Shoplifting Resources

The following information on shoplifting includes facts, advice on consequences, and listing of online resources.

The Facts

  • Chronic shoplifters steal an average of 1.6 times per week.
  • Most shoplifters steal due to societal or personal pressures not of finical need or greed.
  • Shoplifters say they are caught about once for every 48 times they steal.
  • Shoplifting overburdens the police and court systems, add to the stores expense costs consumers more, and hurts children and families.
  • There is no profile on a typical shoplifter; males and females shoplift about as equally as often.
  • Your kids know kids who shoplift, 86% of kids say they know others who shoplift.

Advice on Consequences

  • Apologize in person, in writing, or both to the people he/she stole from.
  • If you choose to limit your child's privileges, make sure it is something that you have control over and can follow through on.
  • Make the offender pay for the price of the merchandise.
  • Have the offender volunteer his/her time in the community.

Online Shoplifting Resources