What is the profile of a shoplifter?

The most common characteristic of shoplifters is those defined as “addictive compulsive.” These individuals usually feel a rush or high of sorts when they steal something for the first time and then continue to get that feeling after every theft.
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What are the characteristics of a shoplifter?

Other tell-tale signs of shoplifters include:
  • Wearing large coats or baggy clothes.
  • Avoiding eye contact.
  • Watching the staff, not the merchandise.
  • Seeking shelter in dressing rooms to stash smuggled merchandise.
  • Lurking in corners.
  • Taking advantage of stores during peak hours.
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What type of person shoplifts?

Shoplifters come from all walks of life. Basically, however, they fall into two broad categories: ordinary customers and professionals who steal for a living. The amateur steals on impulse. His most important motive is a simple desire for the item itself.
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What are three signs of a potential shoplifter?

Other shoplifting signs
  • Watching the staff and security, not merchandise.
  • Avoiding eye contact.
  • Loitering near store exits.
  • Occupying dressing rooms for a long time.
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How can you tell if someone is a shoplifter?

How to spot a shoplifter
  1. seem to be watching you and the staff rather than shopping and may be waiting for the right moment to steal an item.
  2. seem to want to keep your attention and talk for the sake of it – possibly because an accomplice is elsewhere stealing.
  3. look like they're taking little notice of your products.
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Easy Spotting of a Shoplifter



What are the 7 groups of people who shoplift?

Here are the seven types of people most likely to shoplift, so you can identify and prevent theft in your store.
  • Addictive compulsive. ...
  • Professional. ...
  • Addict. ...
  • Impoverished. ...
  • Thrill-seeker. ...
  • Unintentional. ...
  • Kleptomaniac.
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Who are the most common shoplifters?

It is commonly touted that men are more likely to shoplift than women – however, this is based on data from 1980 and may be outdated. Approximately 1 out of 11 people in the US are shoplifters. ¼ of shoplifters are children. 55% of shoplifters began shoplifting when they were teenagers.
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What are the four types of shoplifters?

The seven types of shoplifters set to cost retailers
  • Know your enemy. ...
  • The professional. ...
  • The opportunist. ...
  • The impoverished. ...
  • The drug user/addict. ...
  • The thrill seeker. ...
  • The kleptomaniac. ...
  • The absent minded.
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What are common shoplifting tactics?

Techniques of shoplifting include (1) hiding merchandise in loose clothing, (2) palming expensive objects and substituting for them, (3) using box devices that can be placed over items that are trapped by a spring device, or (4) using a 'booster' belt with a series of hooks on which stolen objects are placed.
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What do shoplifters steal the most?

Some of most popular items targeted by professional gangs of shoplifters are designer clothing, laundry detergent, designer handbags, allergy medicine, razors, high-end liquor, pain relievers, baby formula, laptops, deodorant and high-end appliances, according to the National Retail Federation.
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What are the three types of shoplifters?

Amateurs typically steal products for personal use, while career criminals generally steal items to resell them in the underground economy. Other forms of shoplifting include swapping price labels of different items, return fraud, or eating a grocery store's food without paying for it.
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What are the 5 elements of shoplifting?

Understanding the Six Elements
  • Selection:
  • Concealment or otherwise take possession of the merchandise:
  • Constant Observation:
  • No attempt to Pay:
  • Exit the Store:
  • Approach the Customer:
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Is shoplifting a psychological problem?

The Mayo Clinic classifies kleptomania as a mental disorder and an impulse control issue. Sufferers experience an inability to resist urges to steal items that they usually do not need and are of little value.
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What is the most stolen item in stores?

If you are a retail owner, it's high time to give special attention to the following most shoplifted items.
  • Razors.
  • Baby formula.
  • Cosmetics.
  • Alcohol.
  • Laptops.
  • OTC medications.
  • Smartphones.
  • Clothing.
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What is the behavior of stealing?

Stealing is taking things that belong to others without their permission. The act is common in young children because they tend to be self-centered and feel that it is all right to take what they want from others.
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What not to do when shoplifting?

Things to Avoid Doing When Accused of Shoplifting
  1. Don't attempt to pay for the item after the fact. ...
  2. Don't provide any personal information to store employees. ...
  3. Don't make any statements to store employees, managers, or security guards. ...
  4. Don't sign any documents at the store.
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What is a shoplifting hook?

A detacher hook is a sickle-shaped tool typically made of stainless steel or aluminum. Law-abiding retail employees might recognize a detacher hook as a component of the Sensormatic SuperTag Hand-held Detacher. Shoplifters, however, typically use the detacher hook by itself.
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What is the psychology of shoplifting?

“Typical shoplifters” steal for gain. They thrive on the thrill, act on a dare, or harbor a rebellious motivation. People who suffer from a psychological or cognitive behavioral disorder act on impulse. They fall victim to an urge so powerful they cannot resist it, and afterward they feel genuine guilt and shame.
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What type of clothes do shoplifters wear?

Shoplifters tend to dress for their success. Often, they will wear clothing or outerwear that will help them hide what they want to steal. Watch customers carefully who are wearing baggy clothing or full skirts. Also, monitor the movements of customers who are wearing jackets or coats when the weather is mild.
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What is stealing in psychology?

Overview. Kleptomania (klep-toe-MAY-nee-uh) is a mental health disorder that involves repeatedly being unable to resist urges to steal items that you generally don't really need. Often the items stolen have little value and you could afford to buy them.
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What is the most popular item to steal?

1. Jewelry and watches. Jewelry and watches are two of the most commonly stolen items in a home invasion. Burglars are on the lookout for expensive fine jewelry and watches to steal and resell to make a profit.
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What age group is most likely to steal?

Lying and stealing are more common in boys than girls, and happen most often in children ages 5 to 8 years.
...
Handling the situation when your child is stealing
  • They may feel peer pressure and the need to fit in.
  • They may have low self-esteem.
  • They may not have any friends and may be trying to "buy" their friends.
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What gender is most likely to shoplift?

Who is most likely to shoplift? There isn't a typical shoplifter, despite what some might think. Men and women shoplift at similar rates, and although kids are often assumed to shoplift more often, the reality is that around 75 percent of shoplifters are adults.
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Why do wealthy people shoplift?

Psychologists have a label for this maladaptive behavior: nonsensical shoplifting, or shoplifting not apparently motivated by need or desire. Depression and trauma, stressors and triggers are often brought up when a celebrity shoplifting bust hits the newsfeeds.
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