Summarize the following:
Desperation is a common reason behind many thefts. A person may not have a job or source of income or have insufficient means to provide for their family. As a result, the person steals to feed children or provide shelter. Being in the wrong crowd can also prompt someone to develop a habit of stealing. In such cases, the value of the stolen item may not matter as much as the thrill of taking something and potentially getting away with it. This type of stealing is very common in teens who are susceptible to peer pressure. They may do it to look cool or be accepted by a group of peers. A teenager or person who has difficulty seeing the "bigger picture" may steal without really thinking through their impulsive action might affect someone in the future. The person is not pathological they are capable of empathy but in the moment they may act without thinking how stealing will hurt the person or business from which they are stealing. If confronted or asked to think through their actions, this person probably would not steal. In some cases, a person who has suffered an early attachment loss or trauma may steal to compensate. These individuals' basic emotional needs are not being met. In an attempt to fill an emotional hole left behind by a parent or caregiver, the child may compulsively steal to resolve feelings of deprivation. Unfortunately, the stealing does not resolve the issue, so the individual steals more and more. Unfortunately, some thefts occur simply because the person has the opportunity. Maybe they get a sense of excitement from taking what's not theirs. Perhaps they see it as a challenge. They may steal out of greed when they already have plenty.
Understand that some people steal to meet their basic needs. Realize that stealing can happen due to peer pressure. Notice a lack of empathy. Recognize that some people steal to fill emotional holes. Consider that some people steal just because they can.