Shoplifting is one of the most common crimes committed across America. One in every 11th person has shoplifted before in their lives and many people manage to make a living out of this criminal activity. Shoplifting is currently America’s #1 property crime with shoplifters stealing over $20 billion worth of goods from retailers each year. In the state of Minnesota, theft and shoplifting accounts continue to rise every year.
Minneapolis Shoplifting Crimes
Shoplifting refers to stealing goods from a store or paying less than you are supposed to for an item. Shoplifters will often hide items under their clothes or try to switch the price tags of items to get a better deal. Some shoplifters will use shoplifting devices or work as a team to get the item out of the store without paying for it. Shoplifting can also entail breaking into a store and stealing the goods which will also come with more serious charges such as break and enter.
Shoplifters take just about anything and everything. Pharmacies report that medications, condoms, pain killers, underwear and cosmetics are often shoplifted while grocery stores report both small items like batteries and large items like meat being shoplifted. Electronic stores, furniture stores, clothing stores and jewelry stores all take the necessary precautions to stop their items from being stolen. Many shoplifters have successfully walked away with televisions, radios, CD’s, bracelets, sweatshirts and shoes. Many stores will keep their more expensive items locked up or behind the counter to counteract against the rise in petty theft.
The Aftermath on Shoplifting, Minneapolis Theft Lawyer
Shoplifting does not only affect the store owner but it also affects all consumers. Because of the amount of stolen goods and losses each year from shoplifting, consumers pay an additional $300 for goods to subsidize the loss.
Because of the drastic increase in shoplifting, most store owners will include a security camera, convex mirrors, or hire a security staff to keep a firm watch on the store at all times. This is making it harder for shoplifters to get away with stealing and more and more attempted shoplifters are being caught in the act.
MN Shoplifting Defense Attorney Can Help
If you have been charged or arrested for petty theft or shoplifting, you need to act fast. The quicker you contact a defense lawyer, the more time he/she will have to prepare your case and ensure you are judged fairly and accurately. Contacting our shoplifting defense lawyer at 952-451-4987 right away will ensure you are getting the representation you need to get out of this messy situation. Our shoplifting defense attorney, Martin S. Azarian Criminal Defense, P.A. has years of successful cases in the field of MN shoplifting and can maximize your legal interests in a shoplifting case.
