Why shoplifters do it

Thrill seekers— mostly young people who are drawn to various risk-taking behaviors and must be worked with to explore why this has developed and helped to locate healthier, more affirming, ways to "live on the edge. The absent-minded— mostly older people who are on medications, have cognitive disorders, and need to slow down their pace. Accidents do happen, but tell that to the judge!

We're in an age of near-zero tolerance for shoplifting. I've known people who've been prosecuted for sampling grapes! Kleptomaniacs— those who shoplift impulsively and steal to calm their anxiety. The objects shoplifted are usually discarded or hoarded, or aren't even needed. Treatment is usually a combination of medication and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. The addictive-compulsive— those who may get a rush from stealing, but the stealing mainly is the "cry for help" that's itself the drug.

Medication and therapy are often essential, as well as employing ongoing recovery principles and support. Most people addicted to theft behaviors keep their acts a secret and don't connect with other recovering persons; thus, their shame remains intense and recycles. Everyone likes to get something for nothing—a bargain, a discount, a freebie, a "real steal. The top 10 emotional motivations for stealing are:.

Stores, companies, the legal system, and many individuals look at any effort to explain why most people shoplift and steal as merely making excuses. However, in my own life and in the lives of countless others, I've seen how readily people deny their problem and how difficult it is to stop. As with drug- and alcohol-related issues, treatment alternatives are needed, along with legal consequences.

The roots of the problem—whether personal, familial, or societal—must be addressed. For parents raising children—from toddler to teen—when stealing occurs, two strategies should be avoided: "underkill" and "overkill.

Sweeping it under the rug or letting it slide sends the message that it isn't a big deal. If discipline, punishment, or consequences seem in order, it's important to teach why stealing isn't an appropriate behavior. I recommend refraining from shaming your child into feeling that he or she is an awful human being, afraid to ever face making a mistake or displeasing you again.

Parents must also take a hard look at themselves and admit whether they have directly or indirectly taught their children dishonesty through negative example. It's vital to assess and treat shoplifting issues with skill and sensitivity and to be open to viewing shoplifting as an addictive-compulsive behavior for which an ongoing recovery program may be necessary.

The mental health profession has taken its time in recognizing shoplifting and stealing as both widespread and treatable concerns.

Most basic assessment and screening forms ask clients about problems with alcohol, drugs, nicotine, caffeine, eating disorders, gambling, sex, and codependency. If a client admits to any form of theft, it usually falls under "legal issues," so most clinicians miss the opportunity to sift through a potential therapeutic goldmine.

Many of my clients and members of C. Therapists seemed surprised or perplexed, made awkward jokes, minimized or brushed the issue off, or, worse yet, became judgmental or mistrustful. It takes an extremely sensitive and knowledgeable therapist to navigate the waters of shoplifting or stealing. Some questions that'll need to be explored in therapy are whether a client should continue to go to stores; whether a client should get rid of the stolen items and, if so, when and how; what the gray-area forms of stealing are that a client needs to be alert to.

Of course, another question to be discussed in therapy is how a client can regain the trust of his family and friends. Many in this group struggle with repressed anger and may exhibit signs of other compulsive addictions, such as alcohol use, overeating, shopping, drug use, or gambling.

They may be coping with significant personal problems or emotional stresses. They may be in therapy or on medication for depression. These people often give to others and don't take care of themselves. These shoplifters can usually afford what they shoplift and often have sufficient money on them at the time of their arrest. Typically, they will steal items that are inexpensive and give them to others as gifts. If caught, this type will usually show guilt, shame, or remorse.

Often, they will break down and cry when caught and confronted. They tend to keep their shoplifting a secret and fear others will find out. They are normally more concerned about how others—such as friends or family—will be affected by the shoplifting than they are about personal consequences.

They may offer to pay for the stolen merchandise. They usually steal as a part of their lifestyle, for profit or greed. They are usually underemployed, as shoplifting may be their full-time job. They also tend to be unmarried to avoid dealing with suspicion about their lifestyle. They may be addicted to drugs or gambling. If caught, professional shoplifters are likely to resist arrest or attempt to flee store premises. They may be carrying articles to help circumvent security systems, like scissors, overcoats, or expandable clothing.

They do not appear emotional or remorseful, often remaining cool or calm. They usually do not answer questions and avoid providing information about themselves. 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.

Minimizing the effects of theft is an important factor in retail safety, store design and customer service. The most direct financial effect of shoplifting is that it eats away at your revenue and profits. Each item lost to a shoplifter cost money for your store to buy, but you get no revenue from it. Your cost of goods goes up, and high amounts of shoplifting severely affects your profit margins, or ability to turn revenue into profits. Often subsequent to the hit your business takes on profits is a price increase on products and services you offer customers.

This is your only alternative to address the loss of inventory other than taking a financial hit yourself. For small businesses, the need to raise prices because of regular shoplifting issues is problematic given disadvantages that already exist against larger companies with more buying power. When shrinkage rates are low, everything is rosy in a typical business.