When School's Out, Shoplifting Increases

According to law enforcement sources, shoplifting activity has daily, weekly and seasonal patterns. Shoplifters are more often caught later in the week and during high-demand periods such as pre-Easter, pre-summer and pre-Christmas. Because the majority of shoplifters are juveniles and young people, their activity reflects the times when they are free to visit the mall and shops--after school, during weekends and vacation periods.

Because we are entering the school summer vacation period, it's a good time to review what is known about shoplifting in general and juvenile shoplifting in particular. However, not all shoplifters are alike. There are the opportunistic shoplifters who take items for their own use. There are those who steal for resale, often to support drug habits. Finally, there are organized groups who systematically steal large amounts of merchandise for resale.

What is taken by shoplifters? Many national surveys have shown that the most common types of goods stolen in the U.S. include cigarettes, over-the-counter drugs and condoms and other birth control products. Music, videos and designer clothing are also attractive to shoplifters.

Why Do Kids Shoplift?

Teenagers usually fall into the "opportunistic" category. In some infrequent cases, the teen actually needs the item and cannot afford to purchase it. Some kids crave the attention or are seeking to lash out against their parents and authority. Others do it to fit in with their friends. Still others love the thrill. Many say that they had no intention of taking anything when they entered the store where they were caught.

Opportunistic shoplifting like that committed by teens has increased in recent years, possibly as a result of the sluggish economy and high unemployment among teens. Retailers have responded to the increase by pressing charges against younger teens and waiting less time for parents to arrive before calling police.

Penalties For Shoplifting

What happens to kids who are caught and convicted of shoplifting in Massachusetts? It depends on the value of the items stolen. If the items were valued under $100, the fine will be $250 for the first offense, and $500 for the second offense. A third conviction for shoplifting goods worth less than $100 could put someone in prison for up to two years.

If the items stolen were valued at $100 or more, someone convicted of shoplifting could face up to 28 months in prison and fines of up to $100 for the first offense. The penalties get steeper with subsequent convictions.

My Child Was Stopped At The Store. What Should I Do?.

When you receive that call from store security to come pick up your child, you probably have no idea what to do. Here are some tips that will help you - and your teen - survive the experience:
- Find out what's going to happen. Will your child be charged, banned from the store or required to make restitution?
- Don't yell at your child while you are still in the store. You'll probably say something that you will regret later.
- Once you feel ready to talk with your child about the incident, be very clear about how he or she can regain your trust
- Don't try to shelter your kid if the matter goes to court. That's the job of the defense attorney that you hire on behalf of your child.

One of the most important things you can do is to stay hopeful - your teen's life is not ruined. Less than 1.6 percent of kids who attend court-ordered programs after being caught shoplifting are ever charged again.

Article provided by Massachusetts Criminal Defense Group
Visit us at www.masscriminaldefenseattorneys.com

Contact Information: FL Web Advantage


More information you can also find on website: Business

Source:
When School's Out, Shoplifting Increases

See also:

Stickin' It to Leaking Concrete Cracks
Concrete waterproofing manufacturer, Kryton International Inc., has collaborated with Vancouver animating group GoStickman to create a dynamic explainer video for concrete crack repair. This is the...

Molla Technologies Launches Jeram Analyzer Home Edition to Understand Online Behaviour of Children
Molla Technologies has launched Jeram Analyzer Home Edition for parents to understand their children through their online behaviour. Jeram Analyzer Home Edition presents easy to understand reports on...

June is Big for Insect Bites and Stings, Point Out Atlanta Pest Control Pros, Team Pest USA
The Atlanta pest control experts, Team Pest USA, would like to remind residents that this month marks the height of bug season. Since most people like to spend their time outdoors enjoying the sun...