People know that the most obvious forms of shoplifting are illegal. Anyone trying to conceal merchandise in their clothing or running out of a business without paying for items probably already knows that they are at risk of arrest if they get caught.
Other times, the people accused of shoplifting might not even leave the store. Managers, security professionals and loss prevention specialists can stop and detain people based on suspicions that they intended to shoplift even if they didn’t actually take anything from the business.
Seemingly small choices on the part of a retail customer may have catastrophic consequences. What actions might lead to shoplifting charges without taking items out of the store?
1. Attempts to hide merchandise
If workers catch someone sliding a pair of sunglasses into their purse or slipping a DVD into an inner pocket of their coat, that may convince them to stop that individual and call the police. Even attempts to conceal items inside other merchandise could lead to shoplifting allegations.
If people put smaller items inside a storage tub or a pair of shoes that they intend to purchase, the business might allege that they intended to steal those items even though no theft actually occurred.
2. Tampering with barcodes or price tags
Another common shoplifting tactic involves removing the price tag or barcode from one item and placing it on another, more expensive piece of merchandise. People may try to exit the store with a $200 DVD box set after placing a barcode for a cheaper, single-disc movie over the correct barcode.
Other times, people alter or replace price tags and then try to convince workers to honor the price displayed. In such cases, prosecution is possible.
3. Attempting to remove security devices
There are several different security devices that retail establishments use to prevent shoplifting. There are stickers and tags that activate alarm systems at the doors.
There are tags that go on clothing that can stain the items with ink when removed improperly. Any attempt to remove those items or possession of tools intended for that purpose could lead to shoplifting allegations against someone at a retail establishment.
Recognizing when behavior at a store might result in criminal charges can help people better respond to shoplifting allegations. Not everyone accused of retail fraud actually left the store or intended to steal from a business.
