Young Adults’ Perceptions of Store Environment: Evaluation of the Perceived Effectiveness of CPTED-Based Techniques in Preventing Shoplifting

Abstract

Recognizing that it is a widespread crime, retailers in Turkey have adopted Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) techniques to prevent shoplifting. Using data from 1,150 young adults residing in Istanbul, the current study investigates young adults’ perceptions of such techniques, given that they are frequent shopping mall visitors by evaluating CPTED’s six elements: territoriality, formal surveillance, informal surveillance, mechanical surveillance, access control, and target hardening. The findings showed that young adults perceive target hardening to be the most effective preventive technique. The paper discusses the implications for future research into preventing shoplifting through CPTED-based techniques. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.