Risk analysis in loss prevention research
Conventional risk management models identify risks, assess the probability of their occurrence and potential impact, and then implement steps to reduce the risk or the impact of the risk. Although almost all retailers implement measures to try to eliminate or reduce theft (the end step of risk management), we know little about how many undertake systematic risk assessments of loss to guide solutions and the methods that they may use to do so. This study presents the results of a survey of 22 diverse retail companies about their LP/AP risk management process, including the types of risk data collected, types of risk assessment and analyses conducted, and how these data are used in management decisions.
Defining and measuring the economic benefit of electronic article surveillance
This paper uses three actual case studies to define the quantifiable economic benefits which retailers derive from the use of Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) equipment as an anti-shoplifting tool. The author describes the major analytical methods used to compare inventory shortage statistics, demonstrates how very large EAS users utilized the data in order to provide a basis for a return on investment calculation, and draws some conclusions on the effectiveness of EAS based upon over 30 statistical samples that have been taken over the past 15 years. In brief, the evidence suggests that EAS can achieve significant reductions in shoplifting and in total inventory shortage of the order of 35-75%.
Occupational Injuries Due to Violence
Each year in the United States, an estimated 800 to 1,400 people are murdered at work, and an unknown number of nonfatal injuries due to workplace violence oocur. Based on Ohio's workers' compensation claims from 1983 through 1985, police officers, gasoline service station employees, employees of the real estate industry, and hotel/motel employees were found to be at the highest risk for occupational violent crime (OVC) injury and death. Grocery store employees, specifically those working in convenience food stores, and employees of the real estate industry had the most reported rapes. Four previously unidentified industries at increased risk of employee victimization were described. Identification of industries and occupations at high risk for crime victimization provides the opportunity to focus preventive strategies to promote employee safety and security in the workplace.