Juvenile perceptions of shop theft in the Mabopane area

Abstract

This research is a exploratory and descriptive study based on juvenile's perceptions with regard to shop theft. Secondary data sources were consulted to supplement the empirical data collected by means of a comprehensive questionnaire. Five hundred learners from grades 10, 11 and 12 in Mabopane were selected for the completion of the questionnaires. Shop theft was further elucidated by the application of criminological theories to explain research findings by highlighting their relationship with shop theft.

Main research findings established that there are significant statistical differences with regard to the learner gender, age and grade as far as their views on shop theft were concerned.

Recommendations based on the findings include teaching Criminology at secondary schools, the development of an anti shop theft youth oriented crime prevention program, shop theft educational and awareness programmes, and shoplifter offender prevention programs.