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Lies, damn lies, and shoplifting statistics (popular.info)

submitted 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Why shoplifting data matters

Why does it matter if the retail industry produces reports with unreliable data about shoplifting? The NRF is already using this report to advocate for more aggressive prosecution and longer terms of incarceration for people caught shoplifting.

The report encourages "state lawmakers" to "review and amend current criminal statutes that relate to retail thefts and crimes." Specifically, the NRF supports the "aggregation of thefts," which would allow people to be charged with felonies for stealing small amounts of merchandise. The NRF also supports "stronger penalties and consequences" for people "establishing, operating, and supporting" organized retail crime (OCR). OCR, which refers to shoplifting on behalf of a criminal organization, is a poorly defined concept that can be used to more severely punish individuals.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 months ago

I think it's unfortunately a tragedy of the commons/prisoner's dilemma problem

Simplifying, a single store is not going to be able to improve pay for all the underpaid members of society, but what they can do is run thinner margins while staying in business (pay employees less, spend more on security, etc). Paying only their own employees more also does little to reduce the overall chances of theft.

Perhaps a better global equilibrium exists at higher wage rates, but there are limited options at local levels. For low-end wages, I think the downward pressure exceeds the upward wage pressure of the "free market" b/c the negotiation is between someone making a less profit vs someone failing to make a living -- the negotiating power is not balanced. This is why IMO minimum wage to some degree is important.