As a former thief and now a counselor for a theft class I am well-aware of the reasons people shoplift. Research from my students shows that less than one out of ten steal because they need the item shoplifted.
More than four in five of my students (82%) enjoy the rush they get from shoplifting. They like the thrill of getting away with it and feeling like they beat the system. It makes them feel "special". Many students will speak openly about daydreaming of shoplifting scenarios.
Like many thrills, the excitement from shoplifting can be habit forming. However, if you are stealing, you need to find another way to get your kicks.
One place to start is a hobby. Having a hobby to focus on will keep you from thinking about shoplifting. A number of my students have taken up ceramics. While not necessarily thrilling, the pride of accomplishment, of creating something from nothing, has really helped them kick their urge to steal. They feel good about themselves and have greater internal satisfaction. Gardening would be another good hobby.
If you absolutely must have lots of excitement and stimulation, take up a sporting hobby. Rock climbing, hiking, spelunking, rafting, skiing and snowboarding are all high-thrill sports that will help keep the need to steal at bay.
Showing posts with label shoplifting addiction class. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shoplifting addiction class. Show all posts
Monday, December 17, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
I Want My New Girlfriend to Take a Theft Class
This is a very awkward situation. My new girlfriend has many qualities that I like a lot. She's pretty, intelligent, interesting, fun and talented. But there's one little quirk that is really starting to bother me. I think she likes to shoplift.
How do I know this? Often when I go to her house she has a new piece of clothing or pair of shoes. But strangely enough, I've never seen a shopping bag or even a receipt for the stuff that she buys. And also, she's a full time student who doesn't make much money, so I have doubt she can afford the high end merchandise I see her wearing.
So I'm beginning to suspect that she's not actually buying the clothing, jewelry, and make up she's wearing but she's taking them from the stores without paying. Her shoplifting behavior is a red flag and I really want her to take a theft class to get this problem under control. I don't think it's right for her to take things without paying for them nor do I want her to get caught and arrested. It would be embarrassing for her, for me and her family.
I wonder how I should tell her?
How do I know this? Often when I go to her house she has a new piece of clothing or pair of shoes. But strangely enough, I've never seen a shopping bag or even a receipt for the stuff that she buys. And also, she's a full time student who doesn't make much money, so I have doubt she can afford the high end merchandise I see her wearing.
So I'm beginning to suspect that she's not actually buying the clothing, jewelry, and make up she's wearing but she's taking them from the stores without paying. Her shoplifting behavior is a red flag and I really want her to take a theft class to get this problem under control. I don't think it's right for her to take things without paying for them nor do I want her to get caught and arrested. It would be embarrassing for her, for me and her family.
I wonder how I should tell her?
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
The History of Shoplifting Classes
So you're stuck in a situation where you have to take a theft class? But maybe you're wondering, how did I get here? How is it that people steal things without getting caught, but I did get caught?
Believe it or not, theft and shoplifting have been around for thousands of years. If you read the history of theft, you'll learn that there have been cases of theft and shoplifting in biblical times and even earlier. Why do you think "thou shalt not steal" is written in the bible? Even people in the pre-dark ages had to deal with thieves all the time.
And the penalties for theft were much much harsher back then. Often thieves were put to death without any sort of trial. Or other barbaric punishments occurred, such as their hands being cut off. So if you are required to sit in a theft class or shoplifting class, think of how lucky you are that you live in such enlightened and civilized times!
Believe it or not, theft and shoplifting have been around for thousands of years. If you read the history of theft, you'll learn that there have been cases of theft and shoplifting in biblical times and even earlier. Why do you think "thou shalt not steal" is written in the bible? Even people in the pre-dark ages had to deal with thieves all the time.
And the penalties for theft were much much harsher back then. Often thieves were put to death without any sort of trial. Or other barbaric punishments occurred, such as their hands being cut off. So if you are required to sit in a theft class or shoplifting class, think of how lucky you are that you live in such enlightened and civilized times!
Saturday, November 3, 2012
An Anti-Theft Class Might Be Good for Your Teenage Daughter
This is a subject that is very dear to my heart. As the father of a teenage girl you want to make sure they do not engage in any form of problematic behavior. This is especially true when it comes to matters of being in trouble with the law.
I admit - I was a compulsive thief and I had, and still have a problem with theft. I have not stolen anything for more than seven years, yet as a theft addict, I always will have a problem.
The first time I caught my daughter stealing she was four! It was a small figurine from a toy store that I told her she could not have. Imagine my surprise when I found that figurine in her pocket while doing the laundry three days later.
I gave my daughter the benefit of the doubt, asking my wife if somehow my little sweetheart had finagled her into buying it behind my back. Alas, my suspicions were confirmed when I realized the figurine had been purchased with a five-finger discount!
How I responded then is how I encourage of all of you to respond - make her take back the stolen item, admit their wrong doing and take an anti-theft class. I hope my steadfastness will keep my daughter from stealing again. Regardless of age, confront the issue head-on and take a shoplifting class.
I admit - I was a compulsive thief and I had, and still have a problem with theft. I have not stolen anything for more than seven years, yet as a theft addict, I always will have a problem.
The first time I caught my daughter stealing she was four! It was a small figurine from a toy store that I told her she could not have. Imagine my surprise when I found that figurine in her pocket while doing the laundry three days later.
I gave my daughter the benefit of the doubt, asking my wife if somehow my little sweetheart had finagled her into buying it behind my back. Alas, my suspicions were confirmed when I realized the figurine had been purchased with a five-finger discount!
How I responded then is how I encourage of all of you to respond - make her take back the stolen item, admit their wrong doing and take an anti-theft class. I hope my steadfastness will keep my daughter from stealing again. Regardless of age, confront the issue head-on and take a shoplifting class.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Even People Who Work in Stores Sometimes Steal
Now why would an employee have to take a 4 hour theft class? Have you ever stolen something from your employer? This could be a towel if you worked in housekeeping for Hilton, or a pencil from Microsoft or IBM. Whether you worked for a huge Fortune 500 company or a small mom-and-pop restaurant in the sticks, the odds are you have taken something that did not belong to you.
Are You Guilty?
Of course there are varying degrees of theft. But remember - all theft is wrong! Is it worse to siphon $100,000 from corporate counts than to not return a pen that wound up in your shirt pocket? Of course there is! But both are morally wrong. Theft has to do with intent. If the shirt accidentally ended up in your pocket, it was a mistake. However, if you really wanted that pen and found it convenient to take, it is an offense. Look at the thinking process!
Retail Theft
As a recovering shoplifter, in other words as a former person who stole compulsively to fill a need, I can attest that store employees steal in a variety of ways. Today, it is actually considered theft if an employee spends time texting, tweeting or facebooking on paid company time. Back in my thieving days, we either stole the product ourselves or abetted our friends to pilfer the goods.
Either way - remember that we all pay for theft. All theft is bad. Even if you only went home with a company pen - take it back. Pens are cheap. Buy your own. Don't steal!
Are You Guilty?
Of course there are varying degrees of theft. But remember - all theft is wrong! Is it worse to siphon $100,000 from corporate counts than to not return a pen that wound up in your shirt pocket? Of course there is! But both are morally wrong. Theft has to do with intent. If the shirt accidentally ended up in your pocket, it was a mistake. However, if you really wanted that pen and found it convenient to take, it is an offense. Look at the thinking process!
Retail Theft
As a recovering shoplifter, in other words as a former person who stole compulsively to fill a need, I can attest that store employees steal in a variety of ways. Today, it is actually considered theft if an employee spends time texting, tweeting or facebooking on paid company time. Back in my thieving days, we either stole the product ourselves or abetted our friends to pilfer the goods.
Either way - remember that we all pay for theft. All theft is bad. Even if you only went home with a company pen - take it back. Pens are cheap. Buy your own. Don't steal!
Friday, October 26, 2012
If You Desire to Shoplift You Might Need an Impulse Control Class
Have you ever stolen anything? If so, what went through your mind when you decided to take a five-finger discount? Was it something you needed? Was it something you coveted? Was peer pressure involved? Perhaps, you stole it because you wanted to see if you could get away with it. Perhaps you wanted to feel a rush!
Stealing is wrong. Stealing is bad. We all pay for the cost of shoplifting. As a person with an addictive personality, and with behavior that includes compulsive theft, I understand virtually every rationale behind theft behavior.
As a counselor for both in class and online Impulse Control Class, I also am extremely motivated to keep my students from returning to the behavior that landed them in hot water in the first place.
A main reason why people steal is impulse. The first time I stole it was a friend who had dared me weeks earlier, who was watching me at the time, and was impressed by my successful theft of a pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit.
One of the best things to get from a stop theft class is the psychological understanding of impulse as it relates to theft. Control the impulse. Understand the consequences. Make the right choice. Take an online theft class.
Stealing is wrong. Stealing is bad. We all pay for the cost of shoplifting. As a person with an addictive personality, and with behavior that includes compulsive theft, I understand virtually every rationale behind theft behavior.
As a counselor for both in class and online Impulse Control Class, I also am extremely motivated to keep my students from returning to the behavior that landed them in hot water in the first place.
A main reason why people steal is impulse. The first time I stole it was a friend who had dared me weeks earlier, who was watching me at the time, and was impressed by my successful theft of a pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit.
One of the best things to get from a stop theft class is the psychological understanding of impulse as it relates to theft. Control the impulse. Understand the consequences. Make the right choice. Take an online theft class.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Why an Online Theft Class is Best
If you had to take a theft class what would you do? Would you prefer being physically present with an instructor in a classroom with 15-20 other students, or would you rather take the course over the Internet?
The Benefit of Physical Presentation
The primary benefit of physically attending a theft class is the energy a classroom setting generates. For anyone who has ever been to a music concert you can feel the energy the crowded atmosphere creates versus listening to your iPod at home. The interaction and discourse among students can help expand the material and enrich the overall experience.
The Benefit of Online Experience
In our busy lives, time is one of our most precious assets. Online stop theft classes offer complete convenience for students. The site is available 24 hours a day and you can go at your own pace. You are able to take it all in one sitting, or return to it as many times as you'd like. Another benefit for many people, is that it is anonymous. Some people who have a theft problem are embarrassed or ashamed by it. Taking a class in the privacy of your own home, gives you the material and education without the humiliation.
Given that the course material is the same, the benefit of convenience is the deciding factor for why an online theft class are best.
The Benefit of Physical Presentation
The primary benefit of physically attending a theft class is the energy a classroom setting generates. For anyone who has ever been to a music concert you can feel the energy the crowded atmosphere creates versus listening to your iPod at home. The interaction and discourse among students can help expand the material and enrich the overall experience.
The Benefit of Online Experience
In our busy lives, time is one of our most precious assets. Online stop theft classes offer complete convenience for students. The site is available 24 hours a day and you can go at your own pace. You are able to take it all in one sitting, or return to it as many times as you'd like. Another benefit for many people, is that it is anonymous. Some people who have a theft problem are embarrassed or ashamed by it. Taking a class in the privacy of your own home, gives you the material and education without the humiliation.
Given that the course material is the same, the benefit of convenience is the deciding factor for why an online theft class are best.
Monday, October 22, 2012
My Son Needs a Shoplifting Class
I remember the first time I got caught shoplifting. No, it was not by the police - it was by the person who knew me best - my mother.
I had stolen lots of things before that. It started with packs of chewing gum and candy bars, escalated to toys and baseball cards. When caught, my friend and I were opening the free game tickets issued by McDonald's and Kroger grocery. In an effort to win free fries or a hamburger, we had stolen an entire bag.
Chance to Change Course of History
My mother did not take this sitting down. She made my friend and I return the unopened tickets and admit to the store manager what we had done. My friend's parents were informed too.
What did not happen was a shoplifting class. Perhaps that would have changed the course of the next decade of my life. Getting caught and reprimanded stopped my theft behavior for a week (while I was grounded). However, I thought about stealing all the time and went right back to my shoplifting. It would cost me later.
Do not miss the opportunity to take a stop theft class early; it could mean the difference between a long, happy life and a life of crime.
I had stolen lots of things before that. It started with packs of chewing gum and candy bars, escalated to toys and baseball cards. When caught, my friend and I were opening the free game tickets issued by McDonald's and Kroger grocery. In an effort to win free fries or a hamburger, we had stolen an entire bag.
Chance to Change Course of History
My mother did not take this sitting down. She made my friend and I return the unopened tickets and admit to the store manager what we had done. My friend's parents were informed too.
What did not happen was a shoplifting class. Perhaps that would have changed the course of the next decade of my life. Getting caught and reprimanded stopped my theft behavior for a week (while I was grounded). However, I thought about stealing all the time and went right back to my shoplifting. It would cost me later.
Do not miss the opportunity to take a stop theft class early; it could mean the difference between a long, happy life and a life of crime.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
When Do You Need an Online Theft Class?
The answer to the headline above is very simple; you need a online theft class if you have problems controlling yourself and steal things. If you steal things just "for the fun and thrill of it" or constantly think about shoplifting you need a stop theft class.
Even if you have not stolen anything, but those problematic thoughts continue to surface, you would benefit from taking a theft class.
The Long Arm of the Law
The primary reason people need to take a theft class is due to a court-mandate. For first-time offenders and those with minor infractions, legal systems prefer rehabilitation which includes education.
Research has shown that education is a solid way to combat theft-related behavior. It also is a strong motivator to help prevent continued criminal activity after an offender has been caught.
If you have been caught stealing there is a very strong possibility that the court will order you to take a stop theft class. If you prefer to maintain total anonymity there are online stop theft classes.
Be Proactive
Even if you have not been caught stealing - yet - a theft class is still recommended. Stealing is a crime with serious penalties and although it can feel exciting, taking what does not belong to you has it's moral consequences as well.
Even if you have not stolen anything, but those problematic thoughts continue to surface, you would benefit from taking a theft class.
The Long Arm of the Law
The primary reason people need to take a theft class is due to a court-mandate. For first-time offenders and those with minor infractions, legal systems prefer rehabilitation which includes education.
Research has shown that education is a solid way to combat theft-related behavior. It also is a strong motivator to help prevent continued criminal activity after an offender has been caught.
If you have been caught stealing there is a very strong possibility that the court will order you to take a stop theft class. If you prefer to maintain total anonymity there are online stop theft classes.
Be Proactive
Even if you have not been caught stealing - yet - a theft class is still recommended. Stealing is a crime with serious penalties and although it can feel exciting, taking what does not belong to you has it's moral consequences as well.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Caught - Now I Have to Take a Shoplifting Class
Have you ever stolen anything? Odds are if you are reading this the answer is yes. If you have stolen anything, have you ever been caught? Odds are, if you have been caught, the judge ordered you to take a shoplifting class.
Do Not Panic
Things may seem bad now. Getting busted by the police is a very unsettling experience. Believe it or not, this may be the best thing to have happened to you. I am sure you have heard the term that you have to hit bottom before you can bounce back up. Well, if you have been caught shoplifting this could be the eye-opening, life-changing experience that will help you stop your aberrant behavior.
Find an Online Shoplifting Class
The first step is to decide not to steal anything at all, ever. Even if you have not been ordered to by a judge I recommend you take a stop theft class. Not only will this get you started on the right path, but will show the judge you understand what you did was wrong and are being proactive in your recovery. It will show you do not want to shoplift anymore.
Do Not Panic
Things may seem bad now. Getting busted by the police is a very unsettling experience. Believe it or not, this may be the best thing to have happened to you. I am sure you have heard the term that you have to hit bottom before you can bounce back up. Well, if you have been caught shoplifting this could be the eye-opening, life-changing experience that will help you stop your aberrant behavior.
Find an Online Shoplifting Class
The first step is to decide not to steal anything at all, ever. Even if you have not been ordered to by a judge I recommend you take a stop theft class. Not only will this get you started on the right path, but will show the judge you understand what you did was wrong and are being proactive in your recovery. It will show you do not want to shoplift anymore.
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