Title: Shoplifting - Wikipedia
Headings: Shoplifting
Shoplifting
Contents
Definition
Types of individuals
Amateurs
Career criminals
Legal definitions
Common items
Economist perspectives
Methods
Concealing
Walkout/pushout
History
Motivations
Differences by geography
Economic impact and response from shops
Consequences
United States
United Kingdom
Middle East
Prevention
Closed-circuit television
Electronic article surveillance
Staff roles
Exit inspections
Display cases
Retail bag check exit policy
Notable cases
See also
References
Further reading
Books
Articles

Content: Generally, criminal theft involves taking possession of property illegally. In self-service shops, customers are allowed by the property owner to take physical possession of the property by holding or moving it. This leaves areas of ambiguity that could criminalize some people for simple mistakes, such as accidental putting of a small item in a pocket or forgetting to pay. For this reason penalties for shoplifting are often lower than those for general theft. Few jurisdictions have specific shoplifting legislation with which to differentiate it from other forms of theft, so reduced penalties are usually at a judge's discretion. Most retailers are aware of the serious consequences of making a false arrest, and will only attempt to apprehend a person if their guilt is beyond a reasonable doubt. Depending on local laws, arrests made by anyone other than law enforcement officers may also be illegal. Types of individuals
Amateurs
Some shoplifters are amateurs who do not steal regularly from stores and who do not use shoplifting as a form of income (e.g., by reselling stolen goods). Researchers call these amateurs "snitches", as they are stealing items for their personal use. In several countries, criminal flash mobs, primarily made up of teenagers and young adults, enter stores with the intention of stealing merchandise while accomplices distract staff.