What to When You Know Someone is Stealing

Have you ever seen someone shoplifting? If you are over the age of ten there's a good chance that you have.

If you take a shoplifting class, you will learn that studies have shown that more than 90% of adults over the age of 25 have witnessed someone stealing. If you are one of these individuals what did you do?

The majority of witnesses do nothing more than watch the theft occur. Studies show that five out of six witnesses to nothing at all.

Here's what you should do. If you see someone shoplifting you should locate store personnel as quickly as possible. If none are available, as discreetly as possible focus on the details. Shoplifting is not worth you getting hurt over, but you can pay attention to details. Personal attributes of the shoplifter like height, weight, eye color, hair color, tattoos and piercings can help police identity the thief. What about other types of theft? Tax evasion? Exploiting business expenses? or using company time to go on Facebook? What do you do about these situations? Do you notify anyone or just stay quiet?

When someone steals, we all pay a price. Taking steps to correct these behaviors benefits ourselves and our communities. Perhaps a gentle suggestion to take an online theft class, or notifying an authority figure but above all else do not put yourself in harms way.