Is it considered shoplifting if you load your jacket full of stuff but don't leave the store?

Question

It's a hypothetical question, but say a old lady finds no need for a cart and puts all the things she wants to buy in her jacket or purse, and then a security gaurd catches her in the store. Any laws broken? This "conceal" thing, what about a store like Ikea that gives you a bag to shop with, wouldent that be concealing something in the bag?

Answer 1

Why would you load your jacket full if you didn't intend to leave the store....like the feel of a bulging jacket??

Answer 2

It may depend on local laws, but intent must be proven. An old lady using a jacket to carry items may be able to convince a jury she did not intend to steal them, whereas a teen with a history of shoplifting may not. For this reason, in most cases security waits until someone passes the last point of sale or exits the store. In certain circumstances, when we had known "boosters" and they pulled out garbage bags or people with a car waiting at the door for "grab and runs", we stopped them prior to leaving the store...and the convictions held.
The key is how good of a case can you build on someone to prove that intent. We would build as much evidence as we could until it compromised with the person getting away with the merchandise.

Answer 3

Well, unless you plan to leave the jacket behind when you go out of the store then it is not shoplifting. Remember that most stores have a sensor/detector and a security camera so even if you are inside the store but you get some stuff, put them in your jacket, and you are caught doing so, of course you can be charged with shoplifting. They have the evidence right there in your pocket so be careful. Even used things that you bring in the store like loose powder that still has a price tag in it can also be subject to scrutiny if checked unless you have used it already, and your fingerprints are all over it, then you can leave unscathed.

Answer 4

For theft charges you have to show intent to permanently deprive. Typically, this means walking past the cash register without paying. However, concealment as you described would raise suspicion and might prompt store security to stop and inquire.

Answer 5

Yes you get caught in the store by the the anti-theft police(that would be security). Shoplifting is stealing in our out of the store. If they catch you on camera or by following you it's taking with out paying for it. Especially when your hidding it in your jacket.

Answer 6

Yes, it is, whatever they call it. The laws were changed in the 70's in most states. Before that, crooks would hide stuff in their clothes, then claim they had only put it there for convenience and planned to pay for it.

So, the laws were changed to make hiding items in or on your person or carried items, to make it a crime, since there is no real reason to do that unless you plan to steal.

if you shoplifted, take it like an adult. Pay the consequences and go and sin no more.

Answer 7

Canadian retailer.........here in Alberta Canada, they have to be 5 feet from the door before they can be charged withh shoplifting.If they dont have a prior record they ar ereleased with a warning.
With a jacket full of stuff they can be stopped and goods can be confiscated but they are not charged.

Answer 8

Taking what you have not paid for is stealing. There should be a sentence of 5 years in jail if you did such a thing. Why can't you work and pay for what you want, instead of taking the fruit of others labor?

Answer 9

Yes, concealing merchandise is shoplifting, even if you don't leave the store, it shows intent.

Answer 10

Its is considered "attempt to conceal"--that is the name of the charge. There is no theft charge unless you leave the store. I don't think there is a charge of "shoplifting" But attempt to conceal is grounds for arrest the same as theft.