How Does Shoplifting Affect Society

Shoplifting is one of the most widespread crimes in the United States of America. It’s calculated at about 550,000 of these events happen each day, and because of this more than $13 billion dollars are stolen from retailers each year. That is more than $35 million in losses per day. The effects of shoplifting are important! Shoplifting affects security, prices, jobs, tax, families, and our future. Presently it’s as high as 1 in 11 people shoplift in the U.S.. Within the last five years, 10 million people were caught shoplifting.
Shoplifting incidents normally are dealt with as a retail industry issue to be kept from happening only by the retail victims themselves. It would seem to be common sense to not steal, but most people don’t realize the real consequences until caught. Teenagers make up 50% of all shoplifting incidents. Even 55%

Even so, normally only half the cases are prosecuted. To counter strike shoplifting, retail stores have to increase their prices. The growth of the priced goods then avert consumers from buying. As a result a decrease in customers will appear, which can cause stores to close, or move. Areas with a high percentage of shoplifting can also force stores to leave the area and resettle in a safer environment. Time spent during that travel, plus the gas and wear and tear on the vehicle or simply an increased volume on the public transportation system, are all real effects that can be seen. This strips the community of a retail source and jobs. In the end about 1 out of 3 new businesses will fail because of shoplifting. In addition the average family will spend about $300 dollars more to make up for shoplifters. Communities spend so much time trying to prevent shoplifting, it leaves no room or money for other activities to help our community. Instead we continually work towards paying off the $30 billion debt shoplifting gives