If you want to make money from shoplifting then the first thing you have to ensure is; that you don’t get caught while shoplifting. Then you can sell the shoplifting items to the second-hand market, online platforms, private collectors, etc., and make money.
Key Takeaways
- You can shoplift various expensive items and then sell them to make money
- There are quite a few ways you can shoplift and some common methods are the Drag and Replace Strategy, The Distraction Model, Refund Strategy, Crotch Walking, Fitting Rooms, etc.
- Depending on the value of the items, shoplifting can be a class 6 felony
- It is always better to shoplift as a pair and use the other person to create destruction
- In the USA, felony theft thresholds range from $200 – $2000
What is Shoplifting?
According to Wikipedia –
“Shoplifting is the theft of goods from an open retail establishment, typically by concealing a store item on one’s person, in pockets, under clothes, or in a bag, and leaving the store without paying. With clothing, shoplifters may put on items from the store and leave the store wearing the clothes. The terms “shoplifting” and “shoplifter” are not usually defined in law. The crime of shoplifting generally falls under the legal classification of larceny. Shoplifting is distinct from burglary, robbery, or armed robbery.”
So, if you take or remove items from a store, supermarket, etc. unauthorized or without paying for the items then it will be considered shoplifting. So, the act of shoplifting includes –
- Changing a price tag
- Removing security tags
- Putting store merchandise in the pocket or purses
- Removing an item from the original packaging and putting it in the pocket or purse
What to Consider While Shoplifting?
Shoplifting is a type of art and if you can execute it properly then you won’t get caught. Therefore, you should consider quite a few things before shoplifting. For instance, it is always better to shoplift with another person. If you go with your partner then he/she will be able to watch your back while you are shoplifting. On the other hand, if you go alone then you will find it very difficult to successfully complete the operation. Another thing you should keep in mind while shoplifting is, that you should always go for small and expensive items. This is because it is very easy to hide small items. Moreover, if the item is expensive then you will be able to make more money. If you get caught shoplifting then you will get 2-years in federal jail as punishment. Therefore, you should scan the whole scenario before executing the shoplifting plan. You should check the number of security guards, store attendants, cameras, etc., and ask your partner to keep an eye on them. You should keep everything simple and always try to avoid attracting the guard’s attention. While leaving the store; don’t come in once with your partner. If you and your partner go out separately then your partner will be able to make a diversion if you face any problems. This way you will be able to carry out the heist successfully.
Different Shoplifting Strategies
There are various shoplifting strategies available. You can choose a method according to your plan. Now let’s check out various shoplifting strategies below!
1. Drag and Replace Strategy
This is one of the easiest ways you can shoplift various items. In fact, you should use this strategy while shoplifting expensive items. According to this method, you have to target small items that you will be able to hide very quickly. Now visit a store or super shop and look for small expensive items. Once, you find the right item, you have to observe the surroundings and decide whether you will be able to replace the item with a replica. Then your next step is to find and buy a replica of your targeted product. The next day visits the store and exchanges the genuine item with the replica.
2. Refund Strategy
This strategy is also similar to the above strategy and using this method you will also be able to shoplift small expensive items. Here, you have to find a store that has a refund policy. You also have to ensure that the replica you are using is an exact match to the original. Now buy the product and then take it home. After 2 – 3 days call customer service and tell the customer agent that the item is not working and you want a refund. Then visit the store and give the replica version of the item. The store attendant will quickly replace it for you or refund you your money.
3. The Distraction Model
You can use this strategy if you go shoplifting with your partner. Here, your partner can work as a wingman and try to distract the sales representative or the security person who is monitoring you. Here, your partner will buy you sometimes so that you can change the product or take and hide the product. You have to make sure that you won’t contact your partner when you are in the store or it will create suspicion.
4. Crotch Walking
If you are a woman then you will be able to use this method for shoplifting. What you have to do is, wear a skirt or full dress and visit the store. Now pick some small and valuable items then place the items in-between your thighs, and walk out of the shopping mall. If you can lift heavy things with your thighs then you will be able to shoplift more oversized items like electronics, baby diapers, hair extensions, gaming consoles, etc.
5. Fitting Rooms
You can use this method to shoplift like a pro. Though, using this method you will only be able to shoplift the clothes. Visit the store, collect the clothes and then go to the fitting room. Now switch the clothes while in the room and then go out of the store. With this method, you will also be able to change a replica with a genuine product.
6. Coats Method
This method is similar to crotch walking but you don’t have to be a woman to apply this method. Any gender can perform this shoplifting trick. You have to wear oversized coats with slits in the pocket lining and a face cap. You can use the face cap to protect your face from the security camera. At the store, when nobody is looking at you, try to pick up the item you need and stuff it in the coat lining pocket and go out of the store. With this technique, you only be able to shoplift small items or items that will fit your coat’s pocket.
7. Store Stock
You can use this method in a small store with 1 – 2 employees. First, you have to visit the store and pretend you are looking for something. After a few minutes, you should ask one employee to help you find the item. Now, when the employee is looking for your item, find the right moment to pick whatever you want to lift.
List of Products that are Best for Shoplifting
Below is a list of items that will be the best option when it comes to shoplifting. They are –
- Cosmetics
- Portable Electronics
- Packed Meats
- Alcohol
- Cell Phone Accessories
- Baby Formula
- Sunglasses
- DVDs, Blu-rays and Video Games
- Razor Blades
- OTC Drugs
- Cigarettes
- Jewelry
- Sporting Goods
- Jeans
- Swimsuits
- Baby Formula
- Metal Wire
- Cheese
Where to Sell Shoplifting Items and Make Money?
Well, shoplifting is difficult and it is even more difficult to sell the shoplifting items and make money. The best way you can sell shoplifting items is to sell them in the secondary market. You can also sell these items online on various platforms like OLX, eBay, Craigslist, etc. You can also use various “buy and sell” Facebook groups to sell your shoplifting items. You can also sell your shoplifting items at Amazon, the world’s largest e-commerce marketplace.
State-wise Felony Theft Thresholds in the USA
| Name of the State | Felony Theft Threshold |
| Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming | $1,500 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $950 $2,000 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000 $750 $1,500 $750 $1,000 $500 $750 $1,000 $1,500 $500 $1,000 $1,000 $1,500 $1,200 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $750 $1,500 $1,500 $650 $1,000 $200 $500 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $2,000 $1,500 $2,000 $1,000 $1,000 $2,500 $1,500 $900 $1,000 $750 $1,000 $2,500 $1,000 |
References:
https://smartlazyhustler.com/shoplift-expensive-items/
https://www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2020/06/10/felony-thresholds/