Bridging security and good design: Understanding perceptions of expert and novice shoplifters

Abstract

The retail environment has been identified as having great capacity for crime reduction through improved design. Building on the classic work of Weaver and Carroll, the purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of 42 expert and novice shoplifters using verbal protocol. The study objectives were to examine shoplifter perceptions, investigate deterrents and facilitators to crime and explore the relationship between security techniques and design features. Findings indicated significant differences between expert and novice shoplifters in regard to the proportion of protocol dedicated to shoplifting, and the number of cited risks and judgments, security techniques and design practices. Other results identified specific security and design techniques as both deterrents and facilitators to shoplifting. Overall, the study illustrates the potential of the physical environment to deter shoplifting, especially in the case of novice shoplifters, and proposes solutions that marry security and good design.