You may have heard from peers that “shoplifting is no big deal” or that “everybody does it” but we assure you that anyone saying that, has not been caught shoplifting. The reality is that shoplifting is a very big deal especially to kids who get caught.

Here is what kids say who have been caught shoplifting:

“My parents are so disappointed in me”
“Stealing was my lowest point”
“I’m a statistic”
“The hardest thing is the way my parents look at me, like a bad person”
“I’m a good kid. I can’t believe I was so stupid”
“I’m so embarrassed”
“My friend said that if we got caught, she would say it was her alone. She didn’t.”
“My grandmother thought I was the best, now I think she looks down on me”
“What hurt the most is the way my mother cried when she saw me in handcuffs”
“I wanted to make something of myself, now I blew it”
“This one action will stick with me for the rest of my life”
“Now my parents feel they can’t trust me”
“The risk is just not worth the reward”
“I never realized how much this one stupid act could cost me and my family”

Shoplifting may seem tempting. But remember, when you shoplift, you risk the chance of losing trust and self-respect, a part of yourself which has far greater value than any item you could take from a store. Don’t kid yourself. Shoplifting is a crime with serious consequences.

If you think you may have a problem with shoplifting or have been recently caught, we encourage you to enroll in a program (with your parent’s permission) which will help you get back on track.

Encourage Others To Do The Same

You now realize that shoplifting is a “big deal”. Talk to your friends about what they have to lose by shoplifting and let them know that shoplifting is not all right with you. In addition, encourage your friends to join you in participating in the Honest To Goodness Project, a project aimed at preventing kids from shoplifting while building character.

Help prevent shoplifting by participating in the Honest To Goodness Project.

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PARENTS: Discuss Shoplifting With Your Children

Drugs, Alcohol, Date Rape, Cyber Sex. . .in addition to all the dangerous and life-threatening issues parents need to be aware of today and discuss with their kids, it may be hard to think about taking the time to talk to your kids about shoplifting. After all, you have raised them well and they know stealing is wrong. But juvenile shoplifting is not about knowing right from wrong. It’s about acceptance, self-worth, thrill seeking and the pressures they face from family, school and peers. Even when they know shoplifting is wrong, when their lives become stressful temptation becomes greater. At that point they often let themselves believe that shoplifting isn’t hurting anyone, that stores can afford the losses and it will be just this one time.

To avoid the future hardships for your child, yourself and your family, it is imperative that you take the time to discuss shoplifting with your children. Let them know stealing is a crime and you value honesty and integrity. They will listen.

If you think your child may have a problem with shoplifting or has been recently caught, we encourage you to enroll your child in a program which will help him/her get back on track. Learn More

For further information or to request a Parent Education brochure about helping to prevent kids from shoplifting, visit the Honest To Goodness Project.

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SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY YOUTH AGENCIES: Include Shoplifting Prevention as Part of your Character-Education Program

In today’s society where divorce is high, where more homes have two working parents, where family-time is at a premium and the list of threats to our children’s welfare continues to grow, it is imperative that all who touch children’s lives take an active role in educating the whole child.

It is clear, that like it or not, the lines between the parents’ job, the schools job and the communities’ job have become blurred. Schools often need to be an extension of the parent. Community-based organizations often need to be an extension of both parent and school. Each touch point in a child’s life needs to have a backup system so that when one falls short, another reaches out and our children do not suffer because we thought that was someone else’s job.

Why discuss shoplifting in particular?

Shoplifting is a prevalent and meaningful issue among youth. 89% of teens say they know others who shoplift and 66% say they hang out with those kids. It is a topic that even “good” kids personally relate too because most know someone who did it and got away with it, have been tempted to do it themselves or have actually done it. In addition, in today’s society, the opportunity to shoplift presents itself in everyday life and children are particularly vulnerable to the temptation to “get something for nothing”. Shoplifting for teens is not just a black and white question of right and wrong. It is strongly influenced by peer pressure and kids’ growing sense of entitlement. In today’s society they find it easy to rationalize shoplifting as “no big deal” when their parents and schools don’t talk about it and they can proudly say, “at least I’m not doing drugs”.

Why is shoplifting a good topic for character-education?

The study of shoplifting is an objective vehicle for the teaching of effective and reasonable morals and values. Regardless of the ethical or guiding philosophy to which families subscribe, shoplifting is universally considered “wrong”. Because it is considered universally “wrong” and is universally “meaningful” to kids, it is a particularly appropriate way to look at ethics.

In addition to empowering kids to say no to shoplifting, the discussion of shoplifting teaches honesty, integrity, trustworthiness and a sense of justice and fairness which are critical values that enable young men and women to develop positive relationships and become good citizens.

The discussion of shoplifting in conjunction with character-education is a practical demonstration which can be used in our public schools while maintaining the “neutral and secular manner” required by constitutional law.

For information about starting a program in your school or agency visit the Honest To Goodness Project.

For information, member benefits or to become a member of the National Shoplifting Prevention Coalition.

For public education and statistics about the shoplifting problem visit the National Learning and Resource Center.

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RETAILERS: Apprehend and Prosecute Shoplifting Offenders and Support Anti-Shoplifting Campaigns and Community Programs

Apprehend and Prosecute Shoplifting Offenders as often as practical.

Expense, time, liability . . . we know that actively apprehending and prosecuting shoplifters can be a time consuming, difficult and costly task. However, a decision not to apprehend and prosecute shoplifters comes at a significant cost to your bottom line and the communities you serve.

Retailers have not only the right but the responsibility to apprehend and prosecute shoplifters as often as practical. The reasons are clear:

Support Anti-Shoplifting Campaigns and Community Programs

In addition to hurting your bottom line, shoplifting hurts the communities you serve. It is imperative that retailers support community anti-shoplifting campaigns, school-based prevention programs and secondary prevention programs in the courts.

Current security measures can be effective; however, having people stop themselves from shoplifting is less time consuming, less costly and more effective on a permanent basis.

For information about implementing a juvenile shoplifting prevention program in the communities you serve, visit the Honest To Goodness Project.

To learn about the National Shoplifting Prevention Coalition, view member benefits or to become a member, click here.

For information, research and statistics about the shoplifting problem visit the National Learning and Resource Center.

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LAW ENFORCEMENT : Respond to Shoplifting with a Sense of Urgency and Importance

With all of the responsibilities on law enforcement today, it is understandable that responding to shoplifting may not be the top priority within many police departments. However, law enforcement’s response to shoplifting plays an important role in achieving truly effective police-community partnerships which are essential in keeping our neighborhoods safe and crime-free.

When law enforcement is complacent about shoplifting it sends a message to the individuals and youth in their communities that crime pays, which in turn, ultimately results in more crime.

Law enforcement’s decision to respond to shoplifting in a serious manner is a decision to let people know that criminal behavior on any level, in your community, is not tolerated. This sends a message loud and clear to potential future criminals and serves to help decrease the current and future crime rate in your area.

We understand that reducing or solving the problem of shoplifting cannot be achieved by law enforcement alone. A well-rounded strategy which encompasses the entire community is critical. However, because law enforcement serves as a visible, positive role model for the community at large, it is crucial for them to “set the standard” in their response to shoplifting in order to reduce this extremely prevalent crime and increase the overall quality of life for the community.

For information about implementing a juvenile shoplifting prevention program in the communities you serve, visit the Honest To Goodness Project.

To utilize an “offense-specific” educational rehabilitation program for adults or juveniles caught shoplifting as part of your diversion agreement, visit the Criminal & Juvenile Justice Center.

To learn about the National Shoplifting Prevention Coalition, view member benefits or to become a member, click here.

For information, research and statistics about the shoplifting problem visit the National Learning and Resource Center.

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COURTS: Sentence Appropriately and Effectively to Help Reduce Repeat Offenses

While most criminal and juvenile justice professionals strive to handle their shoplifting cases with appropriate and effective action, the reality is that with the overwhelming number of cases on their dockets, the crime of shoplifting often falls to the “low crime on the totem pole”. This leads to shoplifting cases too often being disposed of with less effective sanctions or even a simple warning and release.

While this practice may aid the court system in reducing their caseloads for the immediate future, to impact long term shoplifter recidivism the courts will gain most from sentencing offenders to an “offense-specific” educational program along with other sanctions.

Admissions by shoplifters in a confidential survey reveal that:

• Shoplifters who continually repeat the offense want to stop, but are often to ashamed or afraid to ask for help. Because these offenders don’t often voluntarily enroll in an educational program, we must rely on the courts to sentence offenders to receive formal, structured education at the time when they will be most receptive to it….that is, when caught or prosecuted.
  
  
• The most important factor in determining if a person will shoplift again is their experience the time before. If shoplifters are merely given a “slap on the wrist” when sent to court, it is more likely that they will repeat the act and ultimately end up back in the court system.

“Offense-specific" education programs for shoplifting offenders have proven to be an effective way to reduce recidivism because effective programs address the “root causes” of shoplifting and give individuals an understanding about the problem as it relates to society and themselves.

Psychological profiles and admissions by shoplifters have revealed that 1 out of 3 “first-offender” shoplifters are “at risk” of repeating the offense. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the community to require the offender to participate in a substantive educational rehabilitation program, in addition to other sanctions such as fines, court costs, community service, probation or jail.

To utilize an “offense-specific” educational rehabilitation program for adults or juveniles caught shoplifting as part of a plea bargain agreement, diversion agreement, probation or sentence, visit the Criminal & Juvenile Justice Center.

To learn about the National Shoplifting Prevention Coalition, view member benefits or to become a member, click here.

For information, research and statistics about the shoplifting problem visit the National Learning and Resource Center.

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MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: Actively promote shoplifting as another form of addictive behavior through the study of habitual shoplifting and support appropriate treatment for those individuals caught up in it.

Where do I turn? Who could possibly understand? Why am I treated just as a criminal, not as an addict? Why do people addicted to illegal drugs get drug “treatment” as part of their sentence but people who are addicted to shoplifting merely get “punished”? Who can possibly help me? These questions resonate in every habitual shoplifter’s mind. They feel angry and persecuted by the system as well as ashamed and isolated by their own behavior.

“I wish I were an alcoholic instead of a shoplifter.” Sounds like an outrageous statement but for a person struggling with a shoplifting “addiction” it makes perfect sense. “If I were an alcoholic, people would understand my problem and know how to help me and there would be places I could turn for help”. The irony is subtle but very real for people who are caught up in a shoplifting addiction.

The lack of understanding about shoplifting as anything more than a petty crime is an impediment to prevention as well as recovery for many. Moreover, even the people who have sought psychotherapy tell us they are just too ashamed to tell even a therapist of this behavior. They are truly marginalized. They feel truly isolated.

Call to Action for the Mental Health Community:

• Sponsor and participate in research in order to understand more about shoplifting to ultimately provide better service to the people that are suffering.
  
  
• Pursue professional education specific to shoplifting and the root causes of this self-destructive behavior, which for habitual shoplifters masquerades as self-nourishing.
  
  
• Complete certification and enroll in the NASP registry of psychotherapists committed to helping those struggling with this specific behavior.

To preview NASP’s self-help and support services available to patients dealing with a shoplifting problem visit the National Self-Help & Support Center.

To learn about the National Shoplifting Prevention Coalition, become a member or learn about NASP’s registry of psychotherapists, click here or email us at info@shopliftingprevention.org. Please write Psychotherapist in the subject line of your email.

For information, research and statistics about the shoplifting problem visit the National Learning and Resource Center.

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COMMUNITY LEADERS & LEGISLATORS: Engage Community Action in the Prevention of Shoplifting

With the hierarchy of problems facing community leaders and legislators today, it’s no surprise that shoplifting falls short on the list of “things to actively pursue and address”. However, because of its prevalence, the current lack of interest in dealing with and addressing shoplifting will most certainly serve to undermine standards of honesty, integrity and character within communities. Imagine a community in which 1 in 11 people, from the stock boy to the stockbroker, have learned through “casual” shoplifting that crime pays. Changing our society’s all too casual approach to shoplifting requires a national effort. Community leaders and legislators can add significant value to any shoplifting prevention effort.

• Introduce legislation that requires the use of “offense-specific” education programs in the sentencing of both juvenile and adult shoplifting offenders.
  
  
• Invite local retail loss prevention personnel to speak to your community and its leaders at events such as those sponsored by the local public library, the PTA or your Chamber of Commerce.
  
  
• Urge independent retailers and Mall operators to participate in the community’s efforts by sponsoring education programs and community “toolkits” aimed at shoplifting prevention.
  
  
• Help community youth programs, whether secular or faith-based, to offer programs for kids to examine their own character using the issue of shoplifting as a tool for the study of ethics.
  
  
• Urge local police departments to respond promptly to your local merchant’s calls when they apprehend a shoplifter.
  
  
• Implement a community action plan which engages individuals in the prevention of shoplifting.

To learn about utilizing juvenile shoplifting prevention programs in the communities you serve, visit the Honest To Goodness Project.

To learn about utilizing educational rehabilitation programs for adults and juveniles caught shoplifting in the communities you serve, visit the Criminal & Juvenile Justice Center.

To learn about the National Shoplifting Prevention Coalition, view member benefits or to become a member, click here.

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INDIVIDUALS SEEKING HELP: Find the Help You Need to Resolve the Problem

If you are a person struggling with the fear, shame and agony of a shoplifting problem, we can help you. We know that your shoplifting problem is having a negative effect on you and your family and we want you to know that you are not alone in dealing with this problem. We understand that while you have committed a crime, you are probably not a career criminal. Rather, you are most likely someone who is dealing with stresses and pressures in your life and are simply looking for a way to give yourself some relief with a “gift” or “lift” you feel you need or deserve. Unfortunately, as you know or will find out, the self-nourishment you think you are getting from shoplifting is actually quite self-destructive.

With NASP’s 25 years of experience dealing with people with a shoplifting problem, we have come to understand the motivations and the difficulty in both living with a shoplifting problem and in coming to terms with getting help.

Even if you think that shoplifting is not a real problem for you and you are telling yourself that you won’t do it again, beware that the temptation will always be there.

We encourage you to complete our Self-Assessment. Seek help now to learn the reasons why you are shoplifting and what you specifically need to do to prevent future incidents.

To learn more about NASP Self-Help and Support Services, click here.