Impacts of Shoplifting Prevention Systems on Retail Employees in Belgium

Shoplifting is a global problem, it impacts many people around the world and in Belgium. In this master thesis, we examine the under-explored subject of shoplifting prevention systems and their impacts on Belgian retail employees. It will rely on theoretical foundations as well as practical analysis with twelves interviews of Belgian retail employees who gave their personal experiences and insights. Effects of various loss prevention systems will be looked into, human surveillance, CCTV cameras, Electronical Article Surveillance, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design and security guards. Findings highlights a complex balance retailers need to find between the need for secure their goods and the consequences created on employees’ well-being. Security systems are effective and have a reassuring role but they can also create additional costs, waste of time and employee discomfort.