I got some good tips. Use self checkout. Smaller items fit in pockets easier. Backpacks go inside the cart with the items you’re shopping with. Beware as backpacks can make you more of a target. Be friendly to the staff and people in the store.
That’s a good starter pack.
Whenever I go into a store with a backpack security watches me like a hawk. A handbag or something like that would be better
!Don't steal from Target they wait til it's a felony and stay in contact with nearby stores!
Here's a reddit post from a checkout clerk https://www.reddit.com/r/IllegalLifeProTips/comments/gqwtcd/ilpt_how_to_shoplift_effectively_as_told_by_a/
Don’t wear loose clothing. It’s incredibly suspicious, especially in summer.
Don’t carry a bag. Also very suspicious. If you do happen to have a bag, ask if they want to check it, 9/10 they’ll let you go. In the event they don’t, they only really check the main pockets.
If you have any distinctive features (dyed hair, tattoos, etc.) cover them completely. If you can’t 100% cover them, leave them be, it’s less suspicious.
Actually buy something. It’s a dead giveaway if you’re leaving without buying anything.
If it’s a store with scanners at the exit, go through at the same time as someone else. Odds are, they’ll freak out, giving you time to bugger off.
Wear unremarkable clothes, jeans, plain shirts, etc. especially avoid logos and bright colours.
Only steal from large corporations. Not only is it far more ethical than ripping off a family-owned business, but the employees are less likely to be on the lookout.
If it’s a 24/7 Store, don’t shoplift at night. Come during peak hours, when we’re too busy serving to worry about shoplifters. Goes double if you’re a minor, unattended minors at night are super dodgy.
Only steal what you must, and don’t do it too often. The less you do it, the less likely you’ll slip up or get noticed.
Confidence is key. If you look shifty, you’ll get caught.
Here's a comment I liked too.
Be a normal person. (Bonus: be a gig shopper who is in a hurry) Wear a jacket in. Shop as normal Put a few things in kids seat. Get hot. Take off jacket and put it over things in kids seat. Continue shopping as normal. Pay for things in cart. Walk to car with bonus items under jacket. If caught, "omg how silly of me, forgot all about it." Be a normal person. Everyone laughs, no bonus today.
Stealing stuff is fun and cool. I stole probably more than $500 worth of shit within the last year. Candy alone, too.
Honestly the best and easiest shit IMO is just finding a jacket (goodwill) with large inside pockets is incredibly easy. Buy a small, inexpensive thing and go through self checkout after stuffing your jacket with cheese and booze
f/illegalism on raddle is the best resource on learning how to shoplift. It's like a smaller r/shoplifting before that got banned
Don't try to confuse security with a receipt from a different purchase. Didn't work for me, I ended up getting the police called on me.
I feel like shoplifting is overhyped. You're doing a crime most teenagers can get away with and are coming away with like a small haul.
Anyways, if you've got busted games, go to Gamestop when they're busy and sell them for extra cash. They'll never check if they actually work.
Shoplifting still makes a difference. A lot of people benefit from free food, and it's not like Walmart needs the money
Retail worker and shoplifter here: (caveat: this is in London, where people and workers don't really care so much about shoplifting)
The most important tip is to do things confidently. Don't spend time looking around to see who's looking, just go about like you're shopping normally and wait for opportunities. Sleight of hand works wonders too if you think you're being watched.
The two best times to steal are the busiest time of day and the quietest - preferably at night if the store is 24 hrs
You can get away with a lot more as a couple, so if you have a shoplifting or romantic partner take them with you
Bring a newish shopping bag from the place you're shopping at or from a different shop that's nearby. You can literally just stick things in there as long as employees don't see and just walk out with it later.
Coat pockets are good for flat-ish stuff.
You can purchase security tag magnets online, they will fit in a pocket.
Make sure you know the layout of the store first, and find good places to slip stuff into your bags or pockets. Generally you don't have to worry about security cameras as long as you don't get caught, since they aren't really used to catch people.
I'm not sure if this still works, but lining a bag with foil used to block security tag signals. I've not tried this for years so the tech might be more advanced now.
If someone stops you, they legally cannot block you from leaving (I believe this is the same in the US too). Most security guards can however. I recommend only stealing from places that you don't mind potentially being banned from. This is for the UK but may apply for other countries too: as long as you don't steal over a certain amount (smth like £230 IIRC), it's not a crime and the police likely won't be contacted.
Edit: another thing, generally don't steal stuff to sell, only steal groceries. Workers and security at DIY places or just anywhere they have small, expensive, easily sold items are going to be more on the lookout for shoplifters
you don’t steal over a certain amount (smth like £230 IIRC), it’s not a crime and the police likely won’t be contacted.
I agree with your post apart from this, I have a conviction for shoplifting less than £20 worth of shit(although it wasn't my first offence)
Noted, I assume the difference is it not being your first offence? I was caught with about £60 worth earlier this year and they let me off, just had to pay. They said something like 200 means they will call the police as its a crime or something
It depends on if your dealing with shop security or the police( a lot of big chains have an always call the police policy), my experience conforms to yours in that minimum wage workers won't be that bothered if they catch you if you return the items, and will probably just give you a ban
With the police I think it's up to the discretion of the duty sergeant whether to charge for low value thefts, but I have a relativity extensive 'rap sheet' and the local pigs aren't my biggest fans so that's probably why the decided to do me over such a small amount
In the US any dollar amount is a crime, it varies by store though what amount they're willing to call the pigs over.
Just act like it's your stuff and leave with it. I only steal food for the most part and have a really really easy level store. Bagless, so everyone has their own bag in the store, no scanners at either door, each door on opposite sides of the store going to different streets and a neat alcove by one door containing an infrequently populated organic section. Some oogles rolled in and got a bunch of heat on any dirty punks, ruined a five year streak.
Also just be aware of your surroundings, most people have fucking blinders on when they go about there day. I always think of MGS2, people that aren't paying attention have basically the same shitty field of vision as MGS guards. Floor walkers are pretty easy to figure especially if you've been there a few times, bag or pocket stuff in empty aisles and try not to be seen by anyone without shit you used to be holding if you can avoid it. Once again, no one cares a for the most part though.
Yall make it sound so easy lol. I like to imagine someone sees you and then you crouch down skyrim style and are suddenly invisible.
It's really easy. Working up the nerve the first few times can be tough but once it's normal to you it's just shopping.
I always wanted to try the old buy something, keep the receipt, go back to the store and grab one of the same item and "return" it with the old receipt. idk if they can catch you with that strat though
There was a grocery store with an organic aisle in a book by the door to fill bags and sneak out that also had a satisfaction guaranteed policy. I returned mostly finished food that I stole and got money for it.
the in store cameras and sometimes the un-deactivated tags can make them aware of this
