What would you do if you noticed a customer attempting to shoplift?

Following these ten steps will ensure that you minimise your risks when making a citizen’s arrest.

1. Make sure you see the person take the item.
2. Confront the shoplifter.
3. Ask the shoplifter to accompany you back to the store office.
4. Balance the risks.
5. Use reasonable force to detain the shoplifter.
6. Call the police.

Who are the most common shoplifters?

It is commonly touted that men are more likely to shoplift than women – however, this is based on data from 1980 and may be outdated. Approximately 1 out of 11 people in the US are shoplifters. ¼ of shoplifters are children. 55\% of shoplifters began shoplifting when they were teenagers.

What are common tactics used by shoplifters?

9 Common Shoplifting Techniques Authorities Watch For

• Concealing items.
• Walking out.
• Metal bags.
• Switching tags.
• Unwrapping items.
• Causing a disruption.
• Inside jobs.
• Phony returns.

Why can’t employees confront shoplifters?

Because state law holds that stealing merchandise worth $950 or less is just a misdemeanor, which means that law enforcement probably won’t bother to investigate, and if they do, prosecutors will let it go. Why won’t store employees do anything about this theft? Because they don’t want to take the risk.

What are some of the trends in shoplifting?

Over the past quarter-century, retail theft and fraud are trending down, thanks to technology such as store security cameras and anti-theft tags on merchandise. But other trends such as self-checkout stations and fewer employees in many stores have created new challenges for retailers, experts say.

Who typically shoplifts?

Approximately 75\% of people who shoplift are adults. However, 55\% of them say they started in their teens. Few are professional shoplifters. Only 3\% of shoplifters steal solely for resale or profit.