As a counselor both in class and online theft classes I always discuss what constitutes a professional shoplifter. Many of my students think they are “professionals”, and they are surprised to learn that while they have a shoplifting problem, they are not professional thieves.
Are You A Pro?
Believe me, this is nothing to be proud of. This is a very sick group of individuals that require intervention and serious medical treatment.
One group that qualifies as professional are those who are addicts who steal to buy drugs or hardened criminals who steal for resale and profit as a life – style. Professional shoplifters frequently commit other types of crimes and lack any conscience or guilt.
Professional shoplifters need to rid themselves of all addictions, drugs, alcohol and theft. Unfortunately, most of this group wind up spending a good deal of time in jail.
Non - Professional Shoplifters
These are the people who make up the majority of shoplifters and who steal for a variety of reasons, mostly related to common life situations and their personal ability (or inability) to cope. They include people who are depressed, frustrated, anxious, influenced by peers and thrill seekers.
Despite what many believe, kleptomaniacs are not professional thieves. They are individuals who have an urge to steal regardless of financial need. They are sick and need treatment, but they are not professionals.
It’s Rarely About Greed
Greed or financial need are rarely the motivation for non-professional. These individuals know right from wrong, they know the consequences and usually have the money to pay, but steal anyway. They usually have the money to pay for the item, rarely plan their theft in advance and never try to sell the item for profit.
While many non - professional shoplifters steal from stores on a regular basis, they usually have no prior criminal record (except perhaps for shoplifting) and are typically the kind of people who don't commit other types of crimes. Their behavior is less about criminal intent and more the result of situational, emotional or psychological problems in need of attention.
High Recidivism
Research has shown that 1 out of 3 shoplifters are at risk of repeating the offense even after getting caught. Research shows that nationwide there are thousands of shoplifters who continually repeat the offense and want to stop…but can’t. Their shoplifting has become a habit or even an addiction, and they are too ashamed or afraid to tell anyone, or ask for help. Other shoplifters simply deny they have a problem of any kind.
It is not an issue of good vs. bad people, rich vs. poor, young vs. old or education vs. illiteracy. At any time, or even many times in a person's life, the temptation to "get something for nothing" and the desire to reward oneself can easily be present. By raising public awareness about the problem and delivering needed programs and services to people who shoplift, communities who engage in prevention efforts will reduce the number of people who become involved and improve the quality of life for all.
The irony is that most shoplifters who have developed a habit or addiction believe they should be punished. It also is ironic that offenders often resent when they are thrown into jail with hardened career criminals.
Shoplifting is a serious problem on many levels. If you or someone you love has a problem with shoplifting, I encourage you to seek help immediately. If you prefer to maintain your anonymity, there are online stop theft classes as well.