Journal of Innovations

Vol. 2, Issue 4

America’s Retail Theft Epidemic 

AUTHOR(S)

William Wake Quirion

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the pervasive issue of retail theft through the lens of an intern's experience in a Loss Prevention (LP) department at a retail store. The author analyzes the stakeholders involved in retail theft and examines common practices both for conducting and deterring theft from opposing standpoints. Additionally, the author describes recoveries, non-confrontational interventions where LP agents disrupt theft attempts, causing suspects to abandon stolen items. The narrative emphasizes the limitations of retail chains in independently combating theft and highlights the crucial role of specialized LP departments. Furthermore, the paper addresses the complexities introduced by state laws that regulate business actions against theft on their property. This exploration provides an insightful look into the challenges and strategies of loss prevention in retail, underscoring the need for effective measures to protect businesses from the growing epidemic of retail theft.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62470/3d248379 

CITE THIS ARTICLE 

Quirion, W. W. (2024). America’s Retail Theft Epidemic. Journal of Innovations. 2(4), 26-34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62470/3d248379