Understanding Offenders 0

1 Background Much academic theory and literature exists to explain crime and shop theft –Theft Triangle: Dr Read Hayes Absence though of a full understanding of shop thieves techniques.. –If we knew HOW they stole, our opportunity for intervention would improve. –Lack of these insights in the past has driven counter productive solutions, eg: Pickpocket Poster campaign University of Leicester / PRCI commissioned to undertake offender study on hot products Motive Opportunity Fear of sanctions (Risk of getting caught)

2 Methodology Pin hole camera’s to record the theft act as it happens Filming of the crime after the event Supported by extensive interviews with offenders Findings presented today corroborate findings from parallel research study in USA

3 Limitations of the study Shows only one part of the theft problem, which in turn is only a part of the shrink problem. –We have not (but want to) explore the techniques used by… –Employee thieves –Contractor thieves –Vendor thieves –Techniques around collusion have not also been explored in depth Whilst we think we have got close to the truth, some exaggeration is likely This study can be dangerous / misleading if reviewed out of context

4 Key Findings Security measures & other anti-shrinkage tactics do influence offender behaviour……some of the time –Limited available data though suggests only a fraction of thefts are deterred or detected –Estimated 17.0 to 8.5 million thefts per annum in UK with 3O6,000 apprehensions recorded by police = pick up rate of between % (UK Home Office 2001) However the motivation to steal is very high & often driven by drug dependency Determination, willingness to take risks & acquiring criminal skills help shoplifters defeat preventive measures –We must not underestimate shoplifters A successful approach to shop theft demands a comprehensive, multi-layered product protection matrix

5 Detailed Findings Classifying Shoplifters

6 Classifying shoplifters Some research classifies shoplifters by their experience & frequency of offending Others by their motivation (i.e. whether they steal for personal use or steal to sell on) All thieves can be skilled All thieves can exploit opportunities

7 Detailed Findings Classifying Shoplifters Decision Tree

8 –Appraisal of combinations of factors influence decisions to proceed or abort at each stage –All decisions can be driven or dominated by rational & emotional factors Entering the store Locating the product Concealing the product Leaving the store PROCEED  ABORT  PositiveNegative PROCEED  ABORT  PositiveNegative PROCEED  ABORT  PositiveNegative PROCEED  ABORT  PositiveNegative Decision tree Many decisions to offend are made before we they reach the store However, once there, there are four key decision points on the tree:

9 Entering the store Is there anyone in the store I could collude with? How many staff are working? Do I know the layout? Does this store sell what I’m looking for? Does the store have high shelves? Where are the exits? Do I need to steal today? Am I dressed correctly? Do I feel confident? Has anyone noticed me? Will they hassle me? What security measures are present? Are there any good opportunities?

10 Entering the store –Offenders are adept at spotting & exploiting opportunities –Staff presence will not deter if detection can be evaded –Some consider customers a greater risk Are there any good opportunities?

11 Entering the store Locating the product How are the products I want to steal protected? Is there anything about the product that makes it hard to sell? Can I reach the products I want to steal? Can I sell these products? What products are worth stealing? Am I being followed? What are they worth? Do I feel comfortable in this part of the store? Am I being watched? Do I look like a thief?

12 –C–CRAVED model works but has some gaps –O–Offender insights suggest that a new AT CUT PRICES model is more robust ? Can I sell these products? Entering the store Locating the product C oncealable R emovable A vailable V aluable E njoyable D isposable = CRAVED Source: University of Leicester “Hot Stores” research 2003

13 AT CUT PRICES

14 Concealing the product Do I need a partner? Can I neutralise the product protection? Do I need to create a distraction? What role will a partner have to play? Will it make a noise? Can I conceal the products in my clothing or a bag? Can I steal this without getting caught? Will anyone see me conceal the product? Should I move the products before concealment? Can I carry enough in one go? What about product placement? Entering the store Locating the product

15 Can I conceal these products in my clothes or in a bag? –O–Offenders use ordinary clothing to considerable effect –B–Bulky items aren’t necessarily harder to steal –P–Packaging can be discarded if value makes it worthwhile Concealing the product Entering the store Locating the product

16 Offenders can deploy technology of their own This ‘magic bag’ is lined with metal foil to prevent EAS activations Can I neutralise the product protection? Concealing the product Entering the store Locating the product

17 Most of the tags shown are easily removed However, they would deter offenders from stealing large quantities if every tag had to be removed The challenge then would move to defeating the tags at the exit Can I neutralise the product protection? Concealing the product Entering the store Locating the product

18 Leaving the store What will I do if the alarm goes? Am I nervous? How will I leave? What if a guard stops or chases me? Will anyone notice me? Should I make a decoy purchase? Will I have to fight to get out? Have they been watching me since I came in? Will I be able to come back? Is there anything that will stop me leaving? Concealing the product Entering the store Locating the product

19 –S–Some product placement tactics give a false sense of security –U–Using learnt techniques helps deflect attention –P–Products can be moved to evade surveillance How will I leave? Leaving the store Concealing the product Entering the store Locating the product

20 Detailed Findings Classifying Shoplifters Decision Tree Implications

21 Implications Current solutions definitely help, but motivated offenders can overcome them Product protection is an organisational issue requiring consideration at all levels Organisations need to gather data to identify precisely where action is needed Security solutions must be coordinated & respond to specific defined problems This requires a good risk assessment, a Product Protection Matrix may assist

Product Protection Matrix - Shop Theft

23 Moving forward... These insights are helpful and instructive but…. Shop theft is just a part of the larger, more complex problem of shrink and availability To get it right we have to manage the “whole” rather than the parts through a structured, evidence based collaborative approach (the ECR Road Map) We believe we can bring global expertise, resource and energy to the partnership We want to partner with you but in a structured manner with clearly agreed principles of engagement and resist a “fire-fighting” approach