Theft can be described as the acquisition of another's valuables without their permission or consent, with the aim of depriving the rightful owner of their property. A person who carries out such an act is known as a thief.  Another term you hear a great deal about today is theft by deception. Theft by deception can be described as a fraudulent activity where someone uses deception as a means to get access to property or services. For instance, if someone issues a check to pay for a good or service knowing that their bank account is closed, then it is considered theft by deception.  Courts take different approaches to this depending on the extent of damage to the victim.

There are a number of ways by which theft by deception can be committed.  Some examples include: when someone creates false information or fails to correct false information, doesn’t disclose all information relevant to a transaction or when someone knowingly prevents all parties to the transaction from gaining access to relevant information.  The thief uses this lack of full disclosure to use the property or services of another. As in the example of someone issuing a check from a closed bank account, if the person knew that the account was closed yet did nothing, then this would be considered a theft by deception. However, if the person issuing the check corrected his/her error as soon as they found out, then it would be considered a mistake.

Theft by deception is usually an elaborate plan that involves accomplices, forging of documents, falsifying of information and many other activities to gain access to the victim's property. The most recent and newsworthy example of this was the Ponzi scheme that was set-up by Bernard Madoff.  Prosecutors estimated the size of the fraud to be $64.8 billion, based on the amounts in the accounts of Madoff's 4,800 clients as of November 30, 2008.  Madoff’s scheme included securities fraud which consisted of deceptive practices in the stock and commodity markets.  His investors were enticed to invest their money based on untrue statements.  This is an example of a huge plan, however, theft by deception is attempted everyday by individuals who work alone on a smaller scale. These deception cases are much harder to uncover and tracking the criminal is nearly impossible. In such a case the mastermind depends on not having an accomplice who can sell you out when they get caught.

Theft by deception is punishable by law if one is found guilty. Bernard Madoff has been sentenced to 150 years in jail for the staggering size of his frauds. Generally, the punishment for theft by deception depends on multiple factors. The main factor is the amount of the alleged theft. If the amount is $500 or less, then the punishment is considered a misdemeanor. If the amount exceeds $500, then you can be looking at a felony conviction. There are multiple factors in the statute that determine the range for the sentence if convicted of a felony, and it can be different by state. 

The bottom line is that getting involved in any type of theft is the wrong path to be on.  If you are caught, you will almost definitely end up with a tarnished record.  This will effect your chances of staying in or getting a decent job, supporting your family and how society overall perceives you.  If you feel like you have tendencies toward illegal behavior, taking a theft class online is one way to regain your footing.  Classes are private, anonymous and can be taken from any location that provides web access.  The student will learn self-control, empathy and how to redirect this negative behavior. 

Owning a car is part of the American Dream.  People today take it for granted that they will have a car of their own either in high school, or definitely by the end of college.  Unless you live in a big city like New York or Chicago that has excellent subway and bus systems, owning a car has really become a necessity.  Unfortunately, this high-ticket item is also vulnerable to theft.  Most new cars now come with alarm systems that are helpful, but not foolproof in stopping the theft.  So, when in the market for a new car, you might want to first check out which brands have the highest theft rate.  The list doesn’t need to deter you from purchasing the vehicle, but just make you aware. 

According to the National Crime Information Center (NCIS) report of 2010, the Honda Accord is the most likely car to be stolen.  Furthermore, Kelly Blue Book reports that the Toyota Corolla continues to be one of the most popular cars in terms of sales. The car has a high resale value and is well-known for it’s low maintenance repair records.  It is therefore very desirable from the perspective of a car thief. The ever- popular Ford Explorer also tops the list.

Some of the other models occupying top most stolen positions based on reports and surveys from CNBC in 2011, Forbes, and Highway Data Loss Institute include the Chevrolet Silverado, 1994 Acura Integra, Taurus and Explorer Ford Models, Toyota Camry, Dodge Pickups, and Dodge Caravans.

The overwhelming theme amongst these cars is that there are a lot of them on the road because they are great family cars, have low-maintenance records and are moderately priced.  They are therefore easily available to car thieves.  A thief can easily steal one of these cars and then blend quietly blend into traffic for the getaway.  Once they have their hands on the car, they can be driven into warehouses or garages where they are easily repainted.  Parts are interchanged among the vehicles to give the car a completely different look.  All of this can be done with a quick turn-around time.  So, it’s a quick steal, refurbishment and re-sale to a customer who is willing to overlook any shadiness that comes with the deal.

Unfortunately, there is no total solution to preventing your car from getting stolen.  The best tactics are to always lock your car, park in a locked garage or brightly lit place, and turn on the alarm system!  Always carry insurance on your vehicle. 

For those of you reading this article who have been involved in the theft of a car, one solution to helping you conquer this illegal addiction is to take Theft Classes Online.  These classes will help you to gain the strength, self-worth, empathy and confidence you need to get out of this lifestyle.  Online classes can be taken from the privacy of your own home with complete anonymity.  Nobody else needs to know that you are working on overcoming this issue, it’s completely between you and the online course.  There are therapists available to speak with during the day via phone if you have questions about the material or are looking for personal support.  Stop your urge to steal today and get out of this lifestyle before it’s too late! 

When therapists and researchers look into why people steal, aside from absolutely needing something to survive, the most common answer seems to be “I don’t know”.  Sometimes the individual started stealing at a young age to impress friends or maybe just for the thrill of getting away with it.  Sometimes individuals steal things that are high-end that they couldn’t otherwise afford.  It is a rebellious act that needs to be psychologically dealt with in order to end the behavior. 

"I Seem to Steal to Collect Things"

In rehabilitation, the first step needs to be the acknowledgement of the act.   Whatever the reason is, the individual generally doesn’t realize there are underlying problems that need to be solved.  Theft and shoplifting are curable disorders that can be corrected with the right approach and motivation.  The majority of patients that exhibit this behavior fall on the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum.  The individual just can’t stop himself. Many get a temporary sense of satisfaction when they steal an item and get away with it. The courts today will punish by law with fines and often mandates to take theft and shoplifting courses to help overcome the disorder.  This combination seems to have a more long-lasting effect than jail time, as the perpetrator will receive education on how to actually handle the disorder.

"I Know I Have a Disorder"

Acknowledging the presence of the disorder is the second step towards recovery from this disorder and the only road to self-improvement. This means that the individual understands that something is wrong, has empathy and has the inclination to correct the bad behavior.  Denying the disorder can only make matters worse and will not address the recovery process.

"How Can I Deal with This Disorder?"

The third and major step in this recovery is taking ownership of the problem and trying to deal with it.  This is the difficult part, as many might fear ostracism or being stereotyped by peers. However, once an individual gets past this fear, the chances are highest for a successful recovery.

The government now allows and even advocates theft and shoplifting prevention classes. These are also offered online for a small fee but with great rewards. Some websites offer individuals to take classes and pay the fees anonymously because the site owners are aware of the emotional and psychological implications this might bring once anonymity is compromised.

Classes are offered in modules so that it can be easier to digest the information presented. The modules make the individual more aware of his or her actions and compulsive behavior. After the identification of symptoms, the student is then taught how to control such compulsions and the necessary steps to take to prevent the act from reoccurring.

The identification and prevention would not be complete without a long-term planning.   The implications of what life will look like if the individual continues on this path are addressed. Some examples such as losing the parents', spouse’s or friend’s trust, and living life as a felon, make the individual personally commit to him or herself never to do the criminal acts again. The program also encourages the student to make friends with positive influences and set-up accountability partners they can talk to when they are feeling conflicted.

In recent years, a steady rise in the number of robbery cases among teenagers has been documented. There has been a wide array of reported reasons why teens decide to steal, but surprisingly, most of them will initially say that boredom pushes them to do it. While boredom may not sound logical as an answer, as parents and guardians we need to understand the underlying causes as to why teenagers really take the plunge and start stealing.

Of the many reasons why teenagers get themselves involved in theft and shoplifting, peer pressure tops the list. Teens steal to be cool in front of friends.   The image they try to portray to others is “look at me, I’m above the law”, or “look at me, I’m so brave”.  Some might steal simply because they want to have something that they can’t otherwise afford or their parents won’t buy them. Sadly, some teenagers will do anything just to feel accepted by their peers.  They know that stealing is wrong, but they risk it just to feel socially accepted.

When you come to think of it, a teenager's life is can be seen as harder in this generation. They have to unwillingly fight the battle of having the coolest gadgets, possessing the best cell phone, driving the most high-end car, among other things. This competition can become too hard on them, pressuring them to resort to illegal options just to keep up with the competition.   It is therefore important for parents and guardians to recognize and address this issue in order to prevent their kids from ending up with a criminal record. If this behavior is not resolved right away, the habit can be carried on into their adult life, resulting in even more serious consequences.

Establishing a good relationship with your teenager is the first and most important step toward getting rid of his stealing tendencies. Once your teenager sees that you believe in him and still trust him, that alone could empower him to open up to you about his struggles with theft. Remember that teenagers struggle heavily with acceptance, so being accepted by his own family is already a very strong foundation that will encourage him to be open and honest about other things happening in his life.

If you have a nagging feeling that something is not right with your teenager but he refuses to talk, watch out for signs that he has been stealing. A new piece of jewelry, a new flashy gadget, or any product that he cannot otherwise afford with his allowance are red flags that he may be involved in theft. His lack of conversation might be his way of avoiding the issue. However, if your teenager confesses to you about this habit, do not retaliate with a heavy punishment as this will just discourage them to tell the truth the next time around. Your safest and most effective solution would be to enroll your teen in theft and shoplifting prevention classes online. This is a very private and effective way of dealing with the situation.   Your child doesn’t need to be humiliated by publicly going to a class, and the entire family can participate in the comfort of your own home.  Online instruction will generate conversation and licensed counselors can be contacted if any questions arise.  For a child with low self-esteem who is trying to gain status among his friends, this anti-stealing education is an excellent route for the family to take.

According to the FBI's UCR report, the state with the highest shoplifting rate currently is Virginia. 

Back in 1929, the US government sanctioned a report which was called the UCR (Uniform Crime Reporting). It was prepared by all the chiefs of police together in order to present to the nation a uniform and reliable report on crime statistics.  Government officials were pleased with this report and so in 1930, the FBI was brought in to it and making of this report was handed over to them. They were responsible for the collection, publication, and archiving of the records. 

Studies have revealed that the most stolen items from shops and supermarkets are not high priced goods, but daily essentials.  At the top of the list, you will find choice cut meat. This tells us something about the person doing the shoplifting. According to social behavior specialists, when people who cannot afford to have a luxury lifestyle visit a supermarket, they think that they too are entitled to all the products on sale. But because they are not in a position to purchase all that they want, some tend to steal.

In Virginia, Shoplifting is considered a larceny. Shoplifters tend to steal things without knowing anything about the code regarding it. They fall into trouble easily because of this. Depending on the stolen item's value, the person could be charged with petty larceny or grand larceny. In 18.2-95 of Virginia's code section; it states that grand larceny is to steal items with a value of more than $200. In the same code, under 18.2-96, stealing items with a value below $200 is considered petty larceny.

Considering the amount of shoplifting cases reported in the state, most of them are charged in a way that makes it much easier for the shoplifter to be convicted. The statutes of Virginia make the concealment of merchandise or altering price tags of items larceny, and the prosecution could easily prove its case. In the worst-case scenario, a shoplifter could get up to 20 years in prison.

Nearly 23 million people around the world are caught shoplifting annually. But is it need, or greed? Most shoplifters in the Virginia area are law abiding and decent citizens. Among the adult offenders, most of them do not have even a vague idea of why or how they started shoplifting. They cannot even find an answer to why they continue, even after they had been caught in the past.  Often it is simply an impulse control issue.  

Studies carried out by psychologists reveal that the majority of cases involve "getting something for nothing." Studies further reveal that although everybody likes to get things for free most people do not cross the fine line between receiving and stealing. Psychological studies show that, to a shoplifter, receiving something for nothing is like getting a gift. That may well be the reason for Virginia to have such statutes because they see too much of shoplifting cases compared to the rest of the country.