ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the different categories of shoplifters and the main sources of retail theft. The majority of shoplifters can be categorized as amateurs or professionals. Shoplifting is a type of larceny and considered one of the most widespread crimes in the United States. A growing number of professional shoplifters are part of sophisticated organized retail theft rings, stealing for a living, and shoplifting items with high resale value. There are many different types of retail theft, which can originate from customers, employees, and other sources. Retail loss or shrink can be measured by calculating the loss from employee theft, shoplifting or organized retail crime, administrative errors, vendor fraud, and return fraud. Criminological theory reminds that one should have some controls in place to prevent internal theft; loss prevention should be designed to eliminate the opportunity for employee theft. Security cameras, management oversight, vigilant controls over the cash drawers, and encouragement of anonymous tips are pivotal steps.
