I feel like there are some new people around (hi there) so thought Iâd drop some of my routine regarding lifting. No matter what, always keep in mind that a lot of the success depends on the situation, and part of being successful is about being able to quickly read and react appropriately to your environment: things can go from safe to risky (and vice versa) in the blink of an eye, and a lot of lifting is being able to capitalise on unique opportunities that present themselves. First off: prep. I rock up at the location. Iâm dressed tidily; not necessary glammed up (honestly, this depends on the location; you donât want to stand out too much), Iâm wearing makeup, my hairâs neat. Iâm relaxed. And Iâm in the mindset that I havenât done anything wrong, and have as much right to be where I am as any other shopper or browser. I have some sort of idea of what Iâm after. (I only really think about the lift in the split seconds when itâs happening, otherwise, Iâm just a regular shopper.) Then: I view the shop from the outside. This will come after having already having been in there for a look; I have an idea of where cameras are and how good staff attention is, right now, what Iâm looking for is if particular staff are on and what the customer-to-staff ratio is. At this point, if it seems like itâs too quiet, or if there are staff whoâve seen me in there before (and who may have seen me leave without buying something) are in, I wonât enter, unless Iâm planning on just going in for a look or to buy something. (And I do that, too, because it establishes me as a customer who *does* browse or shop there legitimately, rather than just someone who comes in and lifts.) Then: Assuming itâs safe to, I do what I do. Sometimes I have to walk away, sometimes itâs a case of waiting for people to move away from a particular area while Iâm pretending to be interested in another product. Iâll conceal quickly and (assuming there are no change rooms) maybe look at something else before leaving. (Change rooms present another issue which I might discuss later.) I may fish around in my bag for my phone, feeling to make sure whatever Iâve concealed is VERY concealed. If Iâm approached by staff, I might ask for a product I know theyâre getting in or have at another store⊠or that Iâm planning on buying. Finally: I flash my bag and leave, or leave making a purchase, like any other shopper. BIG DONâTs: Donât mill too long around the thing youâre lifting. Youâre basically attaching yourself to the item youâre taking. If you canât get it in a few seconds, or have to walk past the area a second, or third, or whatever time, youâre a sitting duck. This was pretty much how I fucked up and got caught when I did. You want to be fluid, quick, and effortless. If you canât find the thing you want to lift, sad but too bad; get out. Donât, for the love of god, ask staff where the item is; again, youâre attaching yourself to that product. Donât aim too high, especially too early or when youâre not in the right mindset. I used to be a lot better, Iâll admit it. Getting caught messed with me, and Iâm easing into things again, but itâs harder to switch off for me now, so Iâm not anywhere near as ambitious as I used to be. At the end of the day, Iâm still getting free stuff, so I consider what I get a win regardless. If you can be a perfect Stepford Smiler: a regular suburbanite who is dead inside but normal, youâre doing it right.  If you feel off, for any reason, get out. If you KNOW youâve been spotted, dump and run and donât return there, especially if there are cameras around. Donât underestimate what youâre up against. Assume that cameras are operational and watched. Assume that staff are well-trained in what shoplifters do, and that theyâre given bonuses for catching them. Assume that other customers are going to dob you in if they see you. Prepare for the absolute worst case scenario, and have some idea, mentally, of what youâre going to do if something unexpected happens.Â
