley]

I would not call the store owner of the bookstore a murderer for the boy's death. He did not shove the child in front of the train. I will agree with those who have expressed it before me: good guidance early in life is crucial.
My mother is a no-nonsense type of person. If I was caught stealing, I am pretty sure she would have let me be arrested and go the jail. That would have been my lesson. I would have had to pay her back for any court costs, lawyers fees, and anything else related to my crime, plus being grounded for a really, really, really, really long time (if I was lucky).
When I was in the 8th grade, some of the students went on a field trip to the city jail. 'Scared the snot out of all of us. I do not know how widespread this is, but I have heard of programs where they take young people at danger of leading a life crime to go to jails to see how it is to be an inmate.
If we concentrate on prevention half as hard as we do on things that happen after a crime is committed, I think things could make a turn for the better.

[Katrina Burton Todd]

That was a heart breaking story. I do not have an opinion on weather or not the owner was right or wrong on how he felt he had to deal with shoplifters. But it was unfortunate that the child lost his life trying to escape for probably $3.00 worth of comic books.

Thanks for sharing,

Katrina

[Vickie J LaRue]

I can't remember where I seen it but on T.V. There was this Judge that made the shoplifters walk in the streets, with a sign on them saying, I am a shoplifter. That was punishment I thought that was cool! It should be mandatory.

Vickie J LaRue

[Colleen L Hayes -]

May,

Thanks for this thread. It really makes you stop and think doesn't it. I never would have realized a book store would have that many problems. I wonder how they get the books out the door. :confused:

This post was a real eye opener, :eek: thanks again for posting it.

[Hugh Goodwyn]

I do know that if it was me that I would watch the person hands at all times.I was going to a store to get a newspaper because I have just got up.I went to this store to get my paper and when the ladie was giveing me change something told me to look down and I saw her put some money in her pocket.I then responded by saying nothing and just took my change and left.

[Steven Lofing]

I suspect i recently was turned down for LP at a major corporation due to a entrance profile, i was told i was not a team player. I wonder? Do you need to be a team player when you are investigating shinkage as well?

[Hugh Goodwyn]

I would not worry about that you will get something better down the line.

[Ashley Mayne--]

Interesting story and thanks to everyone for thier thoughts too. I enjoyed the reading.

[Hugh Goodwyn]

Thanks Toney for the information.