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Shoplifting Problem - Modern Self-Service Shops and Crime

NCJ Number
73801
Editor(s)
A Schoreit
Date Published
1979
Length
150 pages
Annotation
A collection of essays describes the confusion of legal problems surrounding shoplifting in West Germany.
Abstract
The contributors are lawyers and educators. The purpose of the collection is to present a variety of perspectives on the nature of the shoplifting problem and laws for its control. Topics discussed include advantages and disadvantages of a proposed law decriminalizing shoplifting; characterization of shoplifters and their victims; economic effects of shoplifting; and various possible legal and social means to control shoplifting. Legal approaches to dealing with shoplifting are discussed in terms of prevention and penalties; and statistics and dark figures are analyzed on the spatial and temporal distribution of shoplifting offenses, offender characteristics, and damages incurred. Also covered are the shoplifting problem from the viewpoint of retail trade; advertising and display of goods as an element conducive to shoplifting and recommendations for preventive measures. Discussion also concerns the effects of shoplifting crime statistics and dark figures research on criminal policy. The final essays are devoted to the relationship between shoplifting and self-service merchandising techniques; and to the history of shoplifting laws and current legislative proposals for dealing with the offense. Separate notes and in some cases tables are supplied with each essay.