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.
A 21% drop would push homicide rate to a new historic low, new CCJ analysis finds
With homicide down 21%, the 2025 homicide rate may reach the lowest level ever recorded in law enforcement or public health data going back to 1900, CCJ’s year-end analysis finds.