I Am Glad I Was Caught

The first time I stole something, I felt an excitement that I did not know was possible. It was not long before I stole from a store for the second time, and soon it became something that I was doing just for the sake of doing it.

I came from a family with money, so it was not that I needed these things. I honestly don't know why I kept doing it, nor did I give it much thought. One day I was out with my mom shopping and she saw me put scarf into my purse. Not only did she have me put it back- but she made me tell the shop owner that I was planning to steal it.

We live in a small town and this was mortifying because the owner has known me since I was a little girl. The owner looked hurt when I told her and it made me realize she'd felt I'd taken from her personally. I've never seen my mother so upset. On the ride home she talked at length about our reputation in the community. She had me tell my Dad and brothers what happened and it felt like the Scarlet Letter.

We both took an online theft class. To be honest, I'm glad I got caught. My Mom was right, to be angry and it helped me talk about why I'd started stealing and how imperfect I felt being part of this "ideal" family. I'd experienced so much pressure to get good grades, be social, look pretty, and wear the best outfits but I didn't feel this way. It felt like a role I was playing to please my parents. Inside I was suffering. I was insecure and felt they wouldn't love me if I failed. 

Taking the class helped me learn a lot about myself and how to communicate the truth. I'm glad I got caught.

I Was Able to Take My Theft Class Online

I was caught shoplifting at the mall and was required to attend a theft class. I was so embarrassed about getting caught and wanted to get my certificate as quickly as possible but I could not find a class offered  locally. They were also pretty expensive considering the drive and time I would need to miss work to take it. Amazingly, I found a theft class on the internet.

After getting approval from the court, I looked into classes online. I was told I could complete the course in 18 hours. I was so happy to get this completed and not have the embarrassment hanging over my head.

I found a great shoplifting class online that was actually interesting and informative. I was able to do it from the comfort of my home which allowed me to think about my behavior and the choices I was making. The course told me how shoplifters think which was scary since I was beginning to think that way too. Now, I am aware of those thoughts and can stop them before acting on them.

To be honest, I'm glad I got caught. I am in a much better place now and not hiding anything. I would happily encourage anyone who has a shoplifting problem to take an online theft class. Do it for your personal growth and self esteem if nothing else.

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.