An investigation into theft from shops among juveniles

Abstract

Abstract This research project studies aspects of the crime most commonly committed by juveniles - that of theft from shops. It determines the extent of the offence amongst a sample of 13–16 year olds and examines peer group perceptions. Brief consideration has been given to the social influences and patterns of adolescent behaviour which may contribute to the offence being committed. The ‘victims’, the shopkeepers, have been invited to discuss what efforts the retail trade has made to combat the incidence of crime and the importance they place on it. The juveniles involved in theft from shops have been identified using the police records over a two year period. The subsequent action and the re-offending rate have been recorded and analysed. It has been gratifying that in North Bedfordshire, where the research was undertaken, the police have responded by introducing an ‘informal warning’ for first time offenders committing theft from shops or other minor offences, providing certain criteria are met. This ...