Sometimes I wonder what goes on in a shoplifter’s head. Do they know what they’re going steal or do they just do it impromptu? What I do know after working in a grocery store for years is shoplifters steal what they want instead of what they need. Last night I caught a shoplifter who was homeless. The items of choice were food and alcohol. The interesting thing was he went in line to pay for the beer but steal the food. He bought a 6-pack of Busch beer which was about 5 dollars and stuffed the sandwiches he didn’t pay for in his backpack. I confront him after he’s done paying for the beer…
Me: Hey buddy, did you pay for the stuff in your backpack?
I Like Busch: Uh, my packpack?
Me: Umm… OK, your packpack. Did you buy that?
I Like Busch: I forgot.
I always give shoplifters the chance to buy the items before I do anything drastic.
Me: Just go pay for it and we’ll forget this ever happened.
He acts as if he’s digging in his backpack, I mean packpack, for money.
I Like Busch: I left it at home.
Me: OK, so you want to keep the beer or the sandwiches?
Such an easy choice, right?
I Like Busch: Uh, how much is the sammich?
Me: $4.69…
He takes a look at the beer and sandwich as if he’s comparing the size.
Me: It’s a big sandwich, man.
I Like Busch: I rather have the beer.
Me: You’re not hungry?
I Like Busch: Beer gets me through the day…
Does it for everybody?
