At the amount of shoplifting that apparently goes on

[paperbattles]

Just been to the local garden centre, which has new security sensors, CCTV and security guard - the checkout person explained that so much shoplifting has gone on that they have had to install extra precautions. She said if an item can be moved people will take it, and loads of people do it - top of the list scented candles, alcohol and flowers. Am I completely naive to think that most people are honest and the odd few make a mistake or even steal a small item; or is it not thought to be bad behaviour? what is the reasoning? trying to understand what makes people do it, where do they draw the line?

It doesn’t surprise me. I used to work in a posh rural farm shop/homewares that had non existent security apart from a few cctv cameras and you wouldn’t believe the ‘types’ of people who shoplift. Not the stereotypical theifs at all. Very middle class ra ra types with their big posh cars IME are the worst becasue no one suspects them. I dread to think how much stock that place actually lost.

I have accidentally walked out with a packet of sweets before that DD had in her hand. I cannot see how that many people can accidentally steal the things you mentioned so it likely is the case that a lot of people are stealing. Experienced shop lifters do it to make money so will steal £50-100 worth at a time. If 2 people a day do that you could be looking at upwards of 36k a year losses based on the £50 mark 360 days a year.

Shoplifting is prolific. It is a minority of people that do it but there are persistent. Bought anything off FB " brand new with tags"? Probably stolen. Coffe and razor blades are targets and any joint of meat. Thieves see it as victimless and an easy target and justify to themselves that the big companies make enough money so what does it matter?
Many are addicts who have to get money any old how.

Ha cross posted with you Magnussen. Glad to know it wasn’t just us caught by the middle class shoplifters!

Of course most people are honest but there are lots who shoplift, I'm surprised that you are surprised tbh.

I’ve twice caught middle-aged, well dressed people scanning avocados as carrots through self-checkout. And then sworn at when I pointed out their “mistake”.

Biggest issue was fake money when I worked in retail. You’d be surprised how much of that is doing the rounds, the worst were RBS £10 notes.

I was surprised by the attitude of the assistant, who very much emphasised it was a large number of people, not a small minority; albeit I admit I can be naive! We all assume everyone thinks the same way as us. Do they justify they are desperate? or that the big companies won't miss it/ make too much profit? I did once walk out of a shop with goods in the pushchair hood through balancing them there while shopping; I was so utterly mortified when I realised and immediately returned. I wonder whether they believed me?! How do shops make money? I suppose you can't shoplift if you buy on the internet.

A lot of retail theft is committed by staff though.

I knew someone that shoplifted just because she could,mainly after self checkout was introduced. Scan one bottle of oil,put two in the bag. Stuff like that.

I'm not too surprised. It was a bit of a... Sport when I was a teen.

I'm sure it's bad but I'm also forever (twice just this week) having to get staff to check receipts as they forget to scan stuff. Eat are shocking for it.

This is interesting although I must admit I walked out of a shop with a box of tissues the other week. It was a case of having a child in each hand and that under my arm! I was mortified when I got back to the car and realised and ran back to the shop and told them. I wonder if that kind of this happens a lot?!🤔

It's rife, especially with self-scanners.

Interesting to hear who all think are the culprits. My daughter was accused of shoplifting in a well known pharmacy. She was the only one stopped out of her friends ( she was innocent btw) I had to explain that unfortunately “browsing whilst black” more often than not leads to you being followed around by security guards. Is this just my experience as a black person or do other races also get followed around in these types of places. Genuine answers only please as I am sincerely interested to know if other races experience the same things

@Slumberlabd1 I think you're probably right. It's a disgrace.

I've done it twice recently. Once in Asda with a self scanner, got one of their 'custom made' pizzas, child popped it in trolley for me and I forgot to scan. Merrily headed home, and it was an idle thought that popped into my head later that I didn't remember scanning it. Couldn't find receipt. Nervous nelly that I am asked a member of staff when I was next in what would happen/ could I pay the difference and she laughed at me and told me not to worry about it. Not sure how they monitor those things tbh.

Then a baby jumper from Sainsbury's. Gave it to said toddler to hold onto in pushchair, went through self scan and by this time it was half hidden under his blankets. Got to car, started unloading him and found it. Took it back to customer services.

It is rife. It's not accidental, it's thieves, or people who don't think they're thieves "because it's and it's a victimless crime" and it's "only" a small item.

I work in a charity shop - no money for security devices - we lose stuff every day

I used to work in retail.

So much shoplifting!

From the blatant junkie theft - walk in, clear a rack of coats and walk back out - to mums with prams and everything in between.

Why do you do it? For the buzz, or are you skint? Have you ever been caught?