The Silent Struggles of Shoplifting Addiction
On a daily basis, people walk in and out of the malls and supermarkets casually, without anyone noticing the secret burden a shoplifting addict is silently carrying around. It's the easy to write off anyone who steals as a mere thief, deliberately out to hurt or take from others. Although theft has become a common crime, there is more to shoplifting sprees than what meets the eye. Firstly, the National Association for Shoplifters Anonymous says over twenty-seven million Americans struggle with the problem of compulsive stealing. No store, from the plushest of malls to the humblest of corner stores, is beyond the reach of those with shoplifting addiction. Despite strict security measures being taken by retailers all over the country, the numbers surrounding shoplifting just seem to climb higher and higher. What is really going on? What are the correlations here that may help retailers take measures to prevent incidents of theft while at the same time offering resources and support to individuals in need? What to Know about Shoplifting Addiction Shoplifting addiction, or kleptomania, is a behavioral compulsion where a person feels the overwhelming urge to steal things, whether or not they need or value them. The condition has more to do with being psychologically compelled to steal than getting the stolen object. In simple words, a shoplifter just cannot help themselves, even when they have lots of money to pay for these things. More recent studies suggest that more than half of all shoplifters have some kind of addictive disorder. This correlation can help retailers devise strategies for the prevention of theft. Likewise, it can shape programs and treatment meant to support those who struggle with the underlying issues that cause kleptomania. To make matters worse, research has shown there is no 'typical' profile for someone who [...]
