Archived: Shoplifting Tips and Techniques

[hayden0103]

Originally Posted by StainlessSteal

That, and don't forget the legerdemain Gotta love those high voltage SAT style vocabulary words

Yes, I'm all for a redhanded truce. Basically my point is, he probably is incredibly knowledgeable. I just wished he wasn't so captious at times. If he could share his wisdom in a friendly fashion, that would be great. But...not everyone is like that.

What about something as simple as tossing your coat over something, loitering for awhile (phone call, browsing, etc.) and picking up the item in your coat? Probably wouldn't work in Electronics, but maybe somewhere else? Then slip the item into your coat pocket without revealing and head out.

[StainlessSteal]

Originally Posted by hayden0103

What about something as simple as tossing your coat over something, loitering for awhile (phone call, browsing, etc.) and picking up the item in your coat? Probably wouldn't work in Electronics, but maybe somewhere else? Then slip the item into your coat pocket without revealing and head out.

I think the "coat method" has some serious potential! TexasLifter told me (before he retired from the glittery world of shoplifting) that he would wear UnderArmor shirts, the idea being that it created a tight fit so that he could stick 3-4 games under the shirt in front and in back without any noticeable bulges whatsoever. He would wear a looser shirt over the UA. This, combined with any of the previously mentioned sleight-of-hands would work nicely, allowing you to exit with $150-200 worth of goods fairly quickly.

[hayden0103]

Originally Posted by StainlessSteal

I think the "coat method" has some serious potential! TexasLifter told me (before he retired from the glittery world of shoplifting) that he would wear UnderArmor shirts, the idea being that it created a tight fit so that he could stick 3-4 games under the shirt in front and in back without any noticeable bulges whatsoever. He would wear a looser shirt over the UA. This, combined with any of the previously mentioned sleight-of-hands would work nicely, allowing you to exit with $150-200 worth of goods fairly quickly.

TexasLifter:hoplifting : God::religion

I like the new name for the magnet-in-shirt trick (pocket protector FTW), but I'm excited for the backhander. It's just that, at my targeted stores, most higher-end stuff is at the top of the shelf and thus exposed. Backhanding works best if there's natural cover. Maybe a secret opening in a jacket to give the illusion that your hand is in your pocket?

[ShadyLady]

Originally Posted by zazz

Expensive climbing gear like ascenders and gri gri's are locked up at my REIs. And the other climbing gear is behind the counter. Is that how yours is? I would love to get my hands on some ascenders for myself.

I usually go for clothes. They never count them there and you can find shirts alone that price at 85 bucks. Speaking of shirts that price for 85 bucks, I somehow obtained one and was wanting to return it for store credit. However, I'm worried that they will know it was theoretically stolen. You sound like you "shop" at REI a lot. Have you ever had any problems with this? I also know that if you return things too much at REI they flag you. They do that even with items you have a record of buying because people abuse the return policy.

I didn't even check the price tags of clothes when I went. $85 shirts! I'll be going back tomorrow. It just so happens that I need $80 of store credit.

What kind of tags does REI use on the clothes?

[hayden0103]

Perhaps combine Malice's technique with the coat throw? LP watching the cameras is focused on the item high up, and if you grab the item with two hands it's only natural to set down your coat. Look at the item for awhile, browse around, and then leave with your prize to walk out with/conceal/detag.

[Malice]

Another thing you could do is wear a jacket with a sleeve stuffed and placed in a pocket, and the zipper open. Then you lean really close to a shelf and act like you're trying to read/look at something on a high shelf and at the same time you reach with your hidden arm and grab something around waist level. The sides of the jacket should block what you're doing from view of the cameras. Move your other hand upward toward the item you're looking at to draw any possible LP's attention up there.

[Roxi39]

I feel bad for the guys on here!
They cant go in the store carrying a big ass
handbag.

[hayden0103]

Originally Posted by Malice

Another thing you could do is wear a jacket with a sleeve stuffed and placed in a pocket, and the zipper open. Then you lean really close to a shelf and act like you're trying to read/look at something on a high shelf and at the same time you reach with your hidden arm and grab something around waist level. The sides of the jacket should block what you're doing from view of the cameras. Move your other hand upward toward the item you're looking at to draw any possible LP's attention up there.

I wouldn't do that, personally, because if confronted you have no real excuse for having your sleeve stuffed. Honestly, the broad nature of the coat toss/high-reach method means there are hundreds of ways to do it. Which version you use is really dependent on the store you're planning to do it at.

[spiralds123]

Originally Posted by Roxi39

I feel bad for the guys on here!
They cant go in the store carrying a big ass
handbag.

I agree so much.

[Roxi39]

Suzie's Catch of the Day!
1 Circle E Candle
1 WoodenWick Candle
1 Hummingbird feeder
1 Wooden Wind Chimes
1 Pair Tiger Lily Flip flops
2 Gillete 8 pack razors
1 Wallet
Various and Sundry small items.

[Tag]

Originally Posted by zazz

Expensive climbing gear like ascenders and gri gri's are locked up at my REIs. And the other climbing gear is behind the counter. Is that how yours is? I would love to get my hands on some ascenders for myself.

I usually go for clothes. They never count them there and you can find shirts alone that price at 85 bucks. Speaking of shirts that price for 85 bucks, I somehow obtained one and was wanting to return it for store credit. However, I'm worried that they will know it was theoretically stolen. You sound like you "shop" at REI a lot. Have you ever had any problems with this? I also know that if you return things too much at REI they flag you. They do that even with items you have a record of buying because people abuse the return policy.

Apparently not, says in an article that you can return anything for any reason anytime, dont know which stores are like this but interests me nonetheless, their stores are all around the country even in my state

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp...R2006120900018

[KeepOnTruckin]

The fire exit method at target has pros and cons.

Cons: 15 second delay on the door. If AP is good or watching you, they will be there. If your car is parked by the fire door, they will see it and be waiting. Also, in addition to an earsplitting alarm that goes off if the panic bar is depressed, a remote alarm sounds in the front office, at fitting room, and customer service desk. Everyone will know that the fire door is being opened, so you better be quick. That remote alarm goes off WHENEVER the door is opened, even if it is keyed open.

But, there are currently a lot of Target stores under renovation. If you are lucky enough to have one of these near you, they probably open the fire doors a lot for the renovation work to take place, and people will not respond quickly to the alarm, becuase they think its just more construction work taking place.

So the fire exit method is only good if your car is not parked in front of it. You need to have a friend pull up within 15 seconds of you going out the door, or else park across the street from it, along with some other cars, so as not to be noticed.

[StainlessSteal]

Originally Posted by Roxi39

I feel bad for the guys on here!
They cant go in the store carrying a big ass
handbag.

A nice wig, a little makeup, some lipstick, some fake boob attachments, a sexy dress, pantyhose and some high heels...and a big ass handbag. Any questions?

[leatherlace]

Originally Posted by Roxi39

I feel bad for the guys on here!
They cant go in the store carrying a big ass
handbag.

true, but a lot of lp keeps an eye out for people carrying big bags. i'm female but i rarely carry a big purse on me, because that's what most amateur lp are looking for. instead concealing on your person is a little less suspicious. in theory, a leather jacket is perfect for grabbing things. makeup, sunglasses, clothes? even jeans wouldn't be detected under a leather jacket.

[leatherlace]

Originally Posted by StainlessSteal

A nice wig, a little makeup, some lipstick, some fake boob attachments, a sexy dress, pantyhose and some high heels...and a big ass handbag. Any questions?

LOL. taking it to an extreme!

[Roxi39]

Suzies handbag is not really that big at all but it can fit alot of shit in it.LOL

[StainlessSteal]

Originally Posted by Roxi39

Suzie's Catch of the Day!
1 Circle E Candle
1 WoodenWick Candle
1 Hummingbird feeder
1 Wooden Wind Chimes
1 Pair Tiger Lily Flip flops
2 Gillete 8 pack razors
1 Wallet
Various and Sundry small items.

Roxi, tell your friend Suzie that's a nice catch! Is all this for Suzie's personal use or does she sell it on e-bay/craigslist/some other 3rd party?

[ScumBag]

GONE

[redhanded]

Originally Posted by hayden0103

I didn't ask to be put down. All I asked for was information. I don't mind if you sprinkle your opinion in there but I don't appreciate being insulted.

Concerning the info, is there a quick, silent way to bypass the release delay that you know of? For Target, there's a key for the Detex bars that'll disable the alarm and the delay, I believe (but at Target, AP is often too far away to apprehend even with the 10 second release delay. Unfortunately, Best Buy's sales floor is so crowded that unless you knew specifically who the LP associates were you wouldn't be able to get out in time).

EDIT: Just Googled it, apparently if a genuine fire alarm is triggered the delay is bypassed automatically. Apparently the delay is there just for us folks.

It wasn't my intention to insult you, I just think that tactic is foolish. It had nothing to do with that fact that it was you proposing it. I'm pretty analytical when it comes to tactics. Calling that hypothetical deed foolish is not akin to calling you a fool, unless you execute on it knowing what you know now.

I digress.

[zazz]

Originally Posted by ShadyLady27

I didn't even check the price tags of clothes when I went. $85 shirts! I'll be going back tomorrow. It just so happens that I need $80 of store credit.

What kind of tags does REI use on the clothes?

I have two REIs near me. One of them only tags the coats and the other tags the coats and select items. I don't know the name of the tags but they are the black ufo shaped ones.
Some good clothing brands to look for:
Smartwool -That's the 85 dollar shirt I had (just returned it and bought chacos with the store credit!)
Prana - The shirts almost never have tags and are around 40 bucks.
Arc'tycyx - Gold mine! Can you say $69 tank top?

[ScumBag]

GONE

[ShadyLady]

Originally Posted by leatherlace

true, but a lot of lp keeps an eye out for people carrying big bags. i'm female but i rarely carry a big purse on me, because that's what most amateur lp are looking for. instead concealing on your person is a little less suspicious. in theory, a leather jacket is perfect for grabbing things. makeup, sunglasses, clothes? even jeans wouldn't be detected under a leather jacket.

I wear very fitted clothes so there is NO way I could conceal anything on me. Even my leather jacket is so fitted that I can only wear a thin t-shirt under it. Plus, a jacket would be too hot in the summer & would look odd.

Originally Posted by Roxi39

Suzies handbag is not really that big at all but it can fit alot of shit in it.LOL

My lifting purse is like that, too. It can fit a lot of stuff but it's not huge. When I'm not lifting, I carry a very small purse. I don't get why some women carry their life with them, lol.

Originally Posted by zazz

I have two REIs near me. One of them only tags the coats and the other tags the coats and select items. I don't know the name of the tags but they are the black ufo shaped ones.
Some good clothing brands to look for:
Smartwool -That's the 85 dollar shirt I had (just returned it and bought chacos with the store credit!)
Prana - The shirts almost never have tags and are around 40 bucks.
Arc'tycyx - Gold mine! Can you say $69 tank top?

Thanks for the info. I will be stopping by REI.

[-SpectraL]

Originally Posted by ShadyLady27

Audrey is planning on stopping by some office supply stores (Office Depot & Office Max) to hopefully get some of those $200 external hard drives. She has an S3 key. Anyone have any tips or advice?

Grand and Toy is easier, and no, they have nothing to do with toys at all. All high-end office supplies.

http://www.grandandtoy.com/sites/corp/default.aspx

[AhhGhost]

Originally Posted by ShadyLady27

Audrey is planning on stopping by some office supply stores (Office Depot & Office Max) to hopefully get some of those $200 external hard drives. She has an S3 key. Anyone have any tips or advice?

All of my Office Depots as well as the Office Maxs all keep a picture of the Hard-Drive in a Alpha Case. Take up the entire Alpha Case to the cashier and they take it out of Lock-up... Most of these stores have been pretty useless for me now.

I even worked at an Office Depot years back and yesterday went back to do a little shopping (1hr drive). I still have all the lock-up keys and store key for that place and they are liquidating everything in the store... Now my keys are useless

Just have to wait till things are on clearance. They put them on a table in front of the store with a wrap around it. But, those are always hit and misses now

[Roxi39]

I need advice? Suzie lifted a Sheet set last week
(value) 800$ and she removed the safet magnet but going out the
door, alarm went off. Silly little metal type sticker thingy inside the
sheets! How can u stop that one? Magic bags??

[hayden0103]

Damn:

(1) Conceals the merchandise;

(2) Removes, takes possession of, or causes the removal of merchandise;

(3) Alters, transfers or removes any price marking, or any other marking which aids in determining value affixed to the merchandise;

(4) Transfers the merchandise from one (1) container to another; or

(5) Causes the cash register or other sales recording device to reflect less than the merchant's stated price for the merchandise.

I didn't think concealing was illegal here. These are the Tennessee state laws, gotten from the link ScumBag posted.

[hayden0103]

I need advice? Suzie lifted a Sheet set last week
(value) 800$ and she removed the safet magnet but going out the
door, alarm went off. Silly little metal type sticker thingy inside the
sheets! How can u stop that one? Magic bags??

Remove the tag. You might have to open the bag but unless it's physically sown into the sheets you'll have no problem.

[hayden0103]

Originally Posted by redhanded

It wasn't my intention to insult you, I just think that tactic is foolish. It had nothing to do with that fact that it was you proposing it. I'm pretty analytical when it comes to tactics. Calling that hypothetical deed foolish is not akin to calling you a fool, unless you execute on it knowing what you know now.

I digress.

All's well that ends with a big bag of loot.

[hayden0103]

One thing I want to say: please, please, please don't steal DVDs. I'm not saying you should buy them, just don't steal them from stores. It's so much easier to download them online. Not saying it's any more morally correct, just easier to get away with. Same thing with music, PC games (except for multiplayer) and computer software. In the end it's your choice, but to this day I've never lifted anything like that.

[-SpectraL]

Originally Posted by hayden0103

One thing I want to say: please, please, please don't steal DVDs. I'm not saying you should buy them, just don't steal them from stores. It's so much easier to download them online. Not saying it's any more morally correct, just easier to get away with. Same thing with music, PC games (except for multiplayer) and computer software. In the end it's your choice, but to this day I've never lifted anything like that.

Good advice. Never steal something you can already get for free and practically no risk involved. Newsgroups... ftw.

[spiralds123]

Originally Posted by -SpectraL

Good advice. Never steal something you can already get for free and practically no risk involved. Newsgroups... ftw.

Re-selling DVD's can be fairly profitable.

[StainlessSteal]

Originally Posted by hayden0103

One thing I want to say: please, please, please don't steal DVDs. I'm not saying you should buy them, just don't steal them from stores. It's so much easier to download them online. Not saying it's any more morally correct, just easier to get away with. Same thing with music, PC games (except for multiplayer) and computer software. In the end it's your choice, but to this day I've never lifted anything like that.

In principle I agree with you. However, when there are willing buyers out there who will pay near retail for a game of DVD in its packaged format, you gotta do whatcha gotta do.

[hayden0103]

Originally Posted by StainlessSteal

In principle I agree with you. However, when there are willing buyers out there who will pay near retail for a game of DVD in its packaged format, you gotta do whatcha gotta do.

Now, I didn't say anything about video games.
If you have a viable option between selling DVDs and selling games, sell the games. Higher retail value + WAY harder to get online = more money for the lifter.

[hayden0103]

Originally Posted by spiralds123

Re-selling DVD's can be fairly profitable.

If you can convince someone to buy DVDs that are obviously stolen, it shouldn't be much harder to convince them to buy an Internet copy burned to a DVD+R. Just my 2 cents, though.

[spiralds123]

Originally Posted by hayden0103

If you can convince someone to buy DVDs that are obviously stolen, it shouldn't be much harder to convince them to buy an Internet copy burned to a DVD+R. Just my 2 cents, though.

You don't need to convince them it's not stolen because it's not.

Also, there are higher charges for pirating and bootlegging than shoplifting.

[leatherlace]

Originally Posted by ShadyLady27

I wear very fitted clothes so there is NO way I could conceal anything on me. Even my leather jacket is so fitted that I can only wear a thin t-shirt under it. Plus, a jacket would be too hot in the summer & would look odd.



My lifting purse is like that, too. It can fit a lot of stuff but it's not huge. When I'm not lifting, I carry a very small purse. I don't get why some women carry their life with them, lol.

haha, where i live it's pretty much summer all year long out here in the pacific. yet people still wear jackets and such. and a leather jacket isn't all that hot.
i love structured purses. they are small, can hold a bunch of stuff, and don't look any different from when you came in.

[hayden0103]

Originally Posted by spiralds123

You don't need to convince them it's not stolen because it's not.

Also, there are higher charges for pirating and bootlegging than shoplifting.

True. Well, whatever floats your boat. I'm excited because my S3 key magnets just arrived today! KJmagnetics rocks. I picked the cheapest shipping method (First Class via USPS) and they got here in 3 days. Came with the 4 magnets, 3 spacers, and a baggie with some free sample magnets (choking-hazard sized, but still).

Now I just need some tape and a store with expensive goodies.

[Dr. Wily]

Originally Posted by StainlessSteal

3 - Dr Wily's pocket detachment method - put the magnet in your shirt pocket, and unlock your alpha case without even exposing your magnet! Brilliant! I hereby dub this the Pocket Protector method !

haha I'm flattered, it's worked out great for me so far. It's best done with a thicker shirt. My favorite is my corduroy jacket. The reason being that the magnet will make a normal shirt "kiss" the case and it looks fishy - it also makes an impact noise. The jacket is thick enough to prevent the noise, and it doesn't "kiss" the case. Plus I look nice in it - definitely not like a punk.

Originally Posted by hayden0103

Now, I didn't say anything about video games.
If you have a viable option between selling DVDs and selling games, sell the games. Higher retail value + WAY harder to get online = more money for the lifter.

My friend has been getting games, it's hard to sell them for a decent price though. In this economy it's difficult to get rid of a $60 game for much more than $40. Clothes is probably where it's at as far as making money goes, and it's safer, but my friend has yet to order a good magnetic tag removing magnet. Sure it's not as glorious, but it is what it is.
This weekend he is likely to take a day trip to a multitude of walmarts though. He hopes to nab about 10 games. He's sick of buying tools, so he wants to make some money off his s3 key before buying a bigger magnet for liberating clothes. When some games that he actually wants for personal use come out he'll definitely not be paying for them.

[hayden0103]

Originally Posted by Dr. Wily

haha I'm flattered, it's worked out great for me so far. It's best done with a thicker shirt. My favorite is my corduroy jacket. The reason being that the magnet will make a normal shirt "kiss" the case and it looks fishy - it also makes an impact noise. The jacket is thick enough to prevent the noise, and it doesn't "kiss" the case. Plus I look nice in it - definitely not like a punk.


My friend has been getting games, it's hard to sell them for a decent price though. In this economy it's difficult to get rid of a $60 game for much more than $40. Clothes is probably where it's at as far as making money goes, and it's safer, but my friend has yet to order a good magnetic tag removing magnet. Sure it's not as glorious, but it is what it is.
This weekend he is likely to take a day trip to a multitude of walmarts though. He hopes to nab about 10 games. He's sick of buying tools, so he wants to make some money off his s3 key before buying a bigger magnet for liberating clothes. When some games that he actually wants for personal use come out he'll definitely not be paying for them.

It's all the liars on sites like eBay and craigslist. They lie about the condition of games and no one trusts online game sellers as a result. Anyone got any good resources for selling games?

You can always turn to Gamestop and the like but they almost never give you more than $30.

[StainlessSteal]

Originally Posted by Dr. Wily

haha I'm flattered, it's worked out great for me so far. It's best done with a thicker shirt. My favorite is my corduroy jacket. The reason being that the magnet will make a normal shirt "kiss" the case and it looks fishy - it also makes an impact noise. The jacket is thick enough to prevent the noise, and it doesn't "kiss" the case. Plus I look nice in it - definitely not like a punk.

My friend has been getting games, it's hard to sell them for a decent price though. In this economy it's difficult to get rid of a $60 game for much more than $40. Clothes is probably where it's at as far as making money goes, and it's safer, but my friend has yet to order a good magnetic tag removing magnet. Sure it's not as glorious, but it is what it is.
This weekend he is likely to take a day trip to a multitude of walmarts though. He hopes to nab about 10 games. He's sick of buying tools, so he wants to make some money off his s3 key before buying a bigger magnet for liberating clothes. When some games that he actually wants for personal use come out he'll definitely not be paying for them.

Fantastic! The corduroy pocket protector! Seriously, that is another brilliant move from the resident Dr Wily E Coyote

As far as clothes not being as glorious, shit, I'd steal poop if it sold well...