Stop Theft Class Will Keep Women from Shoplifting

As a counselor for both in-class shoplifting and online stop theft classes I can tell you there seems to be more female shoplifters than male. Growing up it seemed like the boys were the ones pushing the envelope and taking more risks like shoplifting.

Now there are just as many female juvenile shoplifters as male. The number of adult women ages 21-70 who shoplift is greater than the number of men! Can this be possible?

In my previous five stop theft classes, I had 96 students. What are your perceptions of the demographics of this sample of students?

Of this group 38% were women (37). However, the telling number lies with those under the age of 21. More than 72% (69) were under the age of 21. Of those over the age of 21, 81% (22) were female.

Why do you think women are more apt to shoplift as adults? Is it that they are not as good and get caught more often?

I have witnessed an alarming trend that mothers have been out shoplifting with their children acting as accomplices. I don’t hear about dads and their kids out stealing together. I welcome your input.