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.