What to Do if You See a Shoplifter

If you are shopping and you see a shoplifter, you have options. You can report them to the nearest employee or manager, you can confront them or you can ignore the situation and simply go about your business. Which decision you make depends upon the situation and your personal beliefs, morals and ethics.

Reporting a shoplifter

If you witness a theft, you may go to the nearest employee or manager and report the incident. Remember to talk to the employee with your back to the shoplifter, keep your voice low and do not point. Try to give details such as gender, clothing and what was taken.

Confronting a shoplifter

It is important not to confront a shoplifter if you are afraid of recourse. Often, the best option is to report it, not to take matters into your own hands. If, however, you feel the need to let the shoplifter choose to replace merchandise before the authorities are involved, remember to keep your voice low and calm, do not appear antagonistic and remind the shoplifter that you are attempting to save them from legal action.

Call the police

Usually, a store manager or other employee is available to call the police, but if no employee is available, pulling out your cell phone and dialing 911 yourself is a perfectly acceptable option. Remember that the shoplifter must have clear intent to leave the property with the stolen goods; some people put things into their pockets and then take them out at the register to purchase them.

There are a few different options when you witness someone shoplifting. After you make your decision, see it through.