A video making the rounds on social media depict what appears to be an incidence of theft from a local mom and pop grocery story by a prominent male local figure, with TNN being made to understand it to be the third time the person had been caught in the act.
The individual, who TNN recognises as one who resides at a seniors residence, was caught on camera extracting a perceived food item from a warmer box and then scanning the area to see if store personnel were watching, before deftly stuffing the procured package in and inside coat pocket and promptly leaving without paying.
The getaway was not clean by any stretch, with a female worker appearing to confront the large Black male as he made for the door, while at least two other likely shoppers inside also approached, but soon ceased their advance, perhaps wary of the man’s size and widespread reputation.
Nevertheless, most all of the man’s movements and sleight of hand were clearly captured on security cameras, while an audible alert signal could be heard as he exited.
The individual is known to have been accosted outside the shop by the store owner and made to give up the item — in this case a piece of chicken.
Further it was alleged that the man was found to be in possession of $300, contained in his wallet, a fact that baffled, raising more questions than answers as to why he was moved to shoplift in the first place.
Feedback among some social mediums have pointed to recently published figures contrasting the Island’s exponentially high cost of living and with diminished purchasing power as a probable reason for such actions.
Numbeo, the world’s largest database of user contributed data about cities and countries worldwide, listed Hamilton as having the highest cost of living in the world, making it the most expensive place to live, as well as representing the most expensive place to eat out and buy groceries.
The video also triggered questions as to why people shoplift, and while local statistics have proved difficult to obtain, in looking at available stats for such acts having taken place in the United States, it was found out that that approximately one out of every ten persons shoplift every year.
However, interestingly, most involved are not criminals stealing something just to sell the item again, to fund a drug habit or something similar, as these type only account for 3% of shoplifters and about 75% of these claim to having had no plans for stealing before they entered the store.
So, the question begs, “What are the reasons behind shoplifting?” The reasons are varied.
Though some people shoplift because of lack of money, it is a psychological issue for many shoplifters, as they actually have the means to purchase the items they take.
The most obvious explanation stated is that people shoplift because of their financial difficulties. When they want something and do not have the money, they shoplift. Some people steal foods and clothing to meet the basic needs while others shoplift on holiday seasons for gifts. Of course, there are also people who shoplift to buy drugs or to engage in other illegal businesses, as aforementioned.
Others engage in shoplifting because it is actually a low-risk activity, with a low chance of getting caught. Many shops don’t have adequate safety measures or even track shoplifting, leading some to run the a risk.
Peer pressure is another reason, with it not uncommon for adolescents to steal as a means of proving their bravery and loyalty to associates, while sometimes young kids steal trendy clothes and toys so as to keep up with their peers. US statistics show that about 33% of shoplifters are juveniles, and about 55% of adult shoplifters say that they started as teens.
It is understood that people struggling with depression sometimes start shoplifting to have a soothing experience. Unfortunately, the feeling is only temporary and makes people to try it repeatedly. Some shoplifters say that they do it to get the “high” they usually feel after the act. The adrenaline rush associated with the whole act makes them do it again and again.
The psychological disorder known as kleptomania makes it impossible for the person to resist the temptation to steal. They do not steal because they want the item or want to sell it again, but they do it because they become anxious and depressed until they take the item. Medical care is usually necessary here in order to control the compulsion.
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