Today I think I observed a shoplifter. I was in one store and I overheard the assistant talking to another one about a female shoplifter who had just escaped being caught. She described her clothing.
This was a very small retail shopping area. I thought no more about it but a bit later was in a discount store nearby just browsing. A woman and her small daughter were looking at the boxed toys (little unicorns and mini games and puzzles) which I noticed as I was also browsing those shelves for grand children's gifts and treats.
The woman was wearing an outfit which could have matched the one I overheard being described earlier in the other store. I told myself not to assume anything but kept an eye on things and saw that the mother had put in her basket half a dozen girl's toys and they were still looking at more. I moved on to another aisle.
They came to my aisle and those toys were no longer in the basket. The woman had a handbag and a larger open shopping bag on her arm. The daughter then chose some pens and notebook stuff and gave it to her mother.
I made sure I was behind them when moving to the checkout and peeped into her shopping bag while pretending to look at something else. I couId see things in there. I know I know this may sound all very stupid or weird but this woman only paid for some fruit juice and balloons.
She could have changed her mind about all the toys and dumped them somewhere but I doubt it.
I have watched shoplifters before ages ago (2 young women who were DEFINITELY stealing) and told the staff who did not seem to be too concerned!! but what do others here think? Would you have told shop staff or just ignored it?