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.
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
Homicide and most other violent crimes have fallen below pre-pandemic levels in a sample of 40 U.S. cities. CCJ’s year-end 2024 analysis also shows a year-over-year decrease in 12 of 13 major offenses, with shoplifting the lone exception.