Getting caught while shoplifting – the repercussions might be serious since it is a crime. You might end up staying behind bars for years for stealing items from a shop. Hence, knowing the right tactics for shoplifting is essential to avoid getting caught by the manager or other customers.
Most shops add a sign at the door warning potential buyers they are under security cameras’ surveillance to prevent shoplifting. This warning sign deters most people from stealing the items, but some simply ignore it.
Recent studies reveal that 1 out of 11 shoppers didn’t plan a heist when they entered the store. They mostly sell the shoplifting items to a second-hand market or bring them into their store to attract customers. Besides, some trade these items on online platforms or private collectors to earn extra cash.
Let’s find the easy ways to make money from shoplifting and how you can do it without getting caught:
Which Acts are Considered to be Shoplifting According to the State Law?
Shoplifting is concealing an item from a store and putting it in your bag or under clothes without paying its price. Most people think shoplifting and burglary or robbery are the same thing, but they are different. It is defined as larceny in the state lawbook.
Thus, removing any item from a retail store or market while pretending to buy it is considered shoplifting.
Here are the acts that counted as shoplifting according to the state law:
- Changing or removing a product’s price tag
- Removing the security tags
- Keeping the store merchandise in your bag, purse or wallet
- Removing a store item’s original packaging and putting it inside your pocket
Where Can You Sell the Shoplifted Items?
Selling shoplifted items is the easiest way to earn money. You might be surprised that many people look for shoplifted items as they can be purchased at a lower price. So, use platforms with less security and privacy features to sell these items.
Facebook Marketplace is the best place to sell the items you have stolen from the store. Additionally, you can use websites that feature online chat rooms to connect with potential buyers. Avoid using sites that ask you to show the product’s receipt that you wish to sell.
Do you have any pawn shops nearby? You must visit it, ask them about the process of selling the shoplifted items and make some money. However, some pawn shop owners ask for a receipt before selling the items, so you better be ready with a solid story.
Additionally, you can sell the shoplifted items to the fences to earn money. Fences are receivers who buy stolen goods and products and resell them for profit. You might get into trouble while dealing with them. So, be extremely careful when selling the items you have stolen from the shops or supermarkets.
How to Shoplift an Item and Escape from the Shop without Anyone’s Acknowledgement?
Stealing an item without telling the owner is a serious crime, so you shouldn’t do it. You might face legal problems, and the store manager might inform the police about committing such a crime.
So, you must do it right to avoid jail for the rest of your life. Here are the vital things that you must follow to shoplift without getting caught red-handed:
1. Never Wear Oversized Hoodies or Trousers
Most retail stores prohibit customers from entering their place with large bags. They also know that many people put the stolen items in the pockets of their oversized trousers or hoodies. So, wearing oversized clothes when shoplifting might make you stand out from the crowd.
Moreover, you will draw more attention when wearing such clothes in the store. The chances of the store attendants or customers spotting will increase. So, you will be arrested even after tactically stealing the items from the store at the end.
2. Avoid Wearing Dark Clothes
Do not wear dark clothes like brown or black dresses or shirts since it will make you stand out from the crowd. Thus, consider wearing light clothes like white or grey to blend in with the store’s crowd. Store attendants or other customers won’t also suspect you for your appearance.
3. Don’t Get Too Excited
It might be your first time stealing an item from a store, so don’t get excited. Stay calm and composed while shoplifting. A wrong move can alert the store attendants and customers about your intentions.
Walk around the retail store and visit different sections to find high-priced items. Besides, you must check where the store has installed the security camera before making a move.
Most surveillance devices raise an alarm when they detect suspicious activities. So, don’t look suspicious. Keep your cool when moving around the store. Avoid stealing any item when someone is close to you.
4. Decide the Types of Item You Want to Steal
You must decide what you will steal before entering the store or market. Go to the palace with an empty cup or mug to steal small items like mints. Stealing small items is easier than large objects.
For instance, you can easily put watches inside your hoodie. However, stealing tablets or laptops from the store can be difficult. Carry a large bag with you if the store allows if you want to steal phones or grocery items without being caught.
5. Look for the Sensor Ships
Most retail stores use sensor chips to prevent shoplifting. You can’t take the items with security chips out of the doors without triggering the alarm. It will only happen if you don’t pay for the item or remove the chip. So, avoiding products with sensors will be better when shoplifting.
Best Strategies to Use when Shoplifting:
Creating a robust strategy is important when stealing items from a store without paying the price. Use a plan accordingly; otherwise, you might be arrested. Here are shoplifting strategies that you must use:
Drag and Replace
It is one of the easiest shoplifting strategies you can use in stores. It is ideal for shoplifting small, expensive items. Target the small items when you visit the store or supershop near your location.
Observe the store surroundings once you find the right item to shoplift. Drag the item gently without making any noise and replace it with a replica. However, you must buy the replica from another store before stealing the expensive item.
Refund Strategy
This shoplifting strategy is similar to the drag-and-replace approach. You can use it to steal small and lightweight items from retail stores. First, find a retail store that follows a product refund and exchange policy. Ensure the replica looks the same as the item you want to steal.
Now, buy the small, expensive item from the retail store and take it home. Contact the store’s customer service representatives after 2-3 days and tell them that the item is damaged and you need a refund. The store employees will check the item, replace it with a new one and refund the money.
Distraction Strategy
It’s always better to shoplift with another person to avoid getting caught. Your partner will distract the store workers and customers when you steal the items. Try to hide the stolen product quickly without anyone’s acknowledgement. Don’t contact your partner after entering the store; otherwise, store members might suspect him.
Use Fitting Rooms
Does the store from where you want to steal the product have fitting rooms? Visit the store and select the clothes you want to shoplift. Go to the fitting room, remove the security tags from the clothes and switch it with its replica. Head to the store’s exit door and walk out after the successful attempt.
Which Items Are Ideal for Shoplifting?
The small items with no security tags or sensors are mostly best for shoplifting. You can easily steal cosmetics, packaged meats, sunglasses or cell phone accessories. Moreover, metal wires, gaming consoles, DVDs, and jewellery can easily carry in a bag.
On the other hand, stealing clothes or sporting goods might be risky. Security persons at the exit gate of the retail stores might also check your bag. They will ask for the receipt when leaving the shop as evidence.
The store manager will file a complaint against you if you fail to show the receipt. So, you must print a duplicate receipt from the targeted store to avoid getting caught after shoplifting.
