A lot of people think that shoplifters suffer from a mental disorder. Some even think that they many need the items they are stealing in order to live. However, this is usually not the case. Very few people have kleptomania, which is a compulsive urge to steal, and many shoplifters can afford the items they steal.
People shoplift for various reasons, but none are excusable because at the end of the day it’s wrong. Some places around the world have heavy penalties for stealing, which include being arrested.
Why do some tweens shoplift?
Peer pressure is one reason why people shoplift. Some do it so that they could fit in with their “cool” friends, while others may do it because they can’t afford the items that their classmates have, but want them anyways.
Other people simply want to see if they can get away with shoplifting. In this way they are challenging authority or thrive to be a nonconformist. Some even get a high out of doing something risky that can potentially get them into trouble.
Some tweens will shoplift to get attention from parents or friends, and a few even do it as a way of getting back at a company or shop which they don’t like.
What happens to shoplifters?
People don’t realise how much trouble a shoplifter can get into. Among many other punishments, shoplifters can be affected in the following ways:
They may be arrested and paraded through a store in handcuffs.
- They can face charges for theft.
- There’s a possibility of them being banned from shops or shopping centres.
- They could also end up with a criminal record, which can affect them in the future.
Help for a friend who shop lifts
Tweens might find it hard to raise the topic of shoplifting with their friend. However, if they don’t speak up soon, it may affect their friend in the long run. They can try telling friends who shoplift that their behaviour is concerning.
Sometimes it just takes courage to speak up and tell a friend that what they’re doing is wrong. However, your tween could always get advice for a trusted adult to ensure that they are not too judgemental when approaching a shoplifter. They must simply show some love and concern for their friend.
