How to Spot a Shoplifter

Last Updated: March 1, 2020 References

Many stores are the targets of people, who will gladly take merchandise with no intent to pay for it. Although it is dangerous to take on a thief by yourself, here are some easy to follow steps to spot a shoplifter.

Steps

1
Know certain tactics that shoplifters have. Shoplifting has became harder and harder over the years due to the introduction of CCTV in stores, thus new tactics have been plotted which will differ in different scenarios, here are some of the most common.
- Snatch & Run: This strategy is mostly used by lone shoplifters, and is just like a Hit and Run;
  1. Go into the store.
  2. Steal an item.
  3. Run.
    - Simple as that, however this strategy can easily be flawed by noticing a few obvious flaws:
2
Notice their clothing. Hoods, sunglasses, scarves etc. or any attempt to cover the face is an easily exploitable way of spotting a thief.^{[1]
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3
Watch out for lingering. Most snatchers tend to linger around their target, thinking of how to pull it off, or to just wait until their exit is clear. If there is no exit, no snatch.^{[2]
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4
Pay attention to how desperate they are: Because the Snatch and Run is rarely used nowadays, its common among first time felons or petty thugs. If their exit is blocked they will rarely turn aggressive, and may even apologize, thus no merchandise is stolen.^{[3]
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5
Watch out for group Theft: Possibly the most intimidating form of theft, a group of 4-8 people will enter the store and will possibly split up, but will all end up heading to their target eventually. With practice, a group theft can easily be prevented by offering assistance and being aware. ^{[4]
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- Size will matter. If a group of thieves is caught red-handed, they may become violent and start to cause trouble, this is where you plead that help will come in, hopefully, they will come in a bigger force. If they do engage in violence the local authorities can easily be called.
6
Offer assistance. It may sound silly, but it helps. A group of thieves may become stunted or may even abort prior to contact with an employee, because you have now engaged conversation, and you have seen their faces. If they ignore and try to evade you, you can easily now ask for help should their be any further contact.^{[5]
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7
Be more diligent around closing hour. Most thefts happen at night, where there will be fewer witnesses, less authority to deal with, and when your shop will be closing. Normally prior to closing hours, the front door (if not guarded by partitions) will be automatically shut. Which in turn will trap the would-be thieves, and give you more time for the police to arrive.^{[6]
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8
Watch for the theft and distraction technique. This is mainly used in a duo theft, whilst one person draws employee's attention to something else, the thief can complete their mission with ease. ^{[7]
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9
Watch for the talkative distraction technique. If you pull away from a distraction when you shouldn't be, they will try and gain your attention again, either blocking your path or by asking an out of the blue question. This is the most biggest giveaway possible to a theft and distraction scenario.

Community Q&A

Question

How common would you say it is for a fellow employee to take advantage of a large shopping center without raising noticeable suspicion from other co-workers? And what steps should I take if I believe that a co-worker is thieving on a supposedly regular basis?

Community Answer

If you suspect a co-worker is stealing definitely tell your boss. Make sure you have good reason for accusing them and aren't doing it just to get them in trouble because you don't like them.
Question

If things are in a shopping cart and are not scanned because they put a baby on top of the items, is that shoplifting?

Community Answer

If they walk out of the store without paying for the items under the baby, then yes, that is shoplifting. If you suspect someone is doing this, just be polite when approaching them. Say something like, "Excuse me miss, but I think there is something under your baby that you forgot to pay for."
Question

What do I do if the shoplifter is becoming violent?

John Tinker

Community Answer

You have plenty of options when it comes to this. You could do the following things or just be a hero. 1. Call the police 2. Call 911 3. GET HELP

Warnings

Under no circumstances whatsoever should you physically attack a thief, even if it may seem the right thing to do. Doing so could easily land you with a lawsuit and a criminal record.

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Don't be a hero, your life is not worth a petty £10 (about $12 USD) beer can. If the suspect is armed, call the police immediately, NEVER approach the thief.

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