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Objectives <p>This study examined the effectiveness of a novel voice message intervention in reducing shoplifting in supermarket stores.</p> Methods <p>Six different messages were introduced to 13 experimental stores, with three stores as controls. The messages were delivered via a human-shaped device resembling a police officer, equipped with a motion sensor and a speaker. The study spanned two two-month periods, with different messages in each period. The loss rates of seven targeted items were recorded at the end of each period and compared with those of the same month of the previous year.</p> Results <p>Effects varied across product categories, with nonuniform reduction across all items. The message appealing to moral norms and conscience was the most effective in preventing shoplifting.</p> Conclusions <p>These findings show that moral appeals made via voice messages can reduce shoplifting in certain contexts. This approach offers a low-cost and easily implementable alternative to conventional store layout modifications.</p>

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Evaluating voice-message-based shoplifting prevention using a human-shaped device: evidence from a field experiment in supermarket stores in Japan

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月18日

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  • Ai Suzuki

摘要

Objectives

This study examined the effectiveness of a novel voice message intervention in reducing shoplifting in supermarket stores.

Methods

Six different messages were introduced to 13 experimental stores, with three stores as controls. The messages were delivered via a human-shaped device resembling a police officer, equipped with a motion sensor and a speaker. The study spanned two two-month periods, with different messages in each period. The loss rates of seven targeted items were recorded at the end of each period and compared with those of the same month of the previous year.

Results

Effects varied across product categories, with nonuniform reduction across all items. The message appealing to moral norms and conscience was the most effective in preventing shoplifting.

Conclusions

These findings show that moral appeals made via voice messages can reduce shoplifting in certain contexts. This approach offers a low-cost and easily implementable alternative to conventional store layout modifications.