How Shoplifting Affects
You & Your Family
One of the most common
non-violent crimes facing America today- and most of the world - is
shoplifting. So prevalent is this problem, that most stores and shops
automatically increases prices (as much as 10%) to cover these
losses.
Shoplifters fall into several categories. First, there
are the "professionals". They make their living by stealing - most
often to their "customers" specifications. They have to perfect their
technique to operate . . .to remove labels with scissors or razor
blades, that could incriminate them if caught . . .or by designing a
"booster" box for stolen articles. . . or the expert use of "bad bags"
(shopping bags) . . . or "booster" skirts or pants (ordinary appearing
garments with baglike compartments inside). . .plus dozens of
other clever "professional's tools".
Some take things they could
easily pay for and perhaps do not even want. These offenders may suffer
from kleptomania, a neurotic, irresistible impulse to steal. This is
almost never done for the purpose of acquiring the item taken. While
these people may not necessarily be considered mentally ill, generally
"kleptomaniacs" are emotionally disturbed.
The greatest number
of shoplifters are "amateurs". Usually, they have little money, few
scruples & an intense desire to own luxuries. Psychologists say the
four most common urges and emotions underlying these crimes are: (1)
Profound feelings of guilt, (2) A wish to be punished, (3) A need to
prove their worth and/or (4) an impulse to retaliate for real or
fancied wrongs. These shoplifters are not necessarily ill or disturbed,
they simply steal because it pays.
Whether the item taken is of
little value (as a candy bar or piece of bubble gum), or of greater
worth (typewriter or camera) it is still shoplifting and it is still a
crime. These crimes affect us all by being forced to pay higher
prices.
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CHILDREN ARE SHOPLIFTERS - No matter
how young children are, they must be taught that to take anything
without paying for it is a wrongful act. If a child does not realize
this at an early age, it may set a pattern that could follow him into
adulthood, with disturbing consequences.
The simplest way to
prevent a child from stealing is to watch him at all times while you
are shopping and reprimand him when the act takes place. If this fails,
take him to the store manager or other authoritative personnel and say
something like "My son took this. Will you please tell him what
happens to people who steal".
Naturally, it is a more serious
problem when teenagers and adults engage in shoplifting. A friend or
family member may be extremely secretive, but if they engage in
shoplifting regularly, there are usually giveaway clues as to
their activities: (1) Extra unexplained income, (2) Possession of
luxuries you know they cannot afford, (3) Secretive habits during
certain times of the day, and/or (4) Lavish gifts on friends and
acquaintances.
WHEN YOU DISCOVER A SHOPLIFTER - If it's a
stranger in the illegal act, notify store personnel. If it's a friend
or family member, warn him first. If this fails, convince him to see a
doctor. As a last resort, you may have to notify police, to save him
from ridicule, disgrace and extreme hardship later.
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