Shoplifting Inventory

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Anomalies & Outliers

Several Anomalies & Outliers paragraphs rotate in printed Shoplifting Inventory (SI) reports. These revolving anecdotes, vignettes or narratives provide information and insights that are believed to be helpful in understanding the Shoplifting Inventory (SI). In response to users' requests all Anomalies & Outliers paragraphs are presented on this webpage for your review.

According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP) one out of every eleven people in the United States shoplifts. On average shoplifters are caught once in 48 shoplifting occurrences. Shoplifters cost retailers over $18 billion annually in lost sales. Shoplifting is a crime that hurts consumers, retailers and families.

Why is the Truthfulness Scale important? Non-truthfulness has been linked to lack of treatment progress (Murphy & Baxter, 1997) as well as increased probability of recidivism (Kropp, Hart, Webster & Eaves, 1995; Grann & Wedin, 2002). The Shoplifting Inventory Truthfulness Scale measures a client’s truthfulness while they are completing the test.

A non-problematic Shoplifting Inventory (SI) profile in which all SI scale scores are at or below the 69th percentile (non-problem range) indicates the shoplifter may be better suited for probation or jail, instead of counseling or treatment. Such SI profiles suggest the client’s shoplifting was motivated by materialistic or economic gain.

Many shoplifters say they are addicted to the “thrill” or “rush” they get when shoplifting. Drug addicts that also become addicted to shoplifting describe shoplifting “as addicting as a nonprescription or illicit drug addiction.” Even after getting caught, 57 percent of the adults say it is hard for them to stop shoplifting. Shoplifter treatment often is similar to addiction treatment.

The Shoplifting Inventory (SI) is a self report shoplifter screening test. SI results can help when deciding upon detainment, arrest, court (sentencing) adjudication, diversion program placement, jail or treatment (counseling). Some view the Shoplifting Inventory (SI) as an objective second opinion. It’s helpful to know when the shoplifter was truthful when tested.

Shoplifting Inventory (SI) risk range classification is straightforward: low risk (0 to 39th percentile), medium (40 to 69th percentile), problem (70 to 89th percentile) and severe problem (90 to 100th percentile). In general, the higher the scale score the more serious the problem. Yet, evaluator experience and judgment are needed to interpret borderline scores, co-occurring disorder effects and scale interrelationships.

It is important to remember outcome is influenced by both the treatment program and client-related factors like attitude, motivation, cooperation, commitment and goals. Expecting all clients to want to change may be unrealistic, especially when assessment and/or treatment are either court ordered or required by one’s probation officer. Similarly, some referrals are made by mental health professionals.

In some settings it may be advantageous to paper-pencil test. Shoplifting Inventory (SI) test booklets and answer sheets can be printed (downloaded) at www.online-testing.com and photocopied. However, if you are using BDS test diskettes or USB flash drives call 1 (800) 231-2401 and we will mail you additional test booklets at no additional cost.

Many mental health professionals consider intensive shoplifting addictive. Addictive compulsive shoplifters (75% of those caught stealing) and kleptomaniacs (1% of shoplifters) represent shoplifting addiction. There are several ways to deal with shoplifting, ranging from offense specific interventions, shoplifting classes, adult education programs, psychotherapy, to treating coexisting conditions.

Several Anomalies & Outliers paragraphs rotate (one per report) in the printed Shoplifting Inventory (SI) reports. These rotating anecdotes, vignettes and narratives provide test related information and background that may help in understanding SI applications and results. There are ten Anomalies & Outliers paragraphs that rotate and they are replaced or upgraded annually.

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