According to Emmeline Taylor, professor of criminology at City, University of London, even affluent shoppers are now happy to attempt theft if they can innocently blame the transgression on a technology failure.
Last week Marks & Spencer chairman Archie Norman hit the headlines when he suggested prosperous shoplifters were partly to blame for soaring levels of retail crime.
And the former Conservative MP said losses at his store are more likely to be down to middle-class pilfering than organised criminal gangs, as his stores do not sell as many branded products as rivals.
Prof Taylor said: “Self-service checkouts have created a new type of shoplifter – the “swiper” (an acronym for Seemingly Well-Intentioned Patrons Engaging in Regular Shoplifting). They wouldn’t put items in their coat or pocket, but faced with a machine they take advantage of the opportunities.
“They convince themselves what they are doing is not really that bad by using a range of techniques. Some of these include claims of frustration (‘it wouldn’t scan’), accidental (‘I didn’t realise it hadn’t scanned’), com- pensatory (‘someone used to be paid to do this’) or the crime is victimless (‘they can afford it’). Middle and upper class thieves often trade on their appearance and demeanour to get away with their criminal acts.
“And recognising that transgression can be enjoyable provides some understanding as to why shoplifting is not solely the preserve of economically and socially-disadvantaged groups stealing to put food on the table, or for addicts to fund their addiction.”
A John Lewis spokesperson said: “While we’re thankfully not the worst impacted, like all retailers, we’ve seen an increase in retail crime in recent years.
“This includes rising levels of shoplifting, and unacceptable behaviour and aggression towards our staff.”
