Shoplifting Awareness & Prevention: How to Stop Teen and Adult Theft with Court-Approved Course

Shoplifting is far more common than many realize — and for some individuals, it’s more than a one-time mistake. It’s a behavioral issue that, if left unaddressed, can lead to legal trouble and long-term consequences.

Shoplifting by the Numbers

Over 27 million Americans have shoplifted at some point in their lives.
1 in 11 people in the U.S. engage in shoplifting behavior, according to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP).
Approximately 25% of shoplifters are under 18, and 55% of adult shoplifters report starting in adolescence.
Shoplifting costs retailers over $50 billion annually in the United States, contributing to increased prices and decreased business sustainability.

When Stealing Becomes a Compulsion

While some individuals shoplift impulsively or under peer pressure, others develop a compulsive drive to steal. This behavior can be a warning sign of a deeper psychological issue.

Common signs of shoplifting addiction include:

Repeated urges to steal items that aren’t needed or wanted
Feelings of gratification, relief, or pleasure during the act
Heightened tension or anxiety before the theft
Inability to stop, even after multiple incidents
Persistent fear of getting caught, yet continuing to steal

More Than a Habit: Understanding Kleptomania

In some cases, recurring theft may point to kleptomania, a recognized mental health disorder. According to the Cleveland Clinic, kleptomania is characterized by “a recurring impulse to steal, driven by anxiety or stress, not necessity or personal gain.”

It’s estimated that 4–24% of shoplifters suffer from kleptomania.
Kleptomania is more common in adolescents and females, though it can affect anyone.

Early intervention is critical. Left untreated, kleptomania can escalate into more severe legal issues, emotional distress, or continued cycles of criminal behavior.

What Causes Shoplifting?

There’s no single reason why people steal. Instead, research has identified seven common types of shoplifters, each with different motivations — including peer pressure, emotional distress, addiction, financial need, or thrill-seeking.

Understanding the “why” behind the behavior is often the first step in creating an effective prevention or intervention strategy.

Helping Teens and Adults Stop Stealing

Many individuals respond positively when they fully understand the legal, emotional, and social consequences of shoplifting. These include:

Potential jail time and a criminal record
Loss of trust and reputation
Feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation

Educational Solutions: STOPLifting

For those ordered to complete a theft-related education program — or for courts and probation departments looking for alternatives to detention — STOPLifting offers a comprehensive, online theft intervention.

STOPLifting is:

Nationally recognized and court-approved in jurisdictions across the U.S.
Designed for both teens and adults
Fully online and accessible 24/7
Focused on behavioral change, accountability, and prevention strategies

Want to Refer STOPLifting?

We partner with courts, probation officers, schools, and diversion programs nationwide to offer effective theft intervention. If you’d like to start referring individuals to STOPLifting, we make the process fast and easy.