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With all of the responsibilities on law enforcement today,
it is understandable that responding to shoplifting may not
be the top priority within many police departments. However,
law enforcement’s response to shoplifting plays an important
role in achieving truly effective police-community partnerships
which are essential in keeping our neighborhoods safe and
crime-free.
When law enforcement is complacent about shoplifting it sends
a message to the individuals and youth in their communities
that crime pays, which in turn, ultimately results in more
crime.
Law enforcement’s decision to respond to shoplifting
in a serious manner is a decision to let people know that
criminal behavior on any level, in your community, is not
tolerated. This sends a message loud and clear to potential
future criminals and serves to help decrease the current and
future crime rate in your area.
We understand that reducing or solving the problem of shoplifting
cannot be achieved by law enforcement alone. A well-rounded
strategy which encompasses the entire community is critical.
However, because law enforcement serves as a visible, positive
role model for the community at large, it is crucial for them
to “set the standard” in their response to shoplifting
in order to reduce this extremely prevalent crime and increase
the overall quality of life for the community.
For information about implementing a juvenile shoplifting
prevention program in the communities you serve, visit the
Honest To Goodness Project.
To utilize an “offense-specific” educational
rehabilitation program for adults or juveniles caught shoplifting
as part of your diversion agreement, visit the Criminal
& Juvenile Justice Center.
To learn about the National
Shoplifting Prevention Coalition, view member benefits
or to become a member, click
here.
For information, research and statistics about the shoplifting
problem visit the National Learning and Resource
Center.
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