Shoplifting

Shoplifting is theft of merchandise for sale in a shop, store, or other retail establishment, usually by a would-be patron or customer. It is one of the most common crimes that police and the courts deal with.

Related Topics:
Theft - Retail - Crime - Police - Court

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Most shoplifters are amateurs; however, there are people and groups who make their living from shoplifting, and they tend to be more skilled. One technique is to have a group of people rush a store and grab as much merchandise as possible and then rush out, the large numbers making it difficult to pursue. Some individuals insist that they shoplift in an effort to resist selling their labor, and/or to protest corporate power. These individuals focus--often exclusively--on targeting chain stores; Wal-Mart is an especially popular target for political shoplifters.

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A common slang term for shoplifting in Australia, Britain and the United States is "Five finger discount". In the US, it is often referred to as "boosting"; those who sell shoplifted goods (at a steep discount) are referred to as "boosters."

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