No one can afford the cost of shoplifting. This crime can be substantially reduced, through public awareness and positive action. Juveniles make up nearly half of all shoplifters. Many do it just for thrills-to beat the system.
Some teenagers even shoplift in gangs to see who can steal the most.
Persons who have become bored or want to stretch their budgets frequently shoplift a little at a time while doing their legitimate shopping. These people shoplift to support a very expensive habit. They are sometimes armed and often dangerous because they are so desperate for money. Kleptomaniacs are persons who steal because of psychological compulsion. Stopping the kleptomaniac is a service to both the community and to himself.