When the cost of living outpaces paychecks, shoplifting often becomes a necessity. A recent LendingTree survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers found that 23% of Americans have shoplifted, with 90% of recent offenders blaming inflation and the struggling economy.
Key Findings:
- Shoplifting Prevalence: 23% of Americans have shoplifted. Among them, 23% did so in the past year, and 52% were older than 16. Common tactics include hiding items on their bodies (55%) or in purses/bags (36%), with some even walking out with items in plain sight (25%).
- Economic Impact: 90% of recent shoplifters cite economic hardship as their motivation. High prices push 34% to shoplift, 30% to make ends meet, and 27% to save money.
- Target Stores: Chain stores (52%) are more frequent targets than local shops (28%), with grocery stores (46%), department stores (36%), and convenience stores (26%) being the most common venues. Popular stolen items include food and drinks (45%), clothing/accessories/jewelry (39%), and cosmetics (21%).
- Consequences: Over half (52%) of shoplifters get away with it, while 48% are caught. Punishments vary, with 33% receiving warnings, 24% getting arrested, and 22% being banned from stores. Despite anti-theft technology, 18% of Americans are undeterred from shoplifting.
Shoplifting is driven largely by economic need, highlighting the struggle many face with rising living costs. While it may seem like a short-term solution, the long-term consequences can be severe, including legal penalties and a lasting criminal record.
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