Some teenagers may think that an occasional snatch from the mall is a petty prank, but what they may not realize is that it could be the beginnings of a habit which could only get worse. In fact, in the USA an estimated 25 million dollars worth of goods are stolen in a single day. It is alarming to note that, even as teenagers 13-17 years old are only about 7% of the population in the United States, as much as 1/3 of the shoplifters arrested are teens!
Kinds of Shoplifters
One can actually classify shoplifters into two kinds—there are the professionals and non-professionals. Professionals’ main source of income is shoplifting while the latter may just engage in it by impulse or for the heck of it. Clearly, the majority of teenage shoplifters would fall under the non-professionals. A defiant teenager may choose to just take something to eat from a convenience store and decide not to pay for it, all for the fun of rebelling against authority.
The item stolen may not be as important to them as the rush they get from taking it, and going against the “right” or “proper” thing to do. Sometimes there really is something a teen may have in mind that he/she wants but can’t pay for. In these cases, the teen may also turn to shoplifting. But again, it’s interesting to note how research has shown that non-professional shoplifters normally steal by impulse from a store as an occasion arises, not particularly with the initial intent in mind upon entering.
Why does my teenager shoplift?
As a concerned parent, you may be asking yourself “Why does my teenager shoplift?” Instead of hurrying to blame yourself and question how you provide for your kids, stop a moment and consider these other reasons which may prompt a child’s shoplifting.
A major issue is a teenager’s peer group. Under the influence of pressure from peers, your teenager can easily sway and give in to stealing. Also, at a time where your child desperately wants to fit in with others, he/she may look to stealing as a way to follow the trends even with just a student allowance. But in those cases where money is not an issue at all, shoplifting can be seen as defiant behavior committed in order to deal with a teen’s emotional issues.
Shoplifting may actually be a means for the teenager to let out the built up tension he/she has inside. Their shoplifting could actually be a way for the teen to make his parents aware of his personal issues. The mental disorder depression may actually exist together with shoplifting in teenagers.
The impulsive high a teen may experience when shoplifting provides a quick, short solution to his depression. Once the teenager begins to get used to attaining this ‘relief’ from stealing, he may get into the habit of it. Parents must keep in mind that repeat offences of shoplifting can actually add up to a criminal record. This is serious business, and you must deal with your child accordingly.
Get to the root of the problem. Dealing with the issues lying behind your teenager’s defiant acts can put an end to his destructive behavior.
