Did you know that if you are caught shoplifting this holiday season, you will have to fulfill a plethora of punishments? Yes, if the retailer decides to prosecute, you will not only be subject to the embarrassment of it all, but legal fees, missed work for court appearances, possible jail time, community service work and a theft diversion class? According to the National Retail Federation, retailers across the country lose about $30 billion in merchandise to shoplifters per year. Shopping malls, individual retailers and cities are responding to this information this holiday season by increasing surveillance with hired security, and police are increasing patrols. It’s not a light matter, and teens that are considering this as a way to get some holiday gifts for their family, or anyone else with this inclination should think hard before committing the offense. A prosecution for shoplifting will not only go on your record, but will add a great deal of stress to your daily life.
Interestingly, it seems that along with all the ongoing electronic thefts we’ve seen throughout the year, this 2012 holiday season is already seeing an increase in intimate apparel theft! Four female shoplifters in Battle Creek, Michigan, stole about 53 bras and underwear from the Victoria’s Secret store in Lakeview Square Mall this past weekend. These thieves actually got away, but once the video footage is reviewed, they will need at least a 10-hour theft class! Victoria’s Secret stores in other cities have also recently been hit. In Richmond Heights, Ohio, a man stole about $1,474 worth of merchandise, in Nashville a woman stole a few thousand dollars worth of product and tried to return it and in Palo Alto, a group of thieves stole about $11,000 worth of bras.
If you are caught for shoplifting this holiday season, in most instances you will receive a misdemeanor on your record and the judge will order you to make restitution, among other things. If you need to take a court ordered theft diversion class, ask your legal system if you can take it online. Most jurisdictions across the U.S. will now accept this type of distance learning classes instead of having to go to a traditional classroom course. The benefit for you is that the classes can be taken from any web-based computer device at any time of the day or night. This gives you the freedom to take the class from home after dinner, or work during your lunch hour, or from any Wi-Fi Hotspot in town. You don’t have to get anxious about making a pre-established classroom schedule, or worry about missing more work or school.
Quality online classes are completely current with the most up to date theft prevention education. Clients can expect to learn how their theft impacts their victims and society as a whole, skills in stress management and effective communication, emotional intelligence training, and specific techniques to help control this impulsive behavior in the future. Another benefit is that if you do feel embarrassment, the class is completely anonymous and no one needs to know that you are enrolled except your legal team, and the judge.
Take a 4 hour or 10 hour theft and shoplifting class online today to fulfill your court mandate. You will find the experience interesting, informative and as convenient as it gets!
