Parents beware - according to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP), approximately 25% of shoplifters are kids and 55% of adult shoplifters say that they started shoplifting in their teens. With the holiday season in full swing, it is important for parents to talk to their children about stealing, and what the repercussions are if they are caught in the act. Most teenagers don’t realize that if they are with a group of kids who are shoplifting but they aren’t, they can still be convicted as an accomplice to the crime. They should also be reminded to be sure if they are planning to purchase an item, to hold it so it is visible. Do not, under any circumstances, put the item in a bag or pocket while they continue shopping. The adolescent could easily get distracted, forget it’s there, and unintentionally walk out of the store with it. Although they might have the right intentions, authorities will consider this an attempt at shoplifting.
When teens are asked why they shoplift, one of the top answers is because they were bored and looking for some excitement. This is a distressing excuse and should alert us all to be aware of what our kids are doing over the holiday break. There is a good chance that your teenager will end up at the mall with friends over the vacation. Be sure to remind them that shoplifting is not okay and punishable by law.
Peer pressure is also a top reason why teens say they shoplift. They want to look cool in front of friends, or get an item that they otherwise could not afford. Teens also say that they steal because they feel unloved or that no one cares about them and they are looking for attention. Again, it’s important to stay involved in your child’s life, be proactive and have the discussion about theft with them. Most importantly make sure they know you love them.
If your teenager is caught for shoplifting this holiday season, court mandated theft prevention classes are available to take online. The repercussions of theft have evolved from when we were their age, and now most judges will order a theft education class along with fines, community service and possible probation punishments. Theft classes help shoplifters to understand why this behavior is inappropriate and how it negatively impacts everyone around them, from family to retailers to the average tax payer. Students are taught techniques to use to overcome the impulse to steal, how to walk away from peer pressure and other preventive behaviors.
Online theft classes are for all age groups, but are particularly beneficial to teen offenders because this generation is so familiar with working on computers. For parents, having your teen take an online class alleviates the pressure to drive them to a classroom, at a specific class time each week. First be sure to get the class pre-approved by your judge. Once you register, the class is easy to follow and ends with a final exam. As soon as the final is passed with a 70% or better, a Certificate of Completion is sent out to you. This is the documentation that proves to the court that the requirement was successfully fulfilled. If you are in a rush to meet a deadline, taking an online course can enable you to get through the 4, 8, 10 or 16 hours of material more quickly than waiting for a traditional classroom experience.
Taking an online theft class for a court mandated requirement is the easiest, most convenient and least stressful way to accomplish this educational aspect of the retribution process.
