Shoplifting, also known as commercial burglary, is the illegal seizure of goods or money belonging to a retail establishment. It is one of the most common crimes that police deal with on a daily basis and contrary to popular belief; shoplifting is not done primarily by kleptomaniacs. Most shoplifters suffer no mental health condition compelling them to steal whatsoever. The reasons for shoplifting are as varied as the people who perpetrate the crime as there is no such thing as a typical shoplifter.

People who shoplift can be any race, age, or gender, and shoplifting is not claimed solely by large, or inner cities, nor is most shoplifting done by people in need. It is recorded that one out of eleven Americans shoplift. Shoplifters generally fall into two categories, the Professional Shoplifter, who can be characterized as people who usually take expensive items, like jewelry and electronics which are easy to resell, and the amateur or casual shoplifters, which steal trinkets, clothing, and other small items. This is the category that most shoplifters fall into.

Casual shoplifters generally don’t go into a store with the intention of stealing and their decision to steal is not usually based upon need. They see the opportunity to take something so they do.

Shoplifters cost retailers many billions of dollars per year, with losses varying by store type. The costs of shoplifting are not always absorbed by the targeted company, but instead, often result in price increases.

Sadly, many people, particularly teens, don’t realize how serious shoplifting can be. For some, what seems like an innocent prank at fifteen can adversely affect the shoplifter’s future. People who have been arrested for shoplifting, especially if it is not their first offense may end up with a criminal record. This can make it harder to get a job or get into college, which gravely affects their future as they are left with fewer options.

Consequences for being caught shoplifting can range from the sheer humiliation of being arrested and walked through a store in handcuffs, to charges being filed, to being banned from shops or entire shopping malls. Even if people who shoplift aren’t prosecuted, their names can end up on a national database. The national database is something that some companies look at when making the decision to hire someone.