Archived: Shoplifting Tips and Techniques

[Chuggs]

Originally Posted by freshprince

I know that one should use a magnet that is at least N45. But there are many different N45 magnets in terms of the weight they can lift (their size varies accordingly).

So my question is: what weight should an effective magnet be able to lift?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by clapjak_05

yeah i have the same ? as freshprince

Originally Posted by Alpha

Was thinking the same as fresh prince. Also does anyone on here sell the detachers/magnets that are strong enough? If you do please PM me a price.

$
Would you like for me to steal for you also?
If you are to lazy to read thru this thread then you don’t need to be shoplifting.

All the info you seek is about five pages back - educate yourself.

…Pea…

[ACE_187]

What did everybody get? I got lazy again. I only went to one side of town, but I did much more than last year. I got some clothes from dillards, walmart, and sears, and also got some tools from walmart and sears. And I got some expensive books from booksamillion. I think I have over $300 worth of stuff. And black friday is just the start of the shopping season. And it wasn't nearly as crowded as last year. As soon as kids are let out of school, the malls will be packed again.

[No One In Particular]

Got my Christmas shopping done. Money spent: $0

[theinvader]

Sorry guys I haven't been around for half a month..
And very surprised that badgirl got caught. I was sure that guy wasn't LP.
I sure hope you pull thru.

I didn't do shit.

[ACE_187]

I just read about badgirl. That sucks. But you should never park there with your real plates. I usually dont park there at all. And be ready to run. I havn't shoplifted anything quite that expensive, but when it's bigger stuff I got paid for, I would do it at a walmart that had the sliding doors in the automotive exit. Some of them, the clerk has to press a button to unlock it from the inside. But usually the people there dont care if you set the alarms off.

[dork87]

Well, being black friday, how could i not take a look around the mall?
Got 2 Zoo York Hooded sweatshirts, a pair of jeans, Bath and bodyworks lotion and shower gel, and a laugh as police and security escorted 4 or 5 black girls out of the mall and into 2 cop cars right as i was leaving. Ended up cutting the security tags outta the hoodies with my small knife from a fabric store. Stitched the tiny cut back up when i got home, and perfecto... i love the feel of quality.

[ACE_187]

Originally Posted by dork87

Well, being black friday, how could i not take a look around the mall?
Got 2 Zoo York Hooded sweatshirts, a pair of jeans, Bath and bodyworks lotion and shower gel, and a laugh as police and security escorted 4 or 5 black girls out of the mall and into 2 cop cars right as i was leaving. Ended up cutting the security tags outta the hoodies with my small knife from a fabric store. Stitched the tiny cut back up when i got home, and perfecto... i love the feel of quality.

cool story. When I was going out to my car the last time, I saw two security guards walk by and were waiting outside of FYE for somebody. The places I got clothes in the mall (sears and dillards) didnt even have eas towers. There were cops at walmart.

[TexasLifter]

well our mall was nuts today they actually had these guard towers in the parking lot was craziest shit i ever seen, it looked like the built a little cabin on top of a scissor lift and they had them all over the place. so i got out of there pretty quick but not before I got a few games from Target and Toys R us, then i hit wally world up first one i went to was marking receipts so I asked for duplicates and got a Wii next one was only marking them on large items so I snagged up some 500 gig Hard drives next 1 had cops everywhere in store (bad part of town) so i left it be but the last 1 was the best =) they had 42 inch plasma's on sale for 498 or somewhere around there so with a little 3 for the price of one magic I now have 2 TV's to sell and 1 to return in a day or 2 ironically they marked the receipt on my last trip out with 3rd TV the back of my friends Tahoe was PACKED! =) it was great I would just like say GOD bless Wal-mart =) this will be an awesome Christmas. and if they got the plate number damn there luck they will track down a 70 or 80 year old man. =)

[samtoh15]

Originally Posted by Pea

$

The advice that Starvin gives is good advice.
Beware / some of the advice given on this forum is very poor from novice ‘liftters’ who will soon know the joys of wearing silver bracelets.
I will try to answer your questions ASAP, but I only read trough this forum a few times a week.

The sensor towers are in the ceiling. In some department stores you can actually see them - they look like a 5 foot long / 6 inch tubes over the door.

How to check to see if the store has a sensor.
A) You need a friend - have them shop a good ways from the exit. You shop by the door carrying the cloths with the sensors as close as you can in front of the exit with out going out. If you set off an alarm just act embarrassed and walk back to your friend in the middle of the store. This shows that you had no intent to walk out you just made a mistake. Ex.: Abercrombie & Fitch walk from the men’s to the women’s dept. thru the front section. This will trigger the hidden towers.

B) An old trick I use a lot. Bring a sensor in and see if you activate the towers on the way in. Make sure you have another stores bag with you that way you can just blame that store for not deactivating the tag. Make sure they are using Sensormatic security tags.
[The best sensor to have is from a cheap W-mart watch. It is a little hard AM sensor tag. Easy to cut off and put in your pocket. Buy something put it in the bag and show the greater your receipt on the way out.]

Educate yourself.
http://www.securitytagstore.com/default.aspx?

Mall specialty stores rarely have Loss Prevention working on site. You need only to worry about sales staff who are not aloud to touch you, but will call mall security who can detain you. All the major stores will have L/P in store - don’t be fooled. I have read where some on this forum have been ‘lucky’ and now post how easy it is at such and such store, don’t believe it. Every store will be different and some of the best L/P are at the Mall Department stores.

Be careful - educate yourself - think - plan before you attempt any ’shopping’ adventure.


…Pea…

Thanks pea! anyway, my country do not have most store that this forum is talking about like walmart or best buy. and that my country is really small that they do not have store but mall...

[Spaceever]

I'm new to this forum but not to shoplifting...I steal mostly expensive clothes, designer makeup, shoes, jewelry. just shit I want.
I found that I follow a lot of the techniques I read about, but here are some more, especially if you're a chick, or you want to shoplift clothes, not digital cameras, DVDs or video games...computer parts...

Easy tips:
- Bring a big purse! Try to use something that has a "shape"--Example, if you slip something larger in (ex, pair of shoes) will the shape show, through the bag? I use a vintage Coach similar in shape to ( http://www.starstyleinc.com/louis-vu...g-pic14315.jpg ) You can push in the sides slightly so it sags and isn't suspicious, but it still fits lots of makeup, small wallet, cell phone, etc.
- If you drive yourself to the store of choice (which I hope you do) ALWAYS empty your bag of things you've stolen. Have a bag in your car that you put your loot in after the fact. Empty before driving to another store. Just in case, when emptying in your car, try to do so covertly. Occasionaly outside stores like Sak's, there are security guards and the activity may look suspicious. So do it discreetly.
- With clothes, I turn the item inside out and feel down the seams, sides, under hems, at armpits, crotches, etc, JUST to make sure that there isn't a tag I didn't see. Do this! Sometimes alarm tags/ink tags are placed in places you wouldn't feel right away when you try something on. Like the bottom hem of a dress, armpit area...etc. Just check.

If you have something to add/contribute, go ahead and come out with it!

For clothes...
Sak's Fifth Avenue
- Sak's associates, in the two Sak's I've been in, are pretty consistent about NOT counting clothes.
- Pay attention to wher the return rack for the dressing rooms are. Anything on the rack is up for grabs as long as an employee isn't looking.
- On the same note: Try on stuff in two or three trips, and then your own selection can get on the return rack. (Be aware, sometimes employees clear the rack every so often)
- The footwear, sunglasses, belts, scarves, and makeup counters have security. I have not stolen anything in these areas; if you have tips, please share!
NOTE: One thing I have NOT stolen here is JEANS. I believe that they usually have either ink tags, or regular alarm tags. Tips on removal in-store?

Off Sak's (Sak's Fifth outlet)
- Most clothes on the clearance racks do not have any kind of plastic tag.
- Shoes usually don't have plastic tags either, but there are ALWAYS cameras above that section. And there are no blind spots in those areas so it's not a good place.
- Sunglasses are always tagged.
- Jewelry and the front of the store are not good places to bag things. (The cash registers are usually off to the side) Security guard by the front doors, and always greeters.
Just got a short thin dress from here, originally $100, marked to $50, marked to $0.

Forever 21
- Stealing jewelry here is the easiest. No tags, no nothing, just get to a blind spot or use another tactic and it's yours.
- When my store first opened, clothes DID NOT have plastic ink tags, now though, they do. Perhaps this is only the store I frequent.
- Employees don't always count the clothes you're taking into the dressing room. They're inconsistent. Take precautions if you plan on going in there with stuff you want to lift.

Dillard's
- I have not encountered anything with ink tags/alarm tags, so you're good to go there.
- If you use dressing rooms, the doors on my Dillard's rooms are slatted, slanted wood; people outside can only very slightly adjust their perspective to see what you're doing. (Could be different at your Dillard's.)
Question: My Dillard's is closing down. They have a shelf full of clearance shoes (still, designer) and I'm wondering, how is their LP?

TJ Maxx
- Some have higher end merchandise, some do not. Most shoes have wire loops with and sometimes without alarms. I haven't tried to clip them.
- Makeup and body products, super easy to get. Check for magnet stickers (99.99% time, there aren't any) and find a blind spot (try the purse section, pretty much ALWAYS without a camera)
- As always, check for cameras you dumbass bitches. They're usually over the makeup/perfume/shoes.
- They ALWAYS count before you go in the dressing room. If you can slip a cami or a top or something into a pair of jeans though, you're good for that.

Sephora
- The long aisles are about half a wall's height (or a bit smaller?) amirite? So as long as long as no employees/other people are around, slip it in your bag/pocket.
-I haven't encountered any products that have magnetic tags or that kind of thing on them.

Other stores:
-Goodwill (a FOR profit thrift store) just take things into the dressing room. No one counts, I don't believe they even have any LP.

Pointers for how to act around employees:
Try to think of a (BELIEVABLE) story behind your purpose in the store.
Just be charming, but not overly so. NEVER be grouchy, unkind or ungracious. Be congenial.
Sometimes, it pays to do a little "test run" before lifting at a certain store. Find out if they count clothes when entering dressing rooms, or find out which things have alarm/ink tags. Etc. Look for cameras, blind spots, places to "drop" your phone and slip something in your bag.

That's all I have much experience with.
I'm looking for anything regarding higher end dept stores (Bloomingdale's, Sak's, Norstrom's, Neiman Marcus, TJ Maxx, Dillard's/Macy's even) So if you have tips for them, share!

Anyone have particular techniques for lifting shoes? (High heels?) Or designer makeup from counters?

Is there a way to remove ink tags and alarm tags without a magnet? I know that that method works but what else? I got a Versace belt once by ripping a loose alarm tag off, but I'm not strong enough to just RIP tags off (...yet) plus ink on shit, pass

P.S. You guys with the DKNY jeans, Diesel jeans, Ray Ban aviators-- YOU ROCK. Good choices.
P.P.S. I want some info on store credit. Like if I grab a few tops from Sak's and come back a week or two ...or a month later, and I ask to return them. They ask for a receipt, I say I have none (since these were gifts, I lost it, etc) They just say okay, well, we can't give you a refund but we can give you store credit. Or? What goes on there and what stores will that work at? Thanks!

[No One In Particular]

An easy way to remove tags is to just bring a small razor and cut around the tag. It'll leave a small hole in the clothing, but they're easy to sew back to normal or patch up.

This way only works with ink tags that can be physically pulled apart. I made a cheap ink shield from layering a few plastic bags together. To make it you need some plastic bags and duct tape. Possibly latex. To execute, you need some scotch tape or masking tape, and possibly gloves and a way to dispose of them.

[ICareCat]

How did sears get rated a 7-10?

Sears was always one of my favorites. They keep expensive mp3 players on the shelves. I've never actually seen any LP, but I'm sure they exist. They don't have censors at the doors. (At least not here) Plus, there are like 10 different departments where you can pay for things. If you walk out of one department, everyone else just assumes you already paid for it.

You don't even need to conceal the item. Just walk out the front with it in hand. I've done this and walked out into a mall, right by mall security not 2 minutes later. Never drew any attention.


Btw, magic bags are wonderful things. But that thing about testing them with cell phones is bogus. I used about 10-15 layers to make a messenger bag. The cell phone signal still got through. It worked fine in the field.


I don't know if it's been mentioned already, but barcode swapping is easily one of the safest ways to get around the system. The only difference is it requires you to shell out some money.

There are allegedly programs online that let you print out barcodes for a variety of items, but I've never had any luck with them. Plus, if they don't come out the right size...the scanner may not read them. I go in and purchase an item similar to the one I want. For example, if you want a 2 gig flash drive, go purchase one for 2 megs. Then take out the barcode and run it through a copier. Cut out said barcode and use a glue stick or fold some tape in on itself and apply it to the back. Simply place it over the new one discreetly, and you're good to go. There are limitations as to how much you can cheat with this, but if you go during peak shopping times/sales/etc, you can get away with a little more. Excellent choices are....

Digital cameras
Computer hardware (cd roms for dvd roms, video cards, memory sticks, etc)
Video games/computer software
Fishing poles
Clothes
Anything where a massive difference in price/quality isn't obvious.

Bear in mind, this doesn't work well with anything in that shit hard to open plastic wrapping as the barcode needs to be inside and theres no feasible way to do that. If you were really ballsy, you could try it on big ticket items like laptops and tv's, but they have the barcodes printed on the cardboard so you'd need to get creative with your paper choices. The only benefit there would be they'll usually scan it in your cart and wont look too closely at your craftsmanship.

[Paco]

I see a lot of mud farmers in this thread...

Also, quick tip, although it may just be my target.

My target has the newest games (modern warfare 2, Assassins Creed 2, etc) sitting out on a shelf, ripe for the stealing.

I didnt get a chance to get one because i was Christmas shopping... with my mom.

[-SpectraL]

Originally Posted by Spaceever

I'm new to this forum but not to shoplifting...I steal mostly expensive clothes, designer makeup, shoes, jewelry....

Welcome to Bad Ideas! Please do not admit to crimes here. Have a great time!

[Spaceever]

Originally Posted by No One In Particular

An easy way to remove tags is to just bring a small razor and cut around the tag. It'll leave a small hole in the clothing, but they're easy to sew back to normal or patch up.

This way only works with ink tags that can be physically pulled apart. I made a cheap ink shield from layering a few plastic bags together. To make it you need some plastic bags and duct tape. Possibly latex. To execute, you need some scotch tape or masking tape, and possibly gloves and a way to dispose of them.

will definitely try that, but doesn't seem like something you can do in the store. the ink tags set off the alarm too (right?) so a remover is the only way to do it in store.

[313]

Originally Posted by Paco

I see a lot of mud farmers in this thread...

Also, quick tip, although it may just be my target.

My target has the newest games (modern warfare 2, Assassins Creed 2, etc) sitting out on a shelf, ripe for the stealing.

I didnt get a chance to get one because i was Christmas shopping... with my mom.

dude shopping with your mom is the best time to lift. try to get her to buy something as well so just if the EAS towers do go off, they arent suspicious.
i have only shoplifted one time when i was by myself, otherwise im always with someone who buys something.

[Spaceever]

Originally Posted by 313

dude shopping with your mom is the best time to lift. try to get her to buy something as well so just if the EAS towers do go off, they arent suspicious.
i have only shoplifted one time when i was by myself, otherwise im always with someone who buys something.

true. I've never been caught but I notice that when i check out with my mom, especially if I help push the cart, at walmart they dont even check your receipt they just wave you through.

[313]

Originally Posted by Spaceever

true. I've never been caught but I notice that when i check out with my mom, especially if I help push the cart, at walmart they dont even check your receipt they just wave you through.

it works wonders at any store. if you look like a kid who is just annoyed at being stuck shopping with his mom, theres no questions asked.

[usernamee]

One of the most important aspects of shoplifting is locating the blind spot. In traditional shoplifting, the blind spot is where the crime occurs; i.e. removing the security device and subsequently concealing the product to prepare for the exit.

Locating a blind spot is difficult as seen from users in this thread who were busted and captured by CCTV in a blind spot, yet it really wasn't a blind spot since they were caught on tape committing the crime. Stores will use dummy cameras to herd shoplifters to fake blind spots, and any half competent LP will know where the blind spots are located; thus meriting extra surveillance in and around the blind spots.

The process of locating blind spots is complicated because you have to break some cardinal rules of shoplifting to locate them. The cardinal rules being: never look directly at a camera, and do not tilt your head up or look around in any direction of the said cameras lest LP spots suspicious behavior and your face is eternally captured on CCTV. The only solution I found to this problem is picking out a casing day where you do not shoplift, but scout the store to figure out the layout of the store, the exits, the security systems, placement of the desired products, and most of all locating blind spots. Yet you will come off as acting suspicious on this day, and LP may believe you were going to shoplift, but chickened out, so they capture your image and save it just in case you decide to come back.

Encasing the camera in a black orb further complicates things as you never know which way the camera is pointing, and you do not know if it moves or is fixed. Also, you can never surely tell how much area the camera covers, so following the "If you can't see the camera, it can't see you" method is unreliable.

I personally have one hell of a difficult time locating blind spots, and right now am struggling to find some method to do it.

[theinvader]

I found an awesome blind spot at my Radioshack today (silver solder is $9 a ounce) and it's by the capacitor drawers. in between the two only cameras, they can't see you if you crouch.

[313]

Originally Posted by usernamee

One of the most important aspects of shoplifting is locating the blind spot. In traditional shoplifting, the blind spot is where the crime occurs; i.e. removing the security device and subsequently concealing the product to prepare for the exit.

Locating a blind spot is difficult as seen from users in this thread who were busted and captured by CCTV in a blind spot, yet it really wasn't a blind spot since they were caught on tape committing the crime. Stores will use dummy cameras to herd shoplifters to fake blind spots, and any half competent LP will know where the blind spots are located; thus meriting extra surveillance in and around the blind spots.

The process of locating blind spots is complicated because you have to break some cardinal rules of shoplifting to locate them. The cardinal rules being: never look directly at a camera, and do not tilt your head up or look around in any direction of the said cameras lest LP spots suspicious behavior and your face is eternally captured on CCTV. The only solution I found to this problem is picking out a casing day where you do not shoplift, but scout the store to figure out the layout of the store, the exits, the security systems, placement of the desired products, and most of all locating blind spots. Yet you will come off as acting suspicious on this day, and LP may believe you were going to shoplift, but chickened out, so they capture your image and save it just in case you decide to come back.

Encasing the camera in a black orb further complicates things as you never know which way the camera is pointing, and you do not know if it moves or is fixed. Also, you can never surely tell how much area the camera covers, so following the "If you can't see the camera, it can't see you" method is unreliable.

I personally have one hell of a difficult time locating blind spots, and right now am struggling to find some method to do it.

sounds like too much work if youre just shoplifting a few hundred bucks worth of merch...but if it makes you feel better, go ahead.

[Femme Fatale]

Originally Posted by usernamee

One of the most important aspects of shoplifting is locating the blind spot. In traditional shoplifting, the blind spot is where the crime occurs; i.e. removing the security device and subsequently concealing the product to prepare for the exit.

Locating a blind spot is difficult as seen from users in this thread who were busted and captured by CCTV in a blind spot, yet it really wasn't a blind spot since they were caught on tape committing the crime. Stores will use dummy cameras to herd shoplifters to fake blind spots, and any half competent LP will know where the blind spots are located; thus meriting extra surveillance in and around the blind spots.

The process of locating blind spots is complicated because you have to break some cardinal rules of shoplifting to locate them. The cardinal rules being: never look directly at a camera, and do not tilt your head up or look around in any direction of the said cameras lest LP spots suspicious behavior and your face is eternally captured on CCTV. The only solution I found to this problem is picking out a casing day where you do not shoplift, but scout the store to figure out the layout of the store, the exits, the security systems, placement of the desired products, and most of all locating blind spots. Yet you will come off as acting suspicious on this day, and LP may believe you were going to shoplift, but chickened out, so they capture your image and save it just in case you decide to come back.

Encasing the camera in a black orb further complicates things as you never know which way the camera is pointing, and you do not know if it moves or is fixed. Also, you can never surely tell how much area the camera covers, so following the "If you can't see the camera, it can't see you" method is unreliable.

I personally have one hell of a difficult time locating blind spots, and right now am struggling to find some method to do it.

I know the real legit blind spots of every store my friend exploits. He shows me them all.

IMO they're easy to find and use.
I guess it's my area.

[-SpectraL]

After working LP for over 5 years, I can tell you that I was keenly aware of every single "blind spot", and I would give them extra attention on all my walk-throughs. They're like honey-pots, really. You just stand there for 15 or 20 minutes and, before you know it, another fucking idiot is peeling something in there. Sad, really. The best place to bag/conceal an item is actually right out in the open... the least suspected location to do it. For example, if I take a $100 pair of pants and a chocolate bar, go stand in a crowded lineup for the cash, and just before I cash out I stick the pants into a plastic bag with the store's name on it, it's a done deal. Pay for the chocolate bar, and out we go with the pants.

[Cork]

arent you worried about the good samaritan in line behind you?
what if he sees and says something

[-SpectraL]

Originally Posted by Cork

arent you worried about the good samaritan in line behind you?
what if he sees and says something

Not when you squeeze in close the guy ahead of you, and just wait for the guy behind you to look away or get distracted. Only takes two seconds to drop something in a bag.

[Bender]

Originally Posted by -SpectraL

After working LP for over 5 years, I can tell you that I was keenly aware of every single "blind spot", and I would give them extra attention on all my walk-throughs. They're like honey-pots, really. You just stand there for 15 or 20 minutes and, before you know it, another fucking idiot is peeling something in there. Sad, really. The best place to bag/conceal an item is actually right out in the open... the least suspected location to do it. For example, if I take a $100 pair of pants and a chocolate bar, go stand in a crowded lineup for the cash, and just before I cash out I stick the pants into a plastic bag with the store's name on it, it's a done deal. Pay for the chocolate bar, and out we go with the pants.

TJ Max. 250 dollars worth of stuff done exactly as quoted on BF. I did pay however pay for some trident layers.

[313]

Originally Posted by Pandoras Assassin

TJ Max. 250 dollars worth of stuff done exactly as quoted on BF. I did pay however pay for some trident layers.

howd u do it?

[Spaceever]

Originally Posted by Pandoras Assassin

TJ Max. 250 dollars worth of stuff done exactly as quoted on BF. I did pay however pay for some trident layers.

tj maxx is great. whats worth the most there do you think?

[-SpectraL]

Originally Posted by 313

howd u do it?

He never said he did anything, and please don't invite the confession. Thanks.

[Bender]

Originally Posted by Spaceever

tj maxx is great. whats worth the most there do you think?

Name brand stuff. The UFC gear is hot, and it will sell like hotcakes online if you can match/be lower than the leading company's online.

[Spaceever]

Originally Posted by Pandoras Assassin

Name brand stuff. The UFC gear is hot, and it will sell like hotcakes online if you can match/be lower than the leading company's online.

for real? I wouldn't have thought of that! i hate dealing with the stupid plastic tags so I just avoid those...I'll have to check out the UFC stuff.

[usernamee]

Originally Posted by 313

sounds like too much work if youre just shoplifting a few hundred bucks worth of merch...but if it makes you feel better, go ahead.

Considering the severe consequences if caught, shoplifting merits a lot of work and planning. District Attorneys love to slap on as many charges as humanly possible on you for trivial crimes—especially felonies.

You think you have committed one crime, but you find out that it turns out to be ten or more crimes. So shoplifting turns into burglary, your razor blade and S3 key turn into a burglary tools, and a LP associate claims you attempted to run and touched him, so now it's aggravated robbery, and the amount you stole is considered grand larceny which is a felony.

Combine that with a very expensive civil restitution fee, court fees, lawyer costs, jail time, being banned from the place you stole, and worst of all being stigmatized as a THIEF to all potential employers FOREVER, and it's bound to be the single worst moment in your life, it's pretty much a life sentence when you consider the thief stigma that all your potential employers will see. Also, sometimes companies take photos of shoplifters and post them in their stores for everyone to see.

It's extremely important to prepare for being caught, and learn how to minimize these charges. If I were going to shoplift, I would do a consultation with an attorney to learn how to avoid serious charges like burglary, possession of burglary tools, and other felonies that could mean hard prison time.

Of course, never talk to the police, it's your fifth amendment right to not incriminate yourself if you live in the USA. This video on not taking to police is extremely invaluable. It's amazing how someone would serve a life sentence for stealing a 20 dollar DVD. It's hard enough finding a job without a charge of larceny, I can't imagine what it would be like to have that charge and live in a recession looking for a job. Homelessness is not fun.

What is burglary when caught shoplifting. Possessing "tools" of course shows intent to commit a crime before you enter the establishment, thus proving burglary.

[Chuggs]

Originally Posted by usernamee

Considering the severe consequences if caught, shoplifting merits a lot of work and planning. District Attorneys love to slap on as many charges as humanly possible on you for trivial crimes—especially felonies.

Of course, never talk to the police, it's your fifth amendment right to not incriminate yourself if you live in the USA. This video on not taking to police is extremely invaluable. It's amazing how someone would serve a life sentence for stealing a 20 dollar DVD. It's hard enough finding a job without a charge of larceny, I can't imagine what it would be like to have that charge and live in a recession looking for a job. Homelessness is not fun.

What is burglary when caught shoplifting. Possessing "tools" of course shows intent to commit a crime before you enter the establishment, thus proving burglary.

$
Thank you username.
I am glad to see someone else with some intelligence / experience on this thread.

For those of you who are junior Shoplifters and trust me this includes most of you, you need to watch at least 10 minutes of the following videos. They may be boring but you need to know what you are up against. The second video that I’m posting is a little better because it’s a cop explaining how he gets a confession from the bad guys - that would be us the shoplifter.

VIDEO 2

I have also written about this on another forum. I was going to paste it here but instead I’ll link it. There are some good response from L/P to my post.

Don't Open Your Big Mouth

My advice - if you are caught - keep your big mouth shut. I’m not saying to be a dick, be polite, be remorseful, hell cry if you have to - just don’t tell them that you did anything wrong no matter how much evidence they have against you. Your confession is the best evidence they have to convict you.

…Pea…

TIPS FOR SHOPLIFTERS

[Chuggs]

Originally Posted by -SpectraL

After working LP for over 5 years, I can tell you that I was keenly aware of every single "blind spot", and I would give them extra attention on all my walk-throughs. They're like honey-pots, really. You just stand there for 15 or 20 minutes and, before you know it, another fucking idiot is peeling something in there. Sad, really. The best place to bag/conceal an item is actually right out in the open... the least suspected location to do it. For example, if I take a $100 pair of pants and a chocolate bar, go stand in a crowded lineup for the cash, and just before I cash out I stick the pants into a plastic bag with the store's name on it, it's a done deal. Pay for the chocolate bar, and out we go with the pants.

$
Thank you SpectraL! Great Post!

The best place to bag/conceal an item is actually right out in the open…

This is true to a certain extent. I don’t want some of these kids to walk down the main aisle in W-Mart and think its ok - it is Not. Once again you have to use your brains and educate yourself. If possible scope out the store before you ever ‘shop’ there. You need to think like a L/P and a S/L. What some of you forget is that just because it is new to you doesn’t mean that the L/P hasn’t seen your routine a hundred times before. Remember they are in that store every day and know it like the back of their hand. If I see a 16yro Kid hang’n out in the linen dept. after leaving electronics I would probably be suspicious. Especially if I saw you do the same thing last week. If you follow the same routine you will get busted. Change it up.

You've no doubt noticed the hundreds of black plastic camera domes mounted in the ceiling. Well, just as you suspected, quite a few of these are fake. But several dozen of them are not. Every store has a "camera placement plan" they follow. The real cameras will be placed over high-theft item areas, such as Electronic Goods, the Pharmacy, Automotive. There is literally a camera mounted over every single register in the store, pointing down to watch transactions. It is illegal for any store to place cameras in the bathroom, or near enough to the open-ceiling dressing rooms to see in.

It will vary between stores, but here are typically where all the movable cameras are:
Over the Electronics
Automotive section
There will be some above the building, for scanning the parking lots
Usually in the middle of the Clothing sections.
Above the wall-rack that divides the Men's and Women's Clothing sections

The fixed, non-movable cameras are usually mounted:
Near razors and razor blades
Near any medicines commonly stolen by junkies
Pointing at an angle at the incoming and outgoing doors, to catch face shots of thieves as they enter or exit.
Over various aisles near the Electronics section, with computers, games, stereos, etc.
Over auto radar detectors
Over GPS units in the camping section
Over the jewelry counter
Over all makeup

All the cameras are routed back to the security Office. Inside, there will be a room set up with several monitors, usually about 6 to 10, which are all to VCRs or DVRs. So L/P or A/P can sit at the monitors and control the cameras using a joystick / trackball. They can punch up any camera in the store on any monitor, although usually only about nine or ten will be able to move. The rest are fixed, and are most likely being recorded on a three-second skip. This means only every third second gets recorded, which aids S/L since it makes it hard to review and see quick motions. Sometimes S/L appear on an aisle, and a moment later seem to just vanish without doing anything. Of course, watching the cameras in real-time doesn't have the three-second skip. But if they have to go back and watch the tape again to see if you really did do what they thought you did, they have to worry about missing it if you moved too fast.

The cameras that *can* move are top notch. They can often zoom in so close that they can read information right off your driver's license all the way from the ceiling. One of the big things L/P has to get is face shots. They depend on being able to say, Yep, that's the guy. I've got his face on camera right here. So L/Ps become very good at tracking moving people and objects, and at switching quickly to other cameras for a better view. If you spend too much time wandering in a spot where there are no good cameras, or no cameras at all, they'll have to deploy from the office and watch you on foot. This can be good for you, as it heightens the chances that they'll miss something important.

One of the biggest ways to get caught easily is to *look directly at the cameras*. I know this sounds stupid, and lacks common sense, but you would not believe how many nervous amateurs will glance repeatedly, or just boldly stare at the dome right above them, giving security a perfect chance for a face shot and clear view of whatever they're stealing. Keep your eyes down, boy. Just assume the camera is real, and that you should be hiding your hand movements anyways. If you want to scope out a camera, do it from a long way off, and do not tilt your head or eyes up. Use your peripherals. And trust me - you *cannot* see through the domes to tell if it's pointed at you. They're double-layered to prevent this. And an upturned face is *very* easy to see in a camera, even on one of the smaller monitors, and will instantly attract attention.

…Pea…

Tips For Shoplifters

[-SpectraL]

Most effective shoplift I've ever seen is the In&Out. Dude walks in... grabs three game systems or whatever... strolls out briskly to a waiting cab just outside the main doors with the trunk already open. Takes him 45 seconds to do it. Extremely hard to catch if you're not right there in those 45 seconds. His odds of getting away are so good that I'd hate to calculate them.

[Chuggs]

Originally Posted by 313

sounds like too much work if youre just shoplifting a few hundred bucks worth of merch...but if it makes you feel better, go ahead.

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With all do respect 313 this is the worst attitude you can have to shoplift. Especially “if you’re just shoplifting a few hundred bucks worth of merch.”
Your lack of ‘work’ will get you busted. I am not trying to diss you. Just hate to see someone caught up on a charge if it can be avoided. You need to learn that shoplifting is a great game, but if you lose because you didn’t do your ‘homework’, it really sucks for the rest of you life.
Respect the game or it will bite you in the ass. Trust an old fool from the old skool.
Crime does pay - just be smart about it. The prisons are full of the idiots. The smart ones walk around free.

…Pea…

TIPS FOR SHOPLIFTERS

[Chuggs]

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The ‘ol grab & dash.
Brings back such fond memories of younger days gone by.
FYI - this is an old Booster scam and works even better with a team. Just don’t plan on going back to that store for at least 6 months. Anything by the entrance / exit is fair game. Sears was always the best with their tools or electronics right by the door. Nothing was off limits. Just remember to watch the parking lot and don’t forget those roof top cameras watching you vehicle / tag. If you do it enough you will get a spot on the 6 o’clock news so be careful with those face shots as you enter the store.

…Pea…

TIPS FOR SHOPLIFTING

[-SpectraL]

Originally Posted by Pea

$
The ‘ol grab & dash.
Brings back such fond memories of younger days gone by.
FYI - this is an old Booster scam and works even better with a team. Just don’t plan on going back to that store for at least 6 months. Anything by the entrance / exit is fair game. Sears was always the best with their tools or electronics right by the door. Nothing was off limits. Just remember to watch the parking lot and don’t forget those roof top cameras watching you vehicle / tag. If you do it enough you will get a spot on the 6 o’clock news so be careful with those face shots as you enter the store.

…Pea…

TIPS FOR SHOPLIFTING

These guys figure there's gonna be a certain amount of risk no matter which way you look at it, so they put all their cookies in one bag. 9 times out of 10 they score large. Pretty well like Russian Roulette, but then again, so is any form of shoplifting.

[Bob Cock]

Can someone tell me if you've done this before?

I want a pair of nice Wayfarer sunglasses, they have about 10 pairs of them on display in Sunglass Hut. Now here's the plan - do a bait-and-switch with a pair of ten-dollar, cheap Wayfarer knockoffs. LP is actually skilled in Sunglass Hut, so it would be kinda sketchy. I cased the place last time i went in with my friend who wanted some Oakleys, and we got sketched out... but, it is pretty easy to get the employees distracted with an actual sale.

So can anyone tell me of success/fail by doing a sunglasses switcheroo at Sunglass Hut?

[testerman]

here's a good post from pea's site about this:

<QUOTE> zero is IDIOT. he thinks he can win every case - sorry NO! he is idiot, not even worth responding to him.

what you say CAN AND WILL be used against you like they say on T.V. I know many friends they beat shoplifting cases.

the best one was a guy he steal $1000. coat from a very high end store in nice mall. he do it sly like, just like me, conceal the coat in a way no one could know. week later he is in the same mall, security grabs him and stupid clerk says, our cameras saw you steal from our store. guy told me he knew no camera saw shit so he tells clerk i don't know what youre talking about. so anyway police come, try to get him to admit, he says hell no asks for lawyer, he spends night in jail bails out.

D.A. never files the case!!!!!!!!!! i mean come on, clerk didnt see anything, guard saw nothing, they find no coat, they got shit. just because you get arrested doesnt mean you get convicted no matter what these idiot uneducated LP THINK.

Lp say <<because if you're in my office already, I have all the evidence I'll ever need!>> haha so then why admit anything, idiot is not going to let you go no matter what you say, all you will do is HURT your case. If I ever get caught i will keep my mouth shut!!!!!!!!!!
</QUOTE>