Shoplifters working in crews are more sophisticated these days. Despite increased surveillance by cameras, sensors and guards, individuals continue to try to defy the odds. Fox Business News reported that “Shoplifting, employee or supplier fraud and organized retail crime cost the U.S. retail industry $119 billion in 2011.” This same Fox report estimated that in 2011, all segments of retail theft cost U.S. consumers $446 per family. The bottom line is that thieves do not have any interest or empathy for those they are stealing from and just don’t understand how their behavior affects society in general.
In that vain, an organized group of thieves in San Diego, California were apprehended Tuesday night and will need to take an Advanced 16 Hour Theft Class to learn why exactly their actions are illegal and unacceptable. The crew of shoplifters took several loads of merchandise, about $2,000-worth of clothing, purses and shoes from stores in Fashion Valley mall before leading San Diego police on a foot and vehicle chase through Mission Valley.
This group attempted to pull off their plot by working together utilizing counter surveillance, divisionary and diversion tactics in an attempt to defeat all the security measures in place. Specifically, they sent crew members into stores with aluminum lined shopping bags and tools to strip off the sensors. This all took place while other members attempted to divert the attention of store personnel. Detectives waited for the shoplifters to put all the merchandise in the SUVs that were waiting before descending on the scene. This caused mayhem as some of the thieves took off running through the crowded mall. Three people have been apprehended, while two more are on the loose.
In this case, thieves targeted big name stores like Bloomingdales, Abercrombie and Fitch, and Hollister. These are big, high-end chains that they probably thought wouldn’t feel the loss too much. However, what these shoplifters didn’t take into consideration is that because of this kind of theft, retail chains across the country have to increase the overall prices of items to cover for this potential loss. Theft and shoplifting affects everyone in society.
Legal systems across the country now assign theft classes to all shoplifters. The idea is that throwing thieves in jail and making them pay fines isn’t enough to change the behavior. They get out of jail just to perform the same illegal acts again. Taking 10 or 16 hours of classes on theft teaches these individuals exactly how their behavior affects society and skills to overcome or divert the compulsion to steal.
If you are in need of a theft class, the easiest and most convenient way to fulfill this court mandate is to take them online. Quality classes are available from any Ipad, laptop or personal computer, at any time of the day or night. All you have to do is go online, register and the class is available to you immediately. Nothing needs to be printed out or downloaded and the entire experience is completely private. If you are looking to get past this experience as quickly as possible, you can sit down over one weekend and finish the course. Or, you can spread it out after work or school over a couple of weeks. Once you pass the final exam with a 70% or better, an official certificate of completion is sent out to you. This is what you need to present to the court to prove that you accomplished the court order. You will find taking an online course to be highly educational and an interesting, fun way to learn new material!
