Why does shoplifting happen?

Why does shoplifting happen?

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.

Is stealing a symptom of depression?

Shoplifting and Depression Shoplifting is oftentimes due to depression. Many scholarly studies have linked depression and other mental issues and shoplifting. In fact, the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, in a widely reported study, found that over 30 percent of first-time offenders were clinically depressed.

Is shoplifting a serious crime?

Shoplifting is a Serious Crime The simple fact is that a shoplifting conviction is very serious and could even result in a felony conviction and time in jail. It is a theft crime, and like other theft charges, a conviction comes with jail time and hefty fines.

Is shoplifting a violent crime?

As mentioned above, California PC 459.5 punishes shoplifting crime. The law considers shoplifting as a misdemeanor offense. You commit the offense when you enter an open business intending to commit theft. The merchandise you steal should be valued at $950 or less.

Is stealing an addictive behavior?

It’s just an activity that becomes addicting. Those who steal compulsively are ashamed of what they are doing, but they can’t stop. Because of the lack of knowledge of stealing addiction, it is hard for those suffering with it to seek help.

What do you call a person who steals things?

A thief is a person who steals, especially in secret and without using force or violence. The plural of thief is thieves. The related noun theft refers to the act or an instance of stealing. In general, intentionally taking something that doesn’t belong to you makes you a thief.

How shoplifting can ruin your life?

In addition to the criminal consequences, a charge of shoplifting can have a significant and adverse effect on your life, your relationships, and even your job. It can ruin your reputation in your community and can prevent you from gaining employment.

What happens if you shoplift and don’t get caught?

Even if you successfully shoplift and exit the store without being caught, you can still be arrested. When there is missing inventory or if something distinctive is gone from the shelves, businesses may review security footage.

What should you not do when shoplifting?

Shoplifting: 10 things you should never do if accused of shoplifting

1. Never argue with store employees if stopped while leaving the store.
2. Don’t explain to them what happened.
3. Don’t offer to pay offer to pay at this point.
4. Don’t give them any personal information.

What happens if someone shoplifts?

Entering an open business with the intent to steal less than $950 worth of property is shoplifting under California state law (Penal Code 495.5). Shoplifting is usually treated as a misdemeanor — unless you have some major prior convictions — punishable by a half-year in county jail and fines of up to $1,000.

What is the psychology behind stealing?

Stealing may be caused by jealousy, low self-esteem, or peer-pressure. Social issues like feeling excluded or overlooked can also cause stealing. People may steal to prove their independence, to act out against family or friends, or because they don’t respect others or themselves.

Why do people shoplift when they don’t need to?

According to Psychology Today, people may shoplift for various reasons with most of them not relating at all to a lack of money or a need for the item being taken. A couple common reasons include an addiction to stealing and a mental disorder that encourages the behavior.