Shoplifting Prevention Program
What is the Shoplifting Prevention Program?
Shoplifting, often considered a victimless crime, results in an estimated $10 billion
loss to merchants each year. But shoplifting isn't victimless. It effects the entire
community, with approximately four to five cents of every dollar spent in stores
used to offset the losses associated with shoplifting.
Through a one time group session, Child & Family Services Shoplifting Prevention
Program works to educate offenders about the consequences of shoplifting on the
store, the offender and their family, and the community. Our Group Facilitator conducts
a 3 hour long group session with no more than 15 participants.
Program Basics
- One-time 3-hour psychoeducational group session;
- Adult group services, ages
16 and up;
- Adolescent group services, ages 10-15;
- Cost is $75.00.
What is the goal of the Shoplifing Prevention Progam?
The trained group facilitator works with participants to:
- Identify victims of their crimes;
- Understand the social, legal and economic
consequences of their actions;
- Understand internal and external stressors that
contributed to the offenses;
- Help identify stress management skills; and
-
Design a plan of action to prevent future offenses.
Accountability statements are written by participants at the conclusion of group
sessions. The statements are designed to provide the offender with an opportunity
to express remorse and explain his or her actions.
Designed to reduce recidivism rates, the group session includes presentations by
area loss prevention specialists who help diminish common shoplifting myths, such
as no one ever gets caught, if you do get caught nothing will happen to you, and
that shoplifting doesn't hurt anybody. Through discussion, written exercises and
presentations, the group facilitator helps shoplifters develop an understanding
of their actions, causes and impacts.
This program services ages 10 and older.
Who is eligible for the Shoplifting Prevention Program?
The adolescent group accepts participants ages 10 and under and ages 16 and over
for the adult group. Crimes range from petit to grand larceny. The Program is accepting
referrals from family, city and town courts as well as from other service providers.
How much does the Shoplifting Prevention Program cost?
The Shoplifting Prevention Program is a one time fee of $75.00 to be paid at the
time of the group session.
How do I make a referral to the Program?
Please contact the Program Coordinator to make a referral.
Participant Comments
"I feel that if I would have stopped for just a minute to think things through I
wouldn't have shoplifted. I understand now that I have hurt so many people including
my family, your store and your consumers." Jill, 17
"I would like to express my sincerest regret for the incident that occurred at your
store. The Shoplifting Prevention Program has made me realize that the situation
was of my own doing and a result of my own carelessness." Claudia, 45
"I feel ashamed and embarrassed for myself and my family, and I know now that my
actions were wrong." Jennifer, 18
"Please accept my apology for shoplifting from your store. My actions were inexcusable."
Chris, 45
"I realize now that stealing from your store was wrong, and I will never put all
the people I love through this ordeal again." Elizabeth, 16
"I have made a very stupid mistake which has hurt your company, my family, my community
and myself. I'm truly sorry for what I have done." Kyle, 17