|
With the hierarchy of problems facing community leaders and
legislators today, it’s no surprise that shoplifting
falls short on the list of “things to actively pursue
and address”. However, because of its prevalence, the
current lack of interest in dealing with and addressing shoplifting
will most certainly serve to undermine standards of honesty,
integrity and character within communities. Imagine a community
in which 1 in 11 people, from the stock boy to the stockbroker,
have learned through “casual” shoplifting that
crime pays. Changing our society’s all too casual approach
to shoplifting requires a national effort. Community leaders
and legislators can add significant value to any shoplifting
prevention effort.
- Introduce legislation that requires the use of “offense-specific”
education programs in the sentencing of both juvenile and
adult shoplifting offenders.
- Invite local retail loss prevention personnel to speak
to your community and its leaders at events such as those
sponsored by the local public library, the PTA or your Chamber
of Commerce.
- Urge independent retailers and Mall operators to participate
in the community’s efforts by sponsoring education
programs and community “toolkits” aimed at shoplifting
prevention.
- Help community youth programs, whether secular or faith-based,
to offer programs for kids to examine their own character
using the issue of shoplifting as a tool for the study of
ethics.
- Urge local police departments to respond promptly to
your local merchant’s calls when they apprehend a
shoplifter.
- Implement a community action plan which engages individuals
in the prevention of shoplifting.
To learn about utilizing juvenile shoplifting prevention
programs in the communities you serve, visit the Honest
To Goodness Project.
To learn about utilizing educational rehabilitation programs
for adults and juveniles caught shoplifting in the communities
you serve, visit the Criminal & Juvenile Justice
Center.
To learn about the National
Shoplifting Prevention Coalition, view member benefits
or to become a member, click
here.
Back to Top
|
