Why Do Kids Shoplift From Retail Stores? (And how to cut down on loss)

Adolescence is a time of emotional growth and development. During this stage, a young person’s life is largely dominated by peerage and the pressures of social activities. Some teens give in to peer pressure out of a sense of wanting to belong to a group. Better judgment and common sense are placed behind, especially when a teen decides to shoplift.
Malls are one of the most popular spots for teen hang outs. Most of these places sell clothes and merchandise that is fashionable. These items from teen perspective promote the thoughts of financial status and popularity. So this is one huge factor as to why kids shoplift from retail stores.

While some kids may have jobs after school, there are others who may not. Even though kids who work are not exempt from shoplifting, the ones who have no money at all and hang around malls are most-likely to shoplift from retail stores. Some might even try to solicit a friend who works at a retail store for help in trying to shoplift an item.

Some kids maybe casual or amateur shoplifters. There are many who fall into this category versus professional shoplifters who steal stylish clothing or jewelry. These pros may seek to sell the hot item(s) over the internet for money.

Concerned retailers who lose a lot of money from kids shoplifting can do the following things to deter theft. Create policies that limit the number of kids in the store at one time and/or staff appropriately at times large numbers of kids come in, such as after school.  Having and extra person out engaging with the visitors can be a big deterrent.

Retailers can also try to address kids shoplifting by having more closed-circuit cameras installed or even hiring more security to discourage teen thefts. While cameras may not deter the professional shoplifter, it may make the teens think twice.  If teens like hanging around retail stores, encourage security to tell them not to solicit the premises. Sometimes when teens enter the premises, they might carry book bags. Retailers might have all book bags checked at the check-out desk in order to avoid having small items stolen.

These are just some of the ways a retailer can reduce the casual theft by youngsters who may be tempted.