Shoplifting Trends in Time and Space: A Study of Two Major American Cities
This report looks at the prevalence and concentration of shoplifting in two major cities—Los Angeles and Chicago—before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
This report looks at the prevalence and concentration of shoplifting in two major cities—Los Angeles and Chicago—before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Examining data for the nation’s three largest cities through fall of 2024, this report finds that shoplifting levels remain higher than pre-pandemic rates. It also highlights two conflicting sources of federal data on the crime.
“Smash and grab” episodes and other shoplifting incidents have been widely covered in the news, suggesting a surge in such crimes. But an analysis of shoplifting data from 24 U.S. cities presents a more complicated story.
New CCJ analysis of 24 cities shows a mixed picture, with trends driven by large numbers in New York City.
This report explores the strengths and limitations of the nation’s two measures of crime and the value of considering both sources when assessing crime trends over time.
New CCJ analysis of 2024 crime trends also shows year-over-year decreases
in 12 of 13 offenses, with only reported shoplifting continuing its recent rise