What do people shoplift

How do you fight against something as broad, undetermined, and inevitable as shoplifting, and where do you even begin? According to New Health Advisor , about one in every 10 Americans shoplift every year. That shoplifting is unintentional, or at least, could be deterred. So what are other reasons why people shoplift?

Some of the top reasons include:. Shoplifters are just as likely to be male or female, have any skin color, and be rich or poor. In short, behavioral cues are more important than physical or demographic characteristics. Here are a few common traits, according to The Balance. In fictionalized dramas and movies, shoplifters are typically portrayed as lone wolves, entering stores alone and swiping items when no one is watching.

The reality, however, is that many shoplifters work in pairs or groups. Often, a member of the group will distract sales staff, asking questions about an item or sending the sales associate to another section of the store or the back room. Shoplifting is most likely to happen when sales staff are occupied or distracted.

This includes handbags, shopping bags from other stores, large coats, and even umbrellas. Some thieves will actually purchase something as a way to conceal other items in it or in the same bag as they walk out of the store. In clothing stores especially, shoplifters will often take many items into dressing rooms without any intention of trying them on.

They do this in order to stuff one or two items into bags, as well as to distract sales people in the fitting room area. Coats - A professional shoplifter will wear oversized or specially manufactured coats with slits in the pocket lining so that they can reach for items without being seen. Shoplifters will typically inspect an item with their exposed hand while the hidden pocket hand slips out and grabs another item.

Pulling the desired item back through the lining of the coat, it is then stored in a separate pocket inside of the coat. Shopping Bags - Many shoplifters will bring in a grocery bag from another store and fill it up with items that they hide under items that are already in their bag. In an effort to prevent this method of shoplifting from occurring, many stores will ask you to leave your bag at the customer service desk or will staple the bag shut. Fitting Rooms — Occasionally, shoplifters will utilize fitting rooms to layer on clothing they wish to steal.

Stores in Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Kent, and Hertfordshire were also targeted by shoplifters more frequently. Shoplifting is on the rise across the globe — and, if security measures are not enforced more consistently, this figure will only increase. Many stores — even small retailers — work to track down shoplifters and get stolen goods back, which is why recovery statistics rise each year.

Most stores have surveillance cameras that capture footage of shoplifters in action. Yes, police use these video feeds to track down shoplifters. Only fill in if you are not human. Submit a request for biometrics implementation. Get demo access to our solution or want to calculate the cost of licenses? Please fill out the contact form. We will send a password for the archive with files Security code to the archive.

After an arrest or firing from a job, there may be associated costs and fines; thus, it becomes even more tempting for people to justify stealing. Thrill seekers— mostly young people who are drawn to various risk-taking behaviors and must be worked with to explore why this has developed and helped to locate healthier, more affirming, ways to "live on the edge.

The absent-minded— mostly older people who are on medications, have cognitive disorders, and need to slow down their pace. Accidents do happen, but tell that to the judge! We're in an age of near-zero tolerance for shoplifting. I've known people who've been prosecuted for sampling grapes! Kleptomaniacs— those who shoplift impulsively and steal to calm their anxiety. The objects shoplifted are usually discarded or hoarded, or aren't even needed.

Treatment is usually a combination of medication and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. The addictive-compulsive— those who may get a rush from stealing, but the stealing mainly is the "cry for help" that's itself the drug. Medication and therapy are often essential, as well as employing ongoing recovery principles and support. Most people addicted to theft behaviors keep their acts a secret and don't connect with other recovering persons; thus, their shame remains intense and recycles.

Everyone likes to get something for nothing—a bargain, a discount, a freebie, a "real steal. The top 10 emotional motivations for stealing are:. Stores, companies, the legal system, and many individuals look at any effort to explain why most people shoplift and steal as merely making excuses.

However, in my own life and in the lives of countless others, I've seen how readily people deny their problem and how difficult it is to stop. As with drug- and alcohol-related issues, treatment alternatives are needed, along with legal consequences. The roots of the problem—whether personal, familial, or societal—must be addressed. For parents raising children—from toddler to teen—when stealing occurs, two strategies should be avoided: "underkill" and "overkill.

Sweeping it under the rug or letting it slide sends the message that it isn't a big deal. If discipline, punishment, or consequences seem in order, it's important to teach why stealing isn't an appropriate behavior. I recommend refraining from shaming your child into feeling that he or she is an awful human being, afraid to ever face making a mistake or displeasing you again.

Parents must also take a hard look at themselves and admit whether they have directly or indirectly taught their children dishonesty through negative example.