The Three Archetypes Of Shoplifters – Amateurs, Pro, And Organized

The types of shoplifters can be easily broken down. We aren’t talking age here. All three of these groups, amateur, pro and organized crime rings, are easily distinguished from one another.

Amateurs are the most common. This group usually is the younger crowd. Think teenagers and people into their twenties. These are also individuals who mostly don’t plan to go to a store to steal. It is usually an impulse decision. For obvious reasons (especially teens) this can happen in a small group setting. These people are not necessarily ‘good’ at it either. This is why these people are the most often apprehended.

Professionals are another arena. These are people who usually start as teens, but continue. They may already have several shoplifting convictions by their forties. They may use tools. Those may include wire clippers, and other things to defeat sensors and security systems. Amateurs may also use tools but, there is one major difference here. The pro goes to a store with the intent purpose to take something. It may even be something not useful to them in the least. Kleptomaniacs are one example of someone going pro.

Organized crime rings are where it gets sticky. These are large, and typically traveling groups. They may have 20+ people working together at one time. These groups often use diversion to commit their crimes. A few may start a ‘fight’ to draw attention, while others clear out thousands of dollars worth of merchandise at a time. That system works better for them because it’s much harder to apprehend that many individuals at a time. One or two may get caught but the rest get away. If you have ever heard the term ‘gypsies’ used in a retail way; that was usually a roving crime ring. Also just to set the record straight; these are not Roma aka actual gypsies. Those roving groups are called that because they, also like real gypsies, do travel.

There is a horrendous side to these organized rings. It isn’t a side that most people are aware of either. These rings fund, and are funded by actual organized crime. Think of it as a ‘legit fund raiser’ to those folks. It’s a pretty simple process too. They get a bunch of goods worth money, and then sell it. Since it was all stolen, they can sell it for rock bottom prices. Online auction sites are havens for these groups. It looks legitimate enough, until you know WHAT you’re funding with your purchases. When you buy from them, you’re supporting:

Human trafficking
Drug trafficking
Drug cartels
Prostitution
Rape
Murder
Money laundering
Tax evasion
Backyard drug labs
Gangs
Illegal arms
Kidnapping
and the list goes on and on and on…

The money they get back from selling the goods goes back into their enterprises. It’s a grim idea. That ‘cheap’ bottle of fragrance, or name brand shoes from Craigslist or Ebay may be paying for a kidnapping of a foreigner, or other tragic things. There are a few ways you might be able to tell, but these are not foolproof.

Multiple listings for the same name brand item; even though they all say they got it as a ‘gift’.
Do your homework when you shop on those sites. Besides for organized crime, there are enough scammers out there to fill Manhattan!

Everything that is listed online is all brand new, with tags and packaging.
The crime rings don’t take old, used items. When this is in conjunction with the above, run!

Don’t buy name brand items (or DVD’s) from someones car/trunk. Or street corner.
That should be a dead giveaway that the items are stolen. Call the police immediately if you ever see this.

Deals that seem to be too good to be true.
Be savvy. If an item retails for $100 and someones selling it for much less, be suspicious. Especially if the ‘reserve’ price is way too low.

Ebay sellers that don’t use Paypal.
Paypal offers some protection in fraudulent cases. People who refuse may not be wanting to disclose any banking, or tracking information.

This is a buyer beware world. Unless you DO want to fund criminal enterprises, it is best to shy away from those types of deals. Keep in mind that worldwide crime depends on that income, to do what they do.

Do you want to be responsible?

Safety…Not Becoming A Victim

So, theres all this info here about people stealing directly from stores. What happens when those same types take from you? There are a few ways to make sure you’re not a victim too.

Park as close to the doors of a store as you can.
Criminals are opportunists. The more people around you the better.

Park in well lit areas.
The same as before, as well you will be better able to see others in the area.

If your car is broken into, don’t touch anything!
Many times they will try for finger prints to ID the theif. Your prints won’t help that.

Keep your car doors locked even when you’re driving.
Most cars now do this anyway. If they don’t, get into the habit.

Keep your purse on the passenger side floor board.
Only while you’re driving silly! This way its out of sight if your windows happen to be down.

Keep your vehicle locked and windows closed when unattended.
If your vehicle isn’t locked, insurance will not cover any damage received from someone trying to break into it.

Do not leave paid for merchandise unattended in a store. Even if you’re just a few feet away.
You’re giving someone the chance to take your bags and run. If you have too many bags to pay attention to; make a trip to your car to put them in the trunk.

If you see someone shoplifting, report it to an employee.
If you see them, they may see you. You may get targeted if they don’t get stopped. Besides the fact that they are committing a crime that everyone pays for.

Use a small coin purse for your license and 2-3 necessary credit cards. Put it in an inside pocket of your shirt/coat. Leave other cards at home.
This way if someone grabs your purse, all they get is maybe a phone and a brush. Your important ID card and credit cards are out of sight.

Don’t use your cell phone in stores.
You’re going to be distracted and may not realize someone is trying to pilfer your purse or pockets. Also someone maybe following you. Would you know if you’re deep in conversation? Put your phone on silent when shopping.

If you do get robbed of your purse, throw it behind the other person and run the other way.
If you kept your important cards out of it, all they get is junk anyway. They will go running for it and you’ll get away.

DO NOT put your purse in any shopping cart. Keep it on you. Always.
This shouldn’t have to be said, but I see it often. Seriously, at that point you’re asking for it.

If you have unruly children that must go with you, secure them in a cart or stroller.
A child can be snatched in mere seconds. Adam Walsh disappeared within seconds from a busy mall in the early 80’s.

If you’re uncomfortable walking across a parking lot at night alone, ask for assistance.
Most stores will gladly have someone go with you. Even a regular employee will do.

If you’re getting followed INSIDE a store, tell someone!
Unless you’re shoplifting of course. Many times people start getting targeted while in a store. Tell an employee ASAP and stay with that employee while security gets called.

When returning to your car, put your purse in first, then lock the cabin of the car. Then put purchases in the trunk.
That way, if you get approached from behind you won’t look like you have anything.

As soon as you get back in your car, lock the doors immediately.
Car jackings happen because people DON’T do this.

If you see someone in your car before you get in, RUN the other way!
Avert a disaster and call 911.

If you’re car jacked, do not leave the store parking lot. Wreck your car ASAP.
If you leave the property, chances of you making the situation out alive are slim to none. The air bags will usually save you from serious harm leaving anyone in the back unprotected. You will want to hit something hard enough to disable the vehicle and bring attention to you.

Always be aware of people in your area. Even if they seem to go the other direction.
Being more aware may give you ample reaction time should something go wrong.

Keep your hands on your keys while in any parking lot.
See below as to why!

Use your cars panic alarm if you have to.
It is there for a reason.

If you get in your car and see anything stuck to any windows, don’t get out to get it.
Drive away and remove it at home. Some criminals do this so they can rob you in parking lots.

If you think you’re getting followed, DO NOT DRIVE HOME!
Instead drive to the nearest police station.

If you’re getting pulled over by a police vehicle that doesn’t seem legit, keep driving to the nearest police station.
You will not get in trouble. Many have impersonated police officers on desolate country roads to rape or kill unsuspecting women. If you have no idea where you are, just drive to a well lit gas station. You want people to see you in this case.

If you come home to find your house has been broken into, DON’T go in.
Call 911.

If you hear strange noises of any kind at night outside, call 911.
Crying babies, voices, etc. Does not matter. If someone shouldn’t be outside your home just call.

If you notice any suspicious activity in your neighborhood like drug dealing etc…report it.
Most places have anonymous ways to report that. That is if you aren’t comfortable doing it in person. If you don’t, you may have criminals hanging out in your area. That is just asking for break-ins and the like.

Walmart parking lots are dangerous. Try not to go at night if possible.
There have been many abductions and robberies from these stores. The cameras outside many times are not monitored. They are there is case anything happens so later the tapes can be reviewed. Remember that.

Safety is truly in your hands. You have to protect yourself first. You have to be vigilant first.