discussion of Problem Statement: Shoplifting poses a significant financial burden on retail businesses and consumers, resulting in billions of dollars in losses annually. Despite efforts to combat this problem, shoplifting rates remain high, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors contributing to shoplifting behavior and the development of effective strategies for prevention and control. Hypothesis: Shoplifting behavior is influenced by a combination of individual, environmental, and situational factors. By identifying these factors and implementing targeted interventions, retail businesses can reduce incidents of shoplifting and mitigate associated losses. Research Method: Participant Observation. This method involves immersing oneself in the environment being studied to gain firsthand insight into the behaviors, interactions, and dynamics at play. Participant observation is the best fit for this study because it allows researchers to observe shoplifting behaviors and patterns directly within retail settings while also gaining an understanding of the broader context in which these behaviors occur. Data Collection: Researchers will spend time observing various retail establishments, including department stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores, to document instances of shoplifting. Observations will focus on identifying common shoplifting tactics, demographic characteristics of shoplifters, store layouts and security measures, staff responses to suspected shoplifting, and other contextual factors