When the cost of living outpaces paychecks, shoplifting can become a crime of necessity rather than one of opportunity. In fact, 23 percent of Americans have shoplifted, according to the latest LendingTree survey of 2,000 US consumers—and 90 percent of recent shoplifters say they were motivated to do so because of inflation and the current economy.
With more than a third of American households facing financial insecurity, that five-finger discount may seem understandable.
Here’s what else the survey found:
- Digital Partner -
- More than 1 in 5 Americans admit to shoplifting. 23% of Americans have shoplifted. Of those with a shoplifting history, 23% have done so within the past year, and 52% were older than 16 at the time. Shoplifters are most likely to hide the items on their bodies (55%) or in purses or bags (36%), while 25% are bold enough to walk out with their loot in plain sight.
- The current economic climate makes theft more enticing. An overwhelming 90% of recent shoplifters say they steal secretly due to inflation and the current economy. Over a third (34%) of shoplifters rely on five-finger discounts because prices have become otherwise unaffordable, while 30% say it helps make ends meet and 27% say it helps save a few bucks.
- Shoplifters are more likely to take from chain stores (52%) than local stores (28%). They admit that their thievery is easiest in grocery (46%), department (36%), and convenience stores (26%). The most common items shoplifters target are food and nonalcoholic drinks (45%), clothing, accessories or jewelry (39%), and makeup or cosmetics (21%).
- Most shoplifters get away with the crime, but many are caught in the act. Barely over half (52%) of shoplifters say they got away with it, with 48% saying they were caught red-handed. Of those caught, 33% were warned, 24% were arrested and 22% were banned from the store. Overall, 18% of Americans say today’s anti-theft technology doesn’t deter them from shoplifting.
Find the full study, as well as information on methodology, here.