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Shoplifting spike driven by economy
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There is an article in the November 2nd Tuscaloosa News that indicates greed is a possible explanation to the nationwide spike in shoplifting because people are not stealing basic necessities.
I disagree.
Many basic necessities are not easily stolen. Laundry detergent is bulky, as are paper towels and packages of ground beef. It is easier to steal small but costly items that can be bartered for necessities. Cosmetics, batteries, perfume, jewelry, spices, virgin olive oil, and pens are examples.
Personally, I think high bank fees are driving some people to steal to feel like they’ve made back some of what has been taken from them.
Shoplifting hurts the community. It takes away tax revenue, and it is a crime. I am not advocating shoplifting, but I think there is more to the psychology of its increase over the last year or so than greed.
For kleptomaniacs, shoplifting eases anxiety. There is certainly plenty of that to go around as a result of the country’s current economic woes.
Professional shoplifters use foil-lined bags to get through anti-theft devices undetected and sometimes shop in groups so that they have look-outs and help.
Because shoplifting increases around the holiday season, stores will be more vigilant about security between now and the end of the year. A relative who received plain-clothes security training from a major department store once told me customers wearing old shoes are watched more closely than those wearing nice shoes. Stores pay more attention to shoppers entering their establishments with large bags, as well.
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