FREE ESSAY ON SHOPLIFTING

SHOPLIFTING

If we catch anyone shoplifting, we call the police. Always. We have zero tolerance for
shoplifters, said Steve Rice, manager of Dillard's at the Westgate Mall. We see so much
shoplifting, across the board, all ages. It's a real problem.
Cpl. Lisa Cherry of the Amarillo police Crime Prevention Unit says when store personnel
apprehend a teen for suspected shoplifting, the store detains the teen and calls police.
Police take the suspect into custody.
The police run a check to see what the offender's status is with the department and
evaluates the cost of the merchandise. The suspect may be sent to the juvenile
authorities or released to parents. Juvenile offenders face stiff penalties of fines,
detention, community service and even jail time. 
Shoplifting is a major thorn in the side of local retailers, and nationwide, juvenile
shoplifters account for $2.8 billion losses annually
According to a National Retail Federation study, teens account for 30 percent of
shoplifters, yet make up only 7 percent of the U.S. population. Many teen-agers look upon
shoplifting as a harmless, victimless act that stores can afford.
Shoplifting affects more than the store and the offender, it overburdens the police and
law enforcement staff, and adds to consumer cost.
Westgate Mall holds seminars for its merchants with mock shoplifting demonstrations by
area police.
The most recent one was in April with 68 percent of the mall merchants participating. We
had videos of shoplifters in action and talks by area police on how the shoplifter
operates and what the merchant can do to spot them, said Amy Frow, assistant marketing
director of Westgate Mall.
prices go up in every store and you end up paying for what was stolen, parents friends
ect all pay.
store have to up their prices beacuse they have to pay for all the theft, pay for more
security, pay employees wages, ect.
the community suffers