“You have to take people at face value, or you will always think that everyone is full of it,” explained Kesick, who added that her job is to impart the information about the negative impacts on the community. She can only hope that it registers.
Victims of victimless crime
The group was instructed to discuss who gets hurt by their actions. They learned that shoplifting results in a 15 percent increase in item costs, talked about the myths of “fairness” and did a hands-on art project detailing their community’s resources for help with food, mental health, parenting and more. Class participants must fulfill homework assignments, join in on group discussions and exercises, read aloud from the workbook and show up — on time — for all four classes.
Interestingly, the group was asked whether they would ever feel comfortable inviting each other into their homes. “Yes, of course,” they cautiously agreed, insisting that stealing from a store was entirely different than stealing from a person. Some in the group admitted that their belief that shoplifting is a group mentality, where others acknowledged that not everyone shoplifts. One very pregnant mom felt that she did not belong in the class because she did “nothing wrong,” and was “only a look-out” for her friends who were stealing. “Everyone does it,” she shrugged. No, they don’t, assured the facilitators.
Can’t help herself
“Amanda,” 22, admitted she compulsively shoplifts small-ticket items. This time, she got arrested with her unknowing husband and 2-year-old baby in Wal-Mart stealing $14 worth of reduced-cost items out of the dollar bin. Amanda said this was a second infraction for the couple in Wal-Mart, explaining that once her husband had an item under the baby stroller which he says he forgot about. For an entire year thereafter, she said, Wal-Mart security would follow her wherever she went in the store.
“I have stolen baby wipes, diapers, because I needed them,” she said. “Though I didn’t really need everything I have stolen, it was always logical to me.”
Revisiting the moment, the emotions, and the motive, is a big part of the program as well, said Kesick. Amanda said that her “why” is the thrill of the suspense. “Going through the doors I would get a high. ‘Am I gonna get caught? Am I gonna get caught? Am I gonna get caught?’”
Amanda’s punishment was 32 hours of community service picking up garbage along the outskirts of the mall, collecting trash such as used condoms, needles and dirty underwear. As per the requirements of the program, Amanda wrote an apology to Wal-Mart and further asked permission to be able to return there to shop — a request which was denied.
The program also preaches the Golden Rule: Do no harm. It concludes with a letter of apology to the store, court and family. “My mom doesn’t even know, or she would kick me out,” said “Jeremy,” whose mother is one not likely to be receiving a mea culpa.
Well DEFINITELY there are better choices than shoplifting:better to become a Psychiatrist, that way you can rip everyone off legally.