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?
Shoplifting Kills Your Future 