The act of shoplifting affects everyone, not just the people who own a retail store. Every year millions of dollars in revenue are lost to thieves who walk out of stores without paying for products. This criminal act has an impact on consumers, retailers and the economy.

How Shoplifting Affects You and Your Family

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Professionals
Believe it or not, some people consider shoplifting to be their profession. In fact, a few view it as an art form which they spend years perfecting. These criminals often have specially made garments or hand bags with hidden compartments where they can stash most anything they want. They steal everything from clothing to popular toys or electronics. The goods may be taken to sell to friends or on web based auction sites, and the criminal may even attempt to bring them back later for a cash refund. Another motivation for some people is simply the act of stealing.

A kleptomaniac is someone who steals items even when they don't want or need them. This is a serious mental disorder that causes people to just take things that don't belong to them. Any person who suffers from this condition may require psychiatric help to get this compulsion under control.

Other criminals steal because they feel it is warranted - they may believe they are fighting back against a greedy corporation that is getting what it deserves. According to leading psychologists some people steal things in the hopes of actually getting caught. This may be a desperate plea for attention, or a feeling of needing to be disciplined for some other aspect of their lives.

The Unplanned Crime
Many acts of shoplifting are performed by every day people who make a quick decision to take something without paying. Young children often do this to obtain a toy or other item they want which they are not able to get otherwise. Parents should watch for indications that their kids are stealing, such as finding brand new products which the child would not have been able to afford on their own. While it may seem difficult, the best thing a parent can do if they discover their offspring have stolen something is to make them go with you and return it. Explain what happened to the store manager, and make sure the offender understands that the issue is serious, illegal and could lead to major trouble.

How It Affects You
Regardless of who does the stealing or what they take, the act of shoplifting has a negative effect on everyone. Thievery is so common that every retail location must compensate for their annual losses. This is done by raising the price on every item. So whenever you purchase anything, you are paying a little extra to make up for the fact that people steal millions of dollars in merchandise from stores every year.