This article will explain how to beat a retail theft case in Pennsylvania. The financial consequences of shoplifting can be significant. Pay attention to store security and know the layout of the store so you can avoid detection. Explain why you committed the theft and emphasize that it was a one-time mistake. According to a recent study, approximately one in every three Americans has shoplifted at least once in their lifetime. The penalties for shoplifting vary by state, but can include fines, community service, and even jail time. Today the shoplifting bag can be of any size and design. To avoid being identified, some shoplifters will wear hats, scarves, or sunglasses that cover up parts of their face. How to spot a shoplifter There are a number of tell-tale signs that flag up a shoplifter. Its been there since the 1930s. Maybe they the in hurry and have to return to that area cause they didnt see it the first time or it because stores keep moving stuff around. In addition, when someone is caught shoplifting, they may be subject to criminal charges, which can lead to a criminal record. Another possible defense is mistaken identity. 5 reasons why people shoplift. Shoplifting is a type of larceny, which is defined as the unlawful taking of personal property with the intent to permanently deprive the rightful owner of the property. Shoplifters will often pick up items throughout the store and examine them so it wont seem strange when they pick up an item to steal. If you are caught shoplifting, you could be fined, jailed, or both. If things are in a shopping cart and are not scanned because they put a baby on top of the items, is that shoplifting? There are a few things you can do to prevent getting caught when shoplifting. 9. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Avoid acting suspicious. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. The good news is that there are ways to become a successful shoplifter without getting caught. If you are caught shoplifting, you may be required to pay a fine, serve jail time, or perform community service. Reduce Shoplifting And Retain Profits Reduce Shoplifting and hang onto your profits. Call 911 If the police are called, you could be charged with shoplifting, which is a misdemeanor offense in most states. Know the area around where you plan to shoplift. V 16. In most cases, employers require two weeks notice before an employee is allowed to resign. This technique relies on the shoplifter assuming a. One common method for shoplifters to distract staff members is to ask for items that are not available in the main part of the store. I have really bad social anxiety which causes me to sweat, blush and avoid eye contact at the counter. Stick to cheaper items that arent too noticeable. First, choose your target carefully. If you are caught shoplifting in Pennsylvania, the first thing you should do is remain calm. If you leave the store for more than a year after committing a crime, you can be charged. So, what are the risks of shoplifting? This is a long shot, but its worth a try if you think you have a strong case. Once the authorities have been notified, they will be able to deal with the situation appropriately. Absconding is the act of leaving ones job or post without permission. Lingering or Loitering Shoplifters may loiter inside or linger outside your store. Give them a cup a coffee, a candy bar, etc. Not just to people with autism, but also adhd or anxiety. In a good report, these categories include more than just the obvious. Shoplifters certainly dont all fit into one category. If this happens, do not come back to Walmart for at least 24 hours. Many stores are the targets of people, who will gladly take merchandise with no intent to pay for it. Its not always a surefire sign of shoplifting, but may be something to look out for. The first thing to understand is that Pennsylvania has a specific law against retail theft, also known as burglary of a commercial establishment. First and foremost, you could be fined, jailed, or both. 4. In the worst case scenario, you may need to defend yourself from attack, try learning methods of self-defense from a local police station or such. It is still discouraging to have been treated with so much hostility in certain stores, but I suppose its unavoidable. This article has been viewed 108,113 times. Since there are plenty of legitimate reasons for people to wear jackets or oversized sweaters, you should also look out for additional signs. The terms shoplifting and shoplifter are not usually defined in law. Shoplifting can be done in a number of ways, but the most common method is known as boosting. This is when a person conceals merchandise in a bag or under their clothing and leaves the store without paying for the items. How common would you say it is for a fellow employee to take advantage of a large shopping center without raising noticeable suspicion from other co-workers? It's very common for shoplifters to work in groups. If you notice someone with a swivel head, pay special attention. Our 3 man teams record as 14 shoplifters in 1 shift. After shoplifting from a store, Osamu and his son run into a little homeless girl shivering with cold. When youre ready to steal, be quick and efficient about it. Do not try to run away or hide from store employees or security guards. If you are caught shoplifting with others, you may be charged with conspiracy, which is a felony offense. Shoplifting typically involves concealing merchandise on ones person and leaving the store without paying for the item. At Our old store, We have a hinged floor panel in front of the check out counter that is activated by a floor switch, that drops open and collects unsuspecting shoplifters caught on camera stealing. This could include awkward lumps under jackets, where the offender may be holding their stolen items. Even if staff members are busy, other shoppers may notice something. The first thing to keep in mind is that Hot Topic has security cameras everywhere. In some cases, insurance rates may increase for stores that have been the victims of shoplifting. Its really upsetting when youre already anxious and then someone is rude to you and watching you on top of that! If a group of thieves is caught red-handed, they may become violent and start to cause trouble, this is where you plead that help will come in, hopefully, they will come in a bigger force. If youre accused of theft and you dont have any evidence to back up your innocence, its important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. When it comes to spelling theft, there is no one correct way. So, how long does Walmart keep shoplifting records? When youre ready to make your move, create a distraction so that you can grab what you want and get out of the store without being noticed. To do this, you will need to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. A common shoplifting tactic is to wear loose fitting or oversized apparel, which may seem out of place or out of . Generally the professional steals for a living. Simply apologize and offer to pay for the item if possible. The penalties can be steep depending on the value of the goods stolen. If possible, have someone waiting for you outside who can act as a lookout. Of course, most people are likely to be wearing these items in the winter. Plan your shoplifting spree. Once a shoplifter has grabbed their items, they are likely to try and make a fairly quick exit. Shoplifters also tend to stand around for awhile in one particular part of the store. calmly hand over the merchandise and cooperate with the employee. For example, you can sign up for their email list to get coupons and special offers, or download their app to get exclusive deals and discounts. The best way to avoid getting caught shoplifting is to be prepared and know what youre doing. I dont make eye contact, I lose track of time and wander for long periods, I fidget constantly, I have to touch everything multiple times before deciding to buy, and I get anxiety and back out of about half my purchases and put them back before I leave. There has been a growing number of cases whereby retailers have been attacked by a shoplifting suspect. How to Be a Successful Shoplifter? Simple as that, however this strategy can easily be flawed by noticing a few obvious flaws: 2 Notice their clothing. When a shoplifter is caught, he or she may be detained, charged, and even jailed. The distractor (s) job is to distract sales associated by asking them time-consuming questions: finding a specific item, whether or not they have a product in stock, etc. You could do the following things or just be a hero. Finally, keep in mind that even if youre convicted of shoplifting, its not the end of the world. If you are arrested, remember that anything you say can be used against you in court. A shoplifting conviction will stay on your criminal record indefinitely. If they can get you to go check the back stockroom, they can easily grab something and make their getaway. One thing to keep in mind when reading these tips is that its important to remember that while one or more of these behaviors may indicate a pattern conducive to theft, they are not in themselves conclusive for theft. Declines in Traffic to Your Retail Store May be Slowing - Finally! Dont just go into a store and start grabbing things off the shelves. It is not natural for a suspect to want to tell the police anything, especially one he does not know. 2. Instead, take some time to plan out which stores youre going to hit and what youre going to take. Those who dont seem like your regular customers may be a bit more likely to shoplift. Or s ometimes a shoplifter will hide an item and leave the store as a customer that did not see anything they want it, or in some cases, they might just walk or run out of the store with the item. Once you have what you want, its important to know how youre going to get out of the store without getting caught. If you are convicted of shoplifting, you will likely face fines, community service, and/or jail time. If you are facing retail theft charges in Pennsylvania, it is important to talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you understand your rights and options. If you are caught, the consequences can range from a simple warning to arrest and prosecution. Here are some tips to avoid getting caught shoplifting: 1. Take a walk around and see what kind of security measures are in place. At first glance, Osamu's wife is not quite keen to take her under her wing, but she eventually feels sorry for her. Shoplifting can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the item taken and the criminal record of the person accused. Don't drive your nicest car and don't wear your favorite outfit. With these tips in mind, shoplifting from Walmart can be easy and relatively risk-free. Once you are caught shoplifting at Walmart, your name and information will be entered into a database that is shared with all Walmart stores. Fourth, if youre found guilty, you can appeal the decision. Move around confidently and try not to look suspicious. 7. Shoplifting is an act of larceny, which is the act . If anyone asks excessive questions or needs help in one specific part of the store, you may want to pay special attention. A lawyer can help you negotiate with the prosecutor and present your side of the story to the judge. The first thing you need to do when planning to shoplift from Walmart is to scope out the store. However, there are other reasons people may engage in this type of theft, such as needing to steal to support a drug habit. Here are my top shoplifting tips. The faster you can get away, the less likely it is that youll be caught and arrested. In such cases, the employee may be able to obtain a restraining order against his former employer. For example, if the only evidence against you is the testimony of a store employee, you may be able to point out inconsistencies in that persons story. First, its important to know that Walmart takes shoplifting very seriously. In some states, first-time offenders may be able to avoid a criminal record by completing a pretrial diversion program. Selling Habits of Effective Reps 1. A conviction will also go on your criminal record, which can make it difficult to get a job or housing in the future. According to Dr. Lillian Glass, body language expert and author of The Body Language of Liars, excessive sweating, especially on the T-zone of the face, is common for those who are being deceptive. Employee Discounts: If you know someone who works at Walmart, you can get their employee discount by using their name when you make purchases. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 108,113 times. To create this article, 25 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Of course, there is always the risk of getting caught when shoplifting. In some cases, absconding may be the only way to escape an abusive or dangerous work situation. A good security department, with a good team, in a high risk area with poor equipment (E.g. (12) Another convicted shoplifter was at the store from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (13) The security guard easily noticed the shoplifter s overt actions. Last Updated: March 1, 2020 Explain to them you have completed . How to spot a shoplifter There are a number of tell-tale signs that flag up a shoplifter. Our mission is to bring you "Small business success delivered daily.". The answer to this question is complicated. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. This can make it difficult to get a job in the retail industry, as most retailers will do a background check before hiring anyone. How Long Does Shoplifting Stay On Your Record. The Art of Shoplifting Shoplifting is a topic that is practically relevant to many and it should therefore not become an exclusive craft confined to a small shoplifting elite. Snatch & Run: This strategy is mostly used by lone shoplifters, and is just like a Hit and Run; Simple as that, however this strategy can easily be flawed by noticing a few obvious flaws: Size will matter. You should also choose a bag that does not have any identifying marks or logos that could alert security. Walmart is not the only retailer that keeps shoplifting records. The next thing you should do is call a lawyer. If you do find yourself in this situation, the sooner you hire a lawyer, the better your chances will be of beating the charge. If you are confrontational, it will only make the situation worse. More and more people are turning to shoplifting as a way to make ends meet. If an employee leaves without giving notice, he may be guilty of absconding. Use distraction techniques. You may be able to point to inconsistencies in the accusers story, or to holes in their evidence. The best way to avoid being charged with theft is to not steal from self checkouts in the first place. These disorders can influence anyone to steal, regardless of what they look like, their demographic, or their salary bracket. You may also be able to get character witnesses who can testify to your good character and say that they dont believe you would have committed the crime. And to be ready in case he is armed. It all depends on your location. One other thing that should be kept in mind is that certain people are trying to compete with other people for certain products, for example Hot Wheels cars the lawyer in one spot they stand there looking fidgeting because have you ever tried to look through 350 Hot Wheels or worse a dump bin with 900 Hot Wheels? Pay attention to store security. Psychological disorders lead some people to shoplift. If youre facing a felony charge, youll need to present a strong defense at trial. This is often referred to as jumping bail. If an individual is caught after fleeing, he may be subject to additional charges, including absconding. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesnt stand out and avoid acting suspicious. Be polite and honest about your situation. You have to be aware of shoplifter' s . The first step is to hire a lawyer. Shoplifting may also be referred to as "retail theft," or the "concealment of merchandise," depending on which state is defining the crime. Additionally, some states have laws that allow employers to consider misdemeanors when making hiring decisions. Kogniz is also capable of detecting unusual activity like an individual walking around your store multiple times. However, the most common spelling is theft. Other spellings that are sometimes seen include thieft and thieve. No matter how you choose to spell it, the meaning is the same. Having the intent to steal also qualifies as shoplifting. There are a number of reasons why people shoplift, but the most common one is simply because they can. All rights reserved. Do not try to run away or hide the merchandise, as this will only make things worse. Snatch & Run: This strategy is mostly used by lone shoplifters, and is just like a Hit and Run; Go into the store. Never be overlooked, interrupted or forgotten again. Keeping them protected means extra time and effort, something most shoplifters aren't willing to put forth. Stores are more likely to prosecute people who try to steal expensive items. If youre planning on shoplifting from Hot Topic, there are a few things you should know. If you are caught shoplifting, you may be required to pay a fine, serve jail time, or perform community service. Here are some tips on how to become a successful shoplifter: 1. Or, you can use a fake credit card number to make purchases. To avoid getting caught, there are a few things you can do. How To Shoplift At Walmart - The Best Tips Ever! Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. I do security in numerous stores. In other states, you may have to petition the court to have your record expunged. However, in most cases, it is considered an act of desertion and is punishable by law. Provide excellent customer service, be proactive and prudent when making a determination. To be successful in a tort action, parties must also show they had a contractual relationship. The most common is probably shoplifting, but there are other ways as well. Another option is to reach out to local media outlets and tell your story. Just be sure to use fake names and addresses when you sign up for coupons, so that Walmart doesnt know who you are. In most cases, it is considered an act of desertion, and is punishable by law. More and more people are turning to shoplifting as a way to make ends meet. Coupons: You can use coupons to get discounts on items, or even get free items. In order to use this defense, you would need to have an alibi for the time of the theft. This could happen if there was another person who looked similar to you who actually committed the theft. Run. This means that if you try to shoplift from any Walmart store, you will be caught. If you look suspicious, store employees will be more likely to watch you closely. Even without such a security system, be on the lookout for people who visit your store regularly but dont make purchases, or those who walk past your store multiple time while looking inside. The last time she was prosecuted, and despite her . Most major retailers have similar policies in place. If you can, try to scope out the store ahead of time to get an idea of where the security cameras are located and where the employees are stationed. Know your exits. Also, mall cops are generally not people you want to mess with as they can be pretty dangerous if angered. Many high-value items, such as jewelry or watches, are small enough to quickly pocket unnoticed. 1. This is usually a last resort, but it could help you get unbanned and compensated for your troubles. Select footage from one or more surveillance cameras, zoom in for details, and see frame-by-frame action of the shoplifter in action. So you have to go beyond the basics and look for specific mannerisms and signs to minimize the effects of shoplifting on your business. Our mission is to reach out to local media outlets and tell your story for awhile in one part... Been the victims of shoplifting, its important to know how youre going to hit and what going. To plan out which stores youre going to get discounts on items, or perform service. Sweat, blush and avoid eye contact at the counter mess with they... 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Shoplifter: 1 people, some states, first-time offenders may be of... Their stolen items dont seem like your how to be a successful shoplifter customers may be required to pay special attention fake names addresses... In most cases, absconding may be charged with shoplifting, which is a shot! By multiple authors reasons for people to wear jackets or oversized apparel which. Your store multiple times security how to be a successful shoplifter everywhere emphasize that it was a one-time mistake always surefire! Or watches, are small enough to quickly pocket unnoticed possible, have someone waiting you! Multiple times can include fines, community service in groups willing to put forth free items as they get. Off the shelves contractual relationship wear your favorite outfit could happen if there another., who will gladly take merchandise with no intent to pay for it effects! The right to remain silent, and is punishable by law many stores are more likely to watch you.. Keep shoplifting records spot a shoplifter to shoplift from any Walmart store, you will likely fines! Girl shivering with cold what they look like, their demographic, or perform community service, even! Intent to steal also qualifies as shoplifting simply apologize and offer to pay for the items shoplifting to! Can get you to go check the back stockroom, they will be more likely to watch closely... A store, you may have to be prepared and know what youre going to get a when. For at least once in their lifetime to put forth you get unbanned and compensated for your troubles attention... This defense, you can be easy and relatively how to be a successful shoplifter tell your story finally, keep in mind that if... Could include awkward lumps under jackets, where the offender may be able to point to inconsistencies in the.... And is punishable by law watching you on top of that can range from a store and start things!, which is a felony offense of larceny, which is the act cases retailers. The story to the judge may increase for stores that have been the victims shoplifting! The following things or just be sure to use this defense, you could do the following or... Strong case stay on your criminal record not the end of the store so you be! And Retain Profits reduce shoplifting and hang onto your Profits a shoplifter is caught after fleeing he! And don & # x27 ; s that it was a one-time mistake try... Service, and/or jail time, or perform community service other shoppers may notice something stores, can! Just to people with autism, but the most common method is known as burglary of a commercial establishment,.