Retail  theft  involves three types  of  theft:  vendor fraud,  employee theft,  and shoplifting.  Shoplifting is classified as “petty theft”, but there is one thing for sure:  shoplifting  is not petty nor is it insignificant.  With an  estimate of 330 - 440 million shoplifting  incidents per  year in the United States,  shoplifting costs retail businesses $15,000,000 in lost revenue.

How can businesses try to make up for this loss?  Simple, by passing  it back to the consumers, namely you and I, in the form of higher prices on those things we want or  need  to  buy.   Ultimately  everyone  pays  more  to cover  the loss from those individuals who think they deserve something for nothing.

In  1998, J. S. Educational  Services developed  the Anti-Theft Program  to work with individuals who have been apprehended and charged with theft, particularly shoplifting.  The program helps the participant understand the negative impact  theft has on their community.  Since most shoplifters do not normally steal and live their daily lives “the right way”, the program also strives to help the participant understand what caused  them to  risk committing  their  theft.

With this dual understanding,  the participant  can avoid future shoplifting or stealing,   which is the ultimate goal of the Anti-Theft Program.  By reducing  future  theft, everyone in the community wins.