This article is intended to convey generally used information only and does not constitute legal advice. Any opinions expressed are soley those of the author, and not LawChamps.
Advice for Business Owners on Shoplifting Policies
If you are a store owner, it is important that you create a set of policies and procedures that act as the guidelines for shoplifters.
With proper policies in place, you can ensure the safety of your staff and all customers, including the shoplifter.
The National Association of Shoplifting Prevention found 1 in every 11 people living in the United States shoplifts.
As a result of the prevalence of shoplifting, retailers and other stores should prepare themselves beforehand to deal with the inevitable.
A lawyer, among other things, can help new businesses establish such procedures to ensure you are complying with the law, and that you are not inadvertently discriminating against a specific group of people.
Below is a list of potential questions that stores should ask themselves:
Victoria Secret’s policy is this:
On the other hand, many store owners want their to be some reprocussions for shoplifting.
In California, penalties for shoplifting include:
New York has similar penalties for shoplifting:
Whether you are a store owner thinking about what policies to create for shoplifters, or if you have been charged with shoplifting, we can help.
With proper policies in place, you can ensure the safety of your staff and all customers, including the shoplifter.
The National Association of Shoplifting Prevention found 1 in every 11 people living in the United States shoplifts.
As a result of the prevalence of shoplifting, retailers and other stores should prepare themselves beforehand to deal with the inevitable.
A lawyer, among other things, can help new businesses establish such procedures to ensure you are complying with the law, and that you are not inadvertently discriminating against a specific group of people.
Below is a list of potential questions that stores should ask themselves:
- Will you prosecute shoplifters under the age of 18 above the age of 65?
- Is there a minimum dollar amount that is the threshold for prosecution?
- What tactics will you use to confront the shoplifter?
- Who should call the police?
- Is your goal to get the items back or to prosecute?
- What if the shoplifters end up actually paying or the item and feel bad for their original shoplifting?
Victoria Secret’s policy is this:
- Shoplifters do not get accused, approached, or pointed out.
- If you are an employee and you do any of the above things, you risk losing your job.
On the other hand, many store owners want their to be some reprocussions for shoplifting.
In California, penalties for shoplifting include:
- Misdemeanor probation
- A maximum of 6 months in county jail
- A fine up to $1,000
New York has similar penalties for shoplifting:
| Charge | Classification | Penalty |
| Shoplifting property with a value of $1,000 or less | Petit larceny; class A misdemeanor | Imprisonment up to a year; fine up to $1,000 |
| Shoplifting property with a value of more than $1,000 and equal to or less than $3000 | Grand larceny in the fourth degree; class E felony | Imprisonment up to four years; fine not to exceed the greater of $5,000 or double the offender's gain from the shoplifting |
| Shoplifting property with a value of more than $3,000 and equal to or less than $5000 | Grand larceny in the third degree; class D felony | Imprisonment up to seven years; fine not to exceed the greater of $5,000 or double the offender's gain from the shoplifting |
| Shoplifting property with a value of more than $50,000 and equal to or less than $1 million | Grand larceny in the second degree; class C felony | Imprisonment up to 15 years; fine not to exceed the greater of $5,000 or double the offender's gain from the shoplifting |
| Shoplifting property with a value of more than $1 million | Grand larceny in the first degree; class B felony | Imprisonment up to 25 years; fine not to exceed the greater of $5,000 or double the offender's gain from the shoplifting |
-1601582715-25516-(1)-1601634939-72804-1-1605641762-37124.png)
"I was able to find just the right lawyer for my case. It was easy to use."
Lucy Coutinho
"Very easy for me to get connected with an experienced attorney."
Robert Knox Jr
"It was super easy. It was super fast and I got connected pretty quickly."
Lenasia Smalls
"It’s easy to register and match with a lawyer according to your legal [need]."
Triso Valls
Ready To Get Started?
Find Your Lawyer Now
Related Posts
How to Get Your Record Expunged or Sealed in Florida
Susan R. Miller | 24 March, 2021
Let’s say your younger years were a bit wild and you broke the law and got yourself arrested. Or maybe you were going through a particularly difficult time an...
Read More
How to Get Your Record Sealed or Expunged in Texas
Jane Meggitt | 22 March, 2021
A criminal record, even for a minor crime, limits a person’s life in numerous ways. They are ineligible for certain jobs, housing and student loans. A long-ago run-...
Read More
Getting out on Bail in Georgia
Stephanie Cortes | 18 March, 2021
This week, tourists flocked to the Tybee Islands and Savannah in Georgia to let loose during Spring Break. If you were one of them (or your friend was) and got in trou...
Read More
Related Posts
How to Get Your Record Expunged or Sealed in Florida
Criminal Defense, Felonies, & Misdemeanors | 24 March, 2021
Let’s say your younger years were a bit wild and you broke the law and got yourself arrested. Or maybe you were going through a particularly difficult time an...
Read More
How to Get Your Record Sealed or Expunged in Texas
Criminal Defense, Felonies, & Misdemeanors | 22 March, 2021
A criminal record, even for a minor crime, limits a person’s life in numerous ways. They are ineligible for certain jobs, housing and student loans. A long-ago run-...
Read More
Getting out on Bail in Georgia
Criminal Defense, Felonies, & Misdemeanors | 18 March, 2021
This week, tourists flocked to the Tybee Islands and Savannah in Georgia to let loose during Spring Break. If you were one of them (or your friend was) and got in trou...
Read More