Professionals generally steal items which will quickly be resold to an established fence. Shoplifters may work alone or in groups. Working in a group, the shoplifter may use confederates to be concealed. One member of the gang may also start an argument with store personnel or among themselves, or even feign a fainting spell to draw attention, giving a cohort the opportunity to steal merchandise from another part of the store. Shoplifters don't like crowds.
Shoplifters also have their own arsenal of professional tools.
Articles as innocent as bulky packages, pocket-books, baby carriages, knitting bags, shopping bags, umbrellas, newspapers and magazines can be used to carry stolen goods. Even an oversized arm sling can help the shoplifter conceal merchandise. Specially-constructed devices such as coats or capes with hidden pockets and zippered hiding places are useful to the more experienced shoplifter. Booster boxes may be gift-wrapped to frustrate detection. Unsupervised dressing rooms offer excellent opportunities for theft.