Why do shoplifters steal

Newspapers — Similar to umbrellas, rolled or folded newspapers can easily hide items shoplifters wish to steal. Newspapers can be strategically rolled up, leaving a gap for the purpose of shoving small items in the gap that is created.

In this way, shoplifters have another method of concealing stolen items. Strollers — Another popular method of shoplifting is the use of baby strollers. Busy parents often pack strollers heavily with blankets, toys, and a baby, all of which merchandise can easily be hidden under.

Serious shoplifters have even gone to the trouble of building false bottoms in the stroller to easily stow items. Diaper bags are another way shoplifters steal, as they can easily hide items under diapers, bottles, and other miscellaneous items. Coats - A professional shoplifter will wear oversized or specially manufactured coats with slits in the pocket lining so that they can reach for items without being seen.

Depression and trauma, stressors and triggers are often brought up when a celebrity shoplifting bust hits the newsfeeds. Not everyone, however, believes that nonsensical shoplifting is a layer of an onion or a coping mechanism. These theories are old and shopworn. He took it for the thrill of it, to outsmart the establishment.

He enjoyed every aspect of shoplifting: scanning the aisles for the objects, looking for the exits, trying to outsmart the surveillance and store personnel, the theft and the getaway. Psychiatrist Jon Grant, a University of Chicago professor, agrees that shoplifting may often elicit a sense of euphoria. They enjoy the thrill but then almost instantly beat themselves up for the behavior.

They have lots of guilt and frequently think about and attempt suicide because of their behavior. Social hierarchies is an established field of psychology that focuses on the effects of wealth, power and privilege. Their motive, however, is to sell the goods to support another addiction, such as drug use or gambling. They sell the goods for money to buy drugs or alcohol, to pay their debts, or to continue gambling.

If they have a history of substance abuse, they may be in possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia while shoplifting. Or they may carry signs of gambling addiction while shoplifting, such as lottery tickets, casino chips, or betting slips.

This type of shoplifter is likely to have repeated arrests for shoplifting. Impoverished shoplifters steal out of real or perceived economic need. This group shoplifts out of survival instincts to help themselves, their families, or others.

They may have suffered a recent loss or life-changing event, such as a big move, a divorce, death, or illness. They are also usually underemployed or unemployed, or have been recently laid off. As such, their dress or hygiene may be poor. This group of shoplifters often has children.

After shoplifting, they generally feel scared or remorseful. The percentage of shoplifters in this category fluctuates with unemployment rates and the state of the economy. Thrill-seeker shoplifting is an early stage of shoplifting. This group includes teens before they become addicted, and these may later move to other categories of shoplifting as well.

Also included in this group are adults who occasionally shoplift and people who have a pattern of thrill-seeking behaviors. This kind of shoplifter is not usually motivated by anger, depression, loss, or anxiety. They are primarily teens motivated by boredom, rebellion, or pressure to fit in.

The shoplifting is often done in groups, and the thrill-seekers usually steal inexpensive items. Teen shoplifters often have problems in school as well. They may engage in risky behaviors outside of shoplifting, such as sex, drugs, smoking, reckless driving, etc. Accidents can occasionally happen.

This type of shoplifter is genuinely surprised when caught for shoplifting, as they are unaware that they are shoplifting.