Shoplifting is a crime. Sometimes referred to as a “silent” crime, it causes massive losses to the retail sector every year. Businesses and parents alike would rather not discuss the issue. Many parents consider it a minor offense and refuse to acknowledge the seriousness of the problem. 

Almost half of all reported shoplifting crimes are committed by teenagers. The majorities of the items are small and can be easily concealed. There are operations though, that deal in hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. It makes no difference how big or small the loss to the company is, the repercussions can reach huge proportions. As the amount of stolen items escalate, the wider the circle of effect spreads.

With each theft a store must absorb, the cost of other items must be raised to cover the loss. It’s estimated that people spend upwards of $300 more per year for items to make up for lost revenue caused by shoplifting.

Stores must also employ methods, such as hidden cameras and “store walkers” that keep an eye on customers. Legitimate consumers may feel like this is an intrusion of privacy and if they are made to uncomfortable, will choose to shop elsewhere.

Another loss that many people forget about is lost tax revenue for both state and federal governments. Normally, tax revenues are used to benefit community and state programs. If these revenues are lost on a constant basis, the programs suffer and may eventually be cancelled. 

Once cases are reported, the police must spend several man hours investigating and following through with the case. The excess work that is put towards apprehending shoplifters could be used to solve more important crimes that affect our cities. The courts as well, spend many hours a year, performing the judicial process to put offenders through court, sentencing and probation or jail. All of this uses tax payer money that could have been used in other, more productive ways.
When teenagers are arrested, their families experience a financial set back that can be disastrous as an unexpected expense. Court costs, fines, restitution and the possible cost of alternative schools or juvenile detention can be exorbitant.

When a person is not caught or brought to justice for shoplifting, it creates a trend that it may be ok to keep doing it. If parents refuse to punish their children or stores do not prosecute it sets the stage for a pattern to develop. As the pattern of shoplifting and stealing continues, it can broaden to encompass more dangerous crimes.

Shoplifting, even though in some instances, may be minor, it should be treated as a serious offense. Only then will people begin to understand the ramifications of their actions.