A … IF YOU CANT DO THE TIME - DON’T DO THE CRIME.
There are a lot of risk when you shoplift and unfortunately getting caught is the end result of a poorly executed shoplifting attempt. Even if you don’t go to jail, and you probably will not on your 1st offence, you will still end up with a considerable fine. You may be able to have your first charge expunged with some luck, but your actual arrest will remain on your record and may easily be found on any background search. It will be hard to try and explain in your job or college interview why you were stealing.
B … KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Always plan ahead of time and know your store. It is a good idea to check out the store before you ever take anything. Look for cameras, security, find where desirable targets are located, locate where all the exits are, and where employees go into back rooms. Locate where the best blind spots are, and when they’re busiest - for most shops this will be Saturdays. Don’t ever assume that a camera dome is empty, always assume that every dome has a camera in it and that it’s watching you. Once you have a good idea of the layout of the store and the layout of the merchandise, leave. Come back another day to do your lifting. Proper planning will help you avoid being at risk for being apprehended.
C … BODY LANGUAGE.
From the time you enter the parking lot, to the time you leave, you should act as if someone is watching your every move (because they probably are). The biggest mistake a shoplifter can make is to act like a shoplifter. Nervousness, constantly looking around, looking at security cameras and suspicious behave are what the Store Security (Loss Prevention) are looking for. This is what they were trained for and you will make their job much easer. Employees know that if you are acting nervous, then you are usually up to something no good. You want to remain calm and look as normal as possible. Shoplifters get caught because they get sloppy, and don’t pay attention. Keep in mind what you are doing and focus on the task at hand and maintain your appearance, both physical and mental. You should have already done your research and studied the layout of the store beforehand. You want to look like an everyday shopper who has no worries in the world.
D … DRESS FOR THE JOB.
Loss Prevention are trained to watch everyone, regardless of race or age. If you walk into a store wearing the latest baggie hip hop cloths, a jacket when its warm out, or leave your sunglasses on to hide your eyes, then yes you will be watched. You want to blend in. Notice what the average shopper is wearing and dress like them. Being professional, well dress, groomed, speaking clear understandable English, with a friendly outgoing attitude is the best illusion you could give. The object here is not to draw any attention to yourself. You want Loss Prevention to be watching the other guy. Every store and every area will be different. A “high end” department store will have better dressed shoppers then a discount or home improvement store. No matter what, always wear clean cloths, bath, comb your hair, and have a clean respectable look.
E … DO NOT TRUST ANYONE YOU DON’T KNOW.
You should never trust another person while you are shoplifting. The majority of Loss Prevention Associates will be dressed in street cloths and will try and blend in with the everyday shoppers. Don’t be fooled by the person who is shopping next to you or is in the dressing room next to you. He might look like a teen age punk, but in reality he is an under cover Loss Prevention Associate watching your every move. Also just because she looks like a sweet old lady doesn’t mean that she wont alert the staff to your wrong doings. Do not stereo type Loss Prevention personnel. They could be either male or female and any age. Some will even work in teams as a couple just to blend in.
F … NEVER LOOK AT CAMERAS
One of the biggest ways to get caught is to look directly at the cameras. You would be surprised how many nervous amateurs will glance repeatedly, or just boldly stare at the camera dome, giving security a clear view of what you are doing and the perfect chance to capture a picture of your face. Trust me - you cannot see through the domes to tell if it’s pointed at you. They are double-layered to prevent this. Observe cameras from afar, use your peripherals vision, and never tilt your head or eyes up. An upturned face is very easy to see, and will instantly attract attention.
G … AVOID ROUTINES
Keep track of how often you visit stores and shoplift. Avoid routine. Cashers, stock boys, and even Security will forget about you and your actions for a little while, but if they suspect you of causing merchandises to walk out of the store, they will notice patterns in your routines. Make sure you have a feel of the security, and have an understanding as to how many times it is safe to remove items from any one store in a period of time. The busier the store, the more times you can go into it without raising suspicion. Keep in mind that major retailers have installed computer systems that share records, and CCTV footage between stores specifically to keep tabs on repeat shoplifters. If you were noticed doing something suspicious in one store they may send a picture of you to any of the surrounding stores so that they can keep an eye on you.
H … IF IT DON’T FEEL RIGHT - ABORT!
Stop what your doing, drop what you have and leave - come back another time. If it don’t look or feel right always go with your instincts, they could be right. It doesn’t matter how insignificant it is, it is better to leave behind your goods and come back another day, then to slip in some way and be apprehended.
I … HOME COURT DISADVANTAGE
Never do a lot of your shoplifting at a store you frequently shop at. If you really want something bad enough, then spend a little gas money and go across town. The reason you want to do this is because if, for some reason you slip up and get busted, you will not be able to go back into that store again. You will then have to travel across town to do any legitimate shopping. Imagine your embarrassment if your neighbors just happen to be there as they haul you out of the store in handcuffs. Also the employees will recognize you quicker if they are use to seeing your face.
J … NEVER STEAL FROM A MOM & POP STORE.
This goes to the belief of sticking it to “The Man”. You will find this written many times throughout the anti-establishment community. Whether it be the government or the large multi national mega store, hurting them is more enjoyable and less personal then the small shop owner down the street who is more then likely already having a hard time making money because of these mega stores. These stores are smaller and have fewer employees who may recognize you as a returning thief. There have been many instances where a shop owner has attacked a shoplifter with a bat or some other instrument of pain because they take the theft more personal. If caught the judicial system will also be a lot harder on individuals who committed personal crimes against small shop owners as appose to large companies and your jail time could be lengthier.
K … DO NOT GET GREEDY.
The number one reason shoplifters get caught is because they become greedy. You can shoplift your whole life and never get caught, but it takes a lot of skill and even more importantly, patience. Most people will get away with something and instead of being satisfied with that one time they have to press their luck and try it again and again in the same store. Eventually you develop a pattern that the Loss Prevention or Police can easy discover and then apprehend you.
L … GO DOWN WITH RESPECT.
You walked out of the store and you hear that dreaded “Security - may I speak with you” behind you. You take off running as fast as you could, but on this day the Loss Prevention just happened to be a marathon sprinter, and he tackles you. At this point realize that they have won and you have lost - deal with it! Fighting back or using a weapon will only guaranty you a long visit to prison. A simple shoplifting charge means just that - simple. Most cases you will be free in a couple of hours. Be as polite and remorseful as you can be under the circumstances. The Loss Prevention person is only doing a job. The more you are a Dick - the bigger Dick they can be. Sure it sucks but just play it out cool & calm and it will work out for the better.
M … SILENCE IS GOLDEN.
If you are caught, don’t give them any more evidence then they already have. The best evidence they will have against you is your big mouth. NEVER give any more info then you have too. Answer the basic questions. Loss prevention will tell you that if you talk it will be easier on you and you will receive fewer charges - not true. They already have enough evidence against you or you wouldn’t be there. All they want is a confession so they have a stronger case against you. Do not admit to anything, just sit there and remain quiet. You will not gain anything by incriminating yourself or your friends.
Remember this is a game of opportunity and luck as much as it is skill. All it takes is one slip too ruin a perfectly good day. Always think, plan, then think again before you do any shoplifting. If you spend a little time doing research, you might not end up doing any time in jail.
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