Why teenagers shoplift

Certainly look what her father did for New York, reducing crime. What's the best payback for him -- is to get caught stealing. Have you had an experience with your child shoplifting? What did you do? What do you suggest parents do in that situation?

Please enter email address to continue. Please enter valid email address to continue. Chrome Safari Continue. Be the first to know. Restricted products, such as cigarettes and condoms, also have special appeal. Girls are generally more likely to steal makeup, jewelry and clothing, while boys grab electronics and clothes.

Regardless of gender, "kids who engage in minor forms of delinquency are at increased risk for other, worse criminal behavior," says Allen.

Teen shoplifting is common, but it's not a rite of passage. Like other bad behavior , it can be headed off, and education is the way to hold kids to high standards. If you find out that your teen shoplifted, should you turn her in to the store? Barbara Staib of NASP suggests calling the loss-prevention department to make sure it won't go to one of two extremes—pressing charges or brushing it off by saying, "Oh, don't worry about it.

Social worker Jen Gustafson also suggests that you have your child write a short letter of apology and read it out loud to the manager. Staib advises against bringing in the police.

But if you make them understand why it's a bad idea, most will arrive at the correct conclusion on their own. Regardless of whether you or someone else discovering that your child shoplifted, a careful response is required. Teen Shoplifting: Causes and Consequences.

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Credit: Getty Images. Ask your pediatrician for a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist if your teen:. Steals from family or peers Continues taking things even after being caught Starts at 13 or under Is already in other trouble, for fighting, truancy or poor school performance.

Teach on the spot. When you're in a store with your child, occasionally point out the many ways—cameras, magnetic tags, security guards—that the facility keeps an eye on everyone. Mention that stealing is not only wrong, but people who take things can be arrested, banned from stores and malls, have their picture displayed in public, and be sent to court and sometimes even to jail. Focus on the victims. Kids often think, "What's the big deal? Point out the social consequences too: Since sales tax isn't collected for stolen items, schools and fire departments are shorted, says Joseph LaRocca , a security expert for the National Retail Federation.

You might think teens would roll their eyes at these appeals to fairness , but, in fact, most respond positively. For that reason, juvenile courts often require adolescents to face the ones they've harmed. They both wound up in tears. Keep up with day-to-day changes in what children are wearing, and periodically scan the house for new clothes, video games, electronics and jewelry, suggests Allen.

If you suspect your child may have stolen, ask follow-up questions in a matter-of-fact tone. Talk about values. Just as you periodically remind kids about your rules on drugs and alcohol , offer a few words about shoplifting from time to time. If you happen to have an idealistic teenager who shows disdain for major corporations, you should strongly consider teaching them to channel this energy into more appropriate actions such as launching an online petition or participating in a picket.

Although your teen can acquire some new items by using the cash that is available to them, it is important to make sure that they do not seem to have something new on a regular basis.

It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for behavioral changes because some teenagers begin lashing out more than usual, especially if you ask them about a new item. Additionally, if your teen hangs out at a mall or other store on a regular basis, you should keep a close eye on everything that they bring back into the house with them.

For example, if they come back with a backpack that seems much fuller than it was when they left, they might have a serious issue with shoplifting.

In most cases, a teen who is caught only once will end up being released to their parents without facing any serious consequences. However, if law enforcement is called, a teenager is still likely to be put into handcuffs and taken to the police station.

Unfortunately, teenagers who are caught multiple times are likely to end up in a juvenile detention facility, and their criminal record could prevent them from attending the college of their choice and getting a good job after graduation. If you suspect that your teen has been shoplifting, you need to confront the problem.

However, keep in mind that coming across too harshly could actually cause them to lash out by shoplifting again. It is also important to retain an experienced attorney if your teenager is caught in order to help protect their future. Theda K. Rogers is a former teacher, and she has worked with many troubled teens in her career.

Her research of the law on sites like that of Kevin DeVore found helpful tactics for talking with your teen.