According to the National Learning and Resource Center, more than $13 billion worth of goods are stolen from retailers each year. This adds up to approximately $35 million in stolen goods each year. These goods are lifted from a wide variety of stores including department stores, discount stores, music stores thrift shops, supermarkets, specialty item stores and more. There is not a typical profile for a shoplifter, and men and women tend to shoplift just as often so there is no specific gender tendency for this crime. While the majority of shoplifters are adults, a staggering 25% of all retail thieves are children. When a study was conducted, it was discovered that about 55% of all adults who shoplift picked up the habit while they were in their teens.

Many kids admit that they know others who shoplift. In fact, 89% of children say that their friends or acquaintances steal items from stores. 66% percent of children involved in a study admit that they hang out with those children. About 72% of all juvenile shoplifters and 73% of all adult shoplifters don’t plan to steal in advance when they approach a store. Instead they simply see something that they want and decide to take it. Because shoplifters are only caught one out of 48 times and reported to the police 50% of the time, they often don’t fear a serious punishment. The courts and police are already burdened by too many shoplifters, so they often fail to take on cases. In most cases, shoplifters are average men and women who simply want an item that they cannot afford. About 3% of all shoplifters are professionals.

When average men and women shoplift, the often have a lot of reasons for doing so. For some, it is the exhilaration of stealing that causes them to continue in the practice. For others, it may be the covetousness that comes with shopping. For people without a lot of money, shoplifting may seem like means to get the outfits, items, or goods that are wanted or needed without having to sacrifice what little money they have. For others, stealing is a necessity. Some people believe that when they don’t have the finances to obtain a necessary item such as food, shoes, or toiletries, then the only option is to steal. Sometimes these shoplifters will even steal from thrift stores or cheaper stores that are easier to lift things from because the clothing items do not have sensors. Oftentimes, shoplifters don’t steal all of the merchandise that they pick up in the store. Instead, they will normally purchase a few cheaper items and then hide the other goods away.

Another shoplifting dilemma has to do with drug addicts. Those who are reliant on a strong narcotic will often steal for a living and then sell their lifted items. They account for about 10% of the total dollar loss in the United States and use their money to purchase more and more of the illegal substances that they are now fully reliant upon. Interestingly enough, many of these addicts say that they are also addicted to shoplifting. 57% of all adults and 33% of all minors say that it is hard for them to stop shoplifting even after they are caught. Habitual shoplifters typically steal 1.6 times per week. If you need more information about shoplifting, or have been accused of this crime, you will want a local criminal defense attorney on your side. Use this directory to find a dedicated lawyer who can help you today!

Information and statistics provided by the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP), a non-profit organization; www.shopliftingprevention.org.