Crime statistics for England and Wales indicated 115,494 offenders were found guilty of theft offenses in 1994. A 1994 victimization survey estimated costs of customer theft to retailers amounted to 203 million pounds. Another 1994-1995 survey showed witnessed customer theft cost retailers 213 million pounds and unwitnessed customer theft cost retailers an additional 451 million pounds. Customers who commit theft offenses include opportunists, persistent thieves, juveniles, thieves who use children, mentally disturbed individuals, and drug abusers. In some cases, retail staff help thieves steal, either actively or by turning a blind eye to what is going on. The level of theft experienced by retailers depends on several factors, such as type of goods sold, store location and layout, local crime rate, hours of business, and number of staff. To deter theft, retailers should establish effective theft prevention policies, train staff, use physical security measures, and work with other businesses. 8 references