Covid-19 Crisis and Social Climate in America
As one may have noticed, the COVID-19 crisis that came to America became a catalyst for many negative social trends and boosted many criminal activities. Theft is one of them; experts say that there is “an increase in thefts, especially highly organized robberies” (O’Donoghue, 2021, para. 1). Some of the readers of this educational infographic may have personally witnessed these brazen and criminal acts.
Adolescent Shoplifting
Shoplifting has increased significantly, especially in the most populous and urbanized states. Unfortunately, teenagers make up a significant proportion of shoplifters. Epstein (2021) says that “shoplifting teens are a dime a dozen” (para. 1). There are specific reasons why teenagers decide to shoplift things.
Causes
As one might have guessed, one of the motivational drivers for a teenager to shoplift is the insufficient monetary provision, simply put, a difficult financial situation in the family. Criminologists identify poverty as one of the root causes of juvenile delinquency (Agnew & Brezina, 2014). Lack of attention and family conflicts, such as parental divorce, can also lead a young person to steal. External negative influences from friends, classmates and online influencers are other causes.
Consequences
Family financial well-being is not a panacea for shoplifting adolescents. The infamous Saints are perfect examples of juvenile delinquents with a wealthy socioeconomic background (Chambliss, 1973). The consequences of unaddressed juvenile shoplifting are the involvement of teenagers in organized theft, other serious gang activities, and placement in a youth detention center. All of this can lead to them growing into adult criminals.
Prevention and Resolution
Building and maintaining strong and healthy family relationships is an excellent preventative strategy for teenage shoplifting. Paying attention to their after-school activities and providing them with emotional and financial support in times of hardship are other helpful measures. Revealing their wrongdoing is an effective harm-reduction tactic since the vast majority of juveniles stop shoplifting and stealing after realizing that relatives and the public know their crime (Epstein, 2021). Discuss with teenagers what prompted them to shoplift is how parents can rehabilitate their children.
References
Agnew, R., & Brezina, T. (2014). Juvenile delinquency: Causes and control (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Chambliss, W. J. (1973). The saints and the roughnecks. Society, 11(1), 24-31.
Epstein, V. (2021). Shoplifting teens: A rite of passage? Kars4Kids.
O’Donoghue, J. (2021). Shoplifting and organized theft on the rise in the United States. Buzz.