Study Details Shoplifting: The items most frequently...

Study Details Shoplifting: The items most frequently confiscated from shoplifters are cigarettes, athletic shoes and apparel--primarily logo-bearing and brand-name apparel, designer jeans or lingerie, according to a national retail industry study released this week.

The survey, conducted by Loss Prevention Specialists Inc. with funding from Sensormatic Electronics Corp., also found:

* Most theft--11%--occurs in December, but that’s only 4% higher than January, the lowest month at 7%, supporting the theory that shoplifting is a year-round activity.

* At 17.22%, Saturday is the top apprehension day. However, that’s only about 6% greater than on Sunday, the least likely day for apprehensions, suggesting that every day is theft day.

* More males (52%) than females were reported as shoplifters.

* Most reported shoplifters (71%) are 18 and older.

* Of all apprehensions, 64% occur between the hours of noon and 6 p.m.

* The average value of stolen goods seized during apprehensions was $20.36.

The study’s findings were compiled from 127,807 shoplifting incidents reported by 189 retail chains.