Studying Retail Loss Prevention: What Do We Know and What Data Do We Need?

• In Event: From Counterfeit Goods to Skimming Threats: Expanding the Boundaries of Cybercrime Research

Abstract

Loss within the retail industry, including internal theft, shoplifting, organized retail crime, identity theft, cybercrime, and various forms of fraud, is a significant challenge in the retail sector, accounting for billions of dollars in lost revenue annually. While criminology has contributed rich theoretical perspectives which provide explanatory power as well as practical techniques designed to reduce retail crime, criminologists continue to be challenged by available data within the private sector which would present a clearer picture of each individual offense, as well as the effectiveness of loss prevention initiatives. This paper explores current sources of data within the retail sector, as well as gaps in the available data, the availability of which would contribute to a greater understanding of an industry which historically has been a major attractor of crime.

Author

• Jonathan M. Kremser, Kutztown University