Shoplifting
Theft of goods from a retail establishment during business hours.
Shoplifting, also known as shop theft, retail theft, or microlooting, is the act of knowingly taking goods from a retail establishment during business hours without paying for them. While the terms "shoplifting" and "shoplifter" are not usually defined in law, the act generally falls under the legal definition of larceny. In the retail industry, merchandise lost to shoplifting is referred to as shrinkage or shrink. A common euphemism for the practice is "five-finger discount," humorously referencing items taken at no cost using one's hand. The act can take several forms beyond simply concealing items on one's person. These include price switching, where labels or barcodes are swapped to fraudulently purchase an item at a lower price; return fraud; and "grazing," which involves consuming food or drink in a store without paying. Researchers categorize shoplifters into two main types: boosters, who are professionals that resell stolen goods, and snitches, who are amateurs stealing for personal use. Career criminals may work in groups, with some members distracting employees while others steal. Commonly targeted items are those with a high price relative to their size, such as disposable razor blades, electronic devices, vitamins, alcoholic beverages, and cigarettes. Stores employ various countermeasures, including locking small, expensive items in glass cases, attaching security tags or dye packs, installing mirrors and video surveillance, and hiring plainclothes security guards. Some stores also ban backpacks or offer bag storage at a customer service desk. The first documented instances of shoplifting occurred in 16th-century London, carried out by groups of men known as lifters. By the early 19th century, it was believed to be primarily a female activity, and by the 1960s, it began to be redefined as a political act. In the United States, shoplifting rates increase during the Christmas season, while arrest rates rise during spring break. Criminologist Ronald V. Clarke notes that shoplifters tend to steal "hot products" that are concealable, removable, available, valuable, enjoyable, and disposable.
- first_documented
- 16th century London
- common_peak_time
- 3:00–4:00 p.m.
- common_seasonal_peak
- Christmas season (United States)
Lore & Background
The first documented shoplifting began in 16th-century London, carried out by groups of men known as lifters. By the early 19th century, the crime was believed to be primarily committed by women. In the 1960s, shoplifting was redefined by some as a political act. Researchers categorize shoplifters into two main types: boosters, who are professionals that resell stolen goods, and snitches, amateurs who steal for personal use. Shoplifters range from impulsive amateurs to career criminals who use the theft as a form of income. Career criminals may work in groups, with some distracting employees while others steal. Amateurs typically take products for themselves, while career criminals often resell items on the black market. Other forms of shoplifting include swapping price labels or barcodes to fraudulently purchase items at a lower price, return fraud, and consuming food or drink in a store without paying. Commonly stolen items are those with a high price relative to their size, such as disposable razor blades, electronic devices, vitamins, alcoholic beverages, and cigarettes. In the retail industry, the term "shrinkage" refers to merchandise lost to shoplifting. The euphemism "five-finger discount" humorously references items taken "at no cost" with the five fingers.
Reader's Guide
In the 19th century, it was redefined as kleptomania, primarily attributed to wealthy and middle-class women, a diagnosis criticized by anarchist Emma Goldman as class-biased. In the 1960s, shoplifting was reframed as a political act by activists like Jerry Rubin and Abbie Hoffman. Today, retailers combat it with strategies such as locked displays, sensors, security guards, and employee training. Researchers divide shoplifters into boosters (professionals who resell) and snitches (amateurs who steal for personal use). Commonly stolen items include disposable razor blades, electronic devices, vitamins, alcoholic beverages, and cigarettes. The term 'five-finger discount' is a euphemism for shoplifting.
Did You Know?
- The first documented shoplifting took place in 16th-century London.
- Shoplifting peaks between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. and is lowest from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shoplifting?
Shoplifting is the act of taking merchandise from a retail store while it is open for normal business. The term is used interchangeably with shop theft, retail theft, and microlooting.
When was Shoplifting first documented?
The earliest recorded cases trace back to 16th-century London, making it a centuries-old offense. Its legal treatment has shifted repeatedly as social and political attitudes evolved.
What time of day does Shoplifting most commonly occur?
The peak window for these incidents falls between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Is there a seasonal spike in Shoplifting?
In the United States, the Christmas season consistently sees a notable uptick in these offenses.
Why is Shoplifting significant in the broader crime-and-justice landscape?
As one of the most frequently occurring crimes, it has shaped centuries of legal and policy debate. How a society classifies and punishes it reflects ongoing tensions between property rights, economic hardship, and public safety.
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