Why Teens Shoplift

Shoplifting is so common among teenagers that many people considered it a rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood.  It’s estimated that 80% of teens have shoplifted or been with someone else when they have.  Some experts see it as a normal developmental phase.

While shoplifting can be a sign of a delinquent or “troubled teen”, the majority of teens who do it would not be classified as such.  Contrary to the stereotype most teens who shoplift are not troubled.  The majority of teen shoplifters have poor impulse control and/or decision making skills which are commensurate with their age.

It’s difficult for parents, business owners, security people and teachers to identify teens who are shoplifting because there’s no standard profile; it cuts across age, sex, race and social economic class.  There are many reasons why an adolescent shoplifts, which also makes it difficult to create a representative profile, here are some of them.

• Rebellion – This teen is “acting out” at someone and/or something.
• Thrills/Euphoria – Shoplifting can be a dangerous and exciting activity accompanied by a pleasurable physical reaction, a high caused by an adrenaline surge.
• Peer Pressure – Social group is essential to some teens and if their friends do it then they do it to fit in.
• Cry For Help – A small number of teens shoplift to get caught.  Consciously or subconsciously they’re hoping to bring attention to a difficult or abusive situation.
• Sense of Control – Some feel a great deal of stress and anxiety.  Stealing gives them a feeling of control over their environment, which decreases the stress and anxiety.
• Attention Seeking – This is a way to draw attention to themselves, to be cool.
• Targeting Specific Merchandise – These teens steal to keep up with current trends (i.e. electronics, clothes, shoes) they can’t afford.
• Drugs/Alcohol – They may shoplift when high or drunk. Or they steal to support a habit by selling the merchandise.
• Kleptomania – A psychological disorder in which the person can’t resist the compulsion to steal.  It’s very rare in teens and must be diagnosed and treated by a professional.

Understanding why a teen steals and addressing it is important, it can be a valuable life lesson for most of them.  However, understanding it doesn’t excuse it.  When they get caught consequences should be meted out immediately.

Teens should have no doubt the store, their parents and the legal system all take the behavior very seriously and that the penalties will increase with each offence.  No matter the “why” there will be no sympathy or tolerance for repeat offenders.  The trail from adolescence to adulthood is paved with consequences.

Nicole Abbott – writer, educator and psycho-therapist