Everyday people walk into a store and take something out with them that they didn't pay for. A recent study shows that at least one out of every eleven people who walk into a store will walk out stealing something. Reports show that shoplifting has gone up by six percent for the year 2012 and that businesses as a whole are expecting a total loss all across the nation to sit at $119 Billion. Studies also show that only three percent of thieves are professionals, meaning the rest of the quick-handed population are amateurs stealing out of necessity or out of random desire. More than 74% admitted they did not even plan on shoplifting and that they only did it because the opportunity was there. So what are the top items that shoplifters go for? Here is a quick look at the top ten items they target on a daily basis.
Meat/Filet Mignon – who would expect that people would tuck in expensive cuts of first class meat under their jacket? The most surprising thing is that this is now the number one shoplifted item in supermarkets.
Expensive liquor – you can only buy alcohol if you are twenty-one years of age but that doesn't mean it won't stop teenagers and alcoholics from stuffing a bottle in their pockets or under their jackets. Jameson is the most frequently stolen drink in stores these days.
Electric Tools and DIY Tools – electric drills, electric toothbrushes, and other minor powertools. The most common recently are electric toothbrushes that do not require toothpaste to clean out germs.
Gadgets – stores with smart phones, video games, cameras and other electronic gadgets are common victims of thievery. Electronic gadgets nabbed the fourth place of most sought after shoplifted items. Out of all of these type of items, the Apple iPhone 4 and 4s are the cream of the crop and are the most valued stolen items thus far.
Razor Blades – non-disposable razor blades are pretty expensive and many don’t want to spend the extra cash for this necessity. The Gilette Mach 4 is the most commonly sought after and stolen non-disposable razor blade.
Deodorants – along with razor blades and toothbrushes, deodorants are another common item that is often lifted. They are small and easy to slide into a pocket or hide into a long sleeve which contributes to the ease of the theft. Axe and Dial are common brands people steal.
Expensive Clothing – everybody wants to have expensive clothes that are branded and well known but not everybody is willing to pay for it. The most commonly stolen brands these days are Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren. As a matter of fact clothing thievery has gone up by over 30%.
Let's Rock Elmo – Sesame Street’s newest toy, the Let's Rock Elmo, is currently the most wanted toy at Toys ‘R Us. This toy ranks the highest for theft this season.
Women's Fragrances – a long line of expensive perfumes and other fragrances makes up for 4% of losses in stores from 2011 to 2012. Again this is mostly because these items are small and very easy to hide in clothing and in pockets. Women carry large shoulder bags at times and security guards are a bit more lenient when it comes to checking the contents of a woman's bag.
Shoes – Nike and Adidas athletic shoes are among the most often stolen shoes in stores today. A lot of people will walk into the store wearing their flip-flops, try on a pair of shoes, and then just walk out wearing them.
For those perpetrators who are caught in the act, or for those who would like to stop the habit, Online Theft Classes may be the answer for you. They are convenient and are often court-accepted as rehabilitation for the crime. Check them out today!
