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Shrinkage Figures and Data Corruption: Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics?

In: Crime at Work

Author

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  • Vicky Turbin

    (Scarman Centre for the Study of Public Order)

Abstract

Effective security requires accurate data about losses. In retailing, estimates of loss known as ‘shrinkage’ are commonly used to indicate problems within a store. However, shrinkage not only includes theft by staff and customers but also some degree of unidentified ‘clerical’ error. Understanding how data is created and corrupted, is a vital part of understanding estimates of risk. By reducing data corruption, more reliable loss figures are produced on which to base security decisions. This is a vital component of any security strategy designed to increase the risk for offenders. This paper presents results from a twelve-month study of data corruption within a medium-sized jeans and casual clothing retailer. Using both hypothetical examples and case studies of real stock figures, the paper demonstrates how data is corrupted and how corruption impacts on stocktakes, loss figures, merchandising and sales.

Suggested Citation

  • Vicky Turbin, 1998. "Shrinkage Figures and Data Corruption: Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics?," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Martin Gill (ed.), Crime at Work, chapter 0, pages 25-33, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-0-230-37783-7_2
    DOI: 10.1057/9780230377837_2
    as

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