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Teen shoplifting accounts for approximately fifty percent of all shoplifting cases in the United States. Though teen shoplifting accounts for the majority of theft crimes, teens steal only one third of what adults do Teen shoplifting is defined as carrying, moving, concealing or manipulating products or goods in or from a place of business with the intention of not paying the full price for the item.
There are several factors that may impel a teenager to steal something from a commercial business. When younger children take something from a store they may do so because they do not yet understand the concept of money and the implications of taking something from someone without compensating them for it. They may also lack self control. Teen shoplifting offenders have developed an understanding of money, stealing, and its implications, yet choose to steal for other reasons.
Some teens shoplift because of the thrill involved in taking something that they did not rightfully pay for. Teen shoplifting can also be the product of peer pressure. Some teens think that they can get away with teen shoplifting or that stealing something isn’t a big deal. Some teens commit theft out of defiance and rebelliousness. In more complex cases teen shoplifting may be committed as a cry for help, or as a statement of anger for an unrelated life situation. For some, teen shoplifting may be a cry for help or attention.
Teen shoplifting is a crime that can be prosecuted in the criminal justice system. Every state has created their own laws which govern the consequences of teen shoplifting. In most states the punishment for shoplifting depends on the value of the goods that were stolen and whether or not a person has committing teen shoplifting in the past. Many store owners will prosecute teen shoplifting to the full extent of the law. When teen shoplifting occurs, the teen must return the stolen goods, parents are usually called, and legal consequences may result.
When a person steals something with a value that is less than $300 to $500, the teen shoplifting crime is usually charged as a petty theft misdemeanor. When teen shoplifting involves the stealing of goods with a higher value or the crime is a repeat offense, they may be charged with a felony. The penalties for teen shoplifting can include punitive fines, community service, and sometimes jail time. A business owner or law enforcement official must have reasonable cause to suspect that a person has committed teen shoplifting in order to detain an alleged offender.
It can be beneficial for adults to communicate with teen shoplifting offenders about the reasons and legal consequences for their actions and the implications of teen shoplifting on society. Adult and teen shoplifting cost businesses sixteen billion dollars annually. One third of all new businesses fail because of shoplifting. Each US family pays $300 per year to subsidize the cost of adult and teen shoplifting. Repeat teen shoplifting offenders may require more extensive help in order to stop committing teen shoplifting crimes.
To learn more about teen shoplifting, you may wish to contact a qualified and professional attorney who can advise you of your legal rights and options.