Publication Date

Spring 2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Justice Studies

Advisor

Alessandro De Giorgi; John Halushka; Justin Strong

Abstract

The passing of CA bills ranging from AB 1779 to SB 1416, and Proposition 36 aims to combat a supposed rise in retail theft, particularly denoting the increase in organized retail theft. This research investigates the accuracy of mainstream narratives surrounding retail theft, focusing on the various security strategies adopted by major retailers—namely, Walmart and Target stores—in the San Francisco Bay Area. The study aims to analyze the different types of security (human and physical), and their efficacy, and to envision alternative strategies to address theft beyond the adoption of punitive security strategies. Using a visual ethnographic approach, supplemented with field observations, this study utilizes visual media and participant observations to explore how security varies depending on social and demographic characteristics and explores the perspectives of affected consumers in the retail environment. The findings will contribute to policy and practice development, providing actionable insights to reduce shoplifting, while also decreasing the need for harsh and punitive approaches to theft reduction. In addition, it will explore some broader social factors that contribute to the phenomenon and ways to address such issues.

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