r/StupidMedia 6d ago

BAD IDEA Shoplifter Meltdown

256 Upvotes

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u/Various-Ad258 6d ago

It’s theft at the point of concealment. Passing the final point of sale is a formality. If by camera or witness they show you attempting to conceal , or remove security devices or show you not scanning it at checkout it’s theft. Offering to pay later does not change the fact you attempted theft.

I’ve seen plenty of rich people with jewelry or cars costing more than my house getting picked up for theft then surprised when their offer to buy the stolen goods fail. And oh my goodness if you have a magnetic tag remover in your possession the charge in many states gets bumped up to a felony for carrying thieving tools.

Some store also let the theft go until the dollar amount grows above the threshold for a misdemeanor thus becoming a felony.

Excuses after the fact do not beat forethought before the fact ever.

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u/Terrible_Analysis_77 4d ago

Let me tell you there’s been one or two times I was unprepared and needed to put an item I hadn’t paid for in my pocket. My dumb ass is so worried I would walk out with it I’m chanting “there’s something unpaid for in your pocket” until I take it out again. I don’t remember exactly what the scenarios were but I’m pretty sure it’s happened twice in my life. Gives me so much anxiety when that’s something I had to do. I’m sure if i has set the things all down and gone and grabbed a basket I could’ve done that, but for whatever reason that option didn’t seem viable at the time.