Understanding shoplifting of fast-moving consumer goods: an application of the CRAVED model

This study examines the variation in theft of shoplifted fast-moving consumer goods. Typically, shoplifting is estimated using shrinkage—a composite of several causes of lost retail merchandise. This study, however, benefits from access to a retailer’s database, in which extraordinary steps are take...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Security journal 2018-04, Vol.31 (2), p.428-450
Main Author: Smith, Brian T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Consumer goods
Cosmetics
Crime and Society
Crime prevention
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Loss control
Original Article
Regression analysis
Retailing industry
Shoplifting
Social Sciences
Theft
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Summary:This study examines the variation in theft of shoplifted fast-moving consumer goods. Typically, shoplifting is estimated using shrinkage—a composite of several causes of lost retail merchandise. This study, however, benefits from access to a retailer’s database, in which extraordinary steps are taken to identify and record losses due to shoplifting only. This study is unique because of the more valid measure of shoplifting. A 1-year cross-sectional sample of 7468 products, sold in 204 U.S. chain supermarkets, was drawn from the retailer’s specialized database. Using Clarke’s (Hot products: understanding, anticipating, and reducing demand for stolen goods. Policing and Reducing Crime Unit, Paper 112, Home Office, London, 1999 ) CRAVED model of theft, products’ theft rates were correlated to the attributes consistent with the most vulnerable targets of theft. The results show that theft rates of products were significantly correlated to the measures for CRAVED. Regression analysis indicated that the measures for CRAVED were significant predictors of theft. Specifically, products were stolen more often when they were more Concealable , less Available , more Valuable , Enjoyable , and more Disposable . The most frequently stolen types of products were several types of cosmetics—primarily small but expensive products (e.g., eye, nail, lip products). Additionally, electronics, toys, and games had high theft rates. Implications for retailers, manufacturers, and governments are discussed. Suggestions for further research are also considered.
ISSN:0955-1662
1743-4645
DOI:10.1057/s41284-017-0108-z