Shoplifting is generally defined as the unauthorized removal of merchandise from a store without paying for it, or intentionally paying less for an item than its sale price. However, shoplifting can include carrying, hiding, concealing, or otherwise manipulating merchandise with the thought of taking it or paying less for it. 

Unfortunately, there is a tendency by adults, teens and youth across the country to regard shoplifting as no big deal or a victimless crime. We often hear from the parents of juveniles caught shoplifting, No big deal, it was just a small item or people often say kids will be kids. But when given the facts about shoplifting those same people often have a change of heart. It is the most common crime that everyone does knowingly or unknowingly in their lifetime. Bigger thefts or shoplifting include criminal lawyers to defend the cases.

As the shoplifting lawyers in Mississauga conclude the most of the common criminal cases are of shoplifting. Shoplifting has become a social and economic issue in Mississauga and all over the world, In need of a community response because shoplifting steals from all of us. Providing an overarching, active community response to shoplifting is essential to the future welfare of our society because the crime directly affects so many people. Without comprehensive community action we will continue to undermine current crime prevention efforts, suffer economic loss and family hardship and weaken the values of honesty, integrity and character in our youth and our future.

If you do shoplift you feel immense humiliation and distrust from friends and family, and your own conscious is hurt if it isn’t then there is something wrong with your feelings not to feel bad about stealing from stores. Every time you steal from stores they are set back that much money and might even have to fire someone that could be one of your friends.People in the community lose respect for you.

The stores usually raise there prices and then causes more shoplifting, but the people that don’t shoplift just end up having to pay more for the product or else go somewhere else to shop. If the customer goes to a different store because of the rising prices the store will also lose business therefore could cause businessman from having a profit and close their stores.

The Rules of Loss Prevention Officers

Unlike shoplifters who have no rules, LP employees must follow basic guidelines when it comes to apprehending shoplifting suspect.

The LP officer must see a shoplifter select merchandise to ensure that the merchandise belongs to the store.

The LP must see the shoplifter conceal merchandise in their pockets, coat, pants, handbag, backpack, or shopping cart.

Exiting the store with merchandise proves to the police and the courts that the shoplifter had no intention of paying for it.

For the shoplifters, luck also determines whether shoplifters are arrested after leaving the shop. Sometimes, a shop may not have the best security measures or be inadequately staffed, making it easy for shoplifters to escape their petty crime. However, there’s always the possibility of being caught and identified by store staff or police officers.

Although the probability of being found shoplifting in the store depends on several aspects, it is crucial to remember that shoplifting is a crime and can result in serious consequences. Instead of taking the risk of penalties and criminal charges, it is safer to look for legal and ethical methods to get the items you want.

Cosmetics, makeup and lipsticks are regularly stolen for personal use, as gifts or for sale to others. The containers are often small and goods can be secreted in pockets, bags or knapsacks. Other products in this often-stolen category are sun-cream, skin-cream, hair treatment and shampoo.

Clothing accessories: These include scarves, handbags, purses, gloves and other small and expensive things.

While the reasons for stealing these items may vary, the impact of shoplifting on businesses and individuals is significant. The cost of shoplifting is passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. Additionally, shoplifting can result in legal consequences, including fines, community service, and even jail time

Sentences are calculated by an assessment of culpability and harm.

Culpability is a measure of how involved the offender was in the offence, the extent to which it was planned and the sophistication of the shoplifting.

Harm is assessed by the financial loss resulting from the shoplifting and any additional harm suffered by the shop/stall or anyone else. It includes damage to property and the effect on business.

The offender is more likely to receive a custodial sentence if:

• they present a risk or danger to the public
• they have a history of poor compliance with court orders

However they are less likely to receive a custodial sentence if:

There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

There are strong mitigating circumstances such as the offender shows a determination to address their addiction or offending behaviour.