Articles Posted in Shoplifting / Retail Theft

Shoplifting is common; so much so that many people see it as being no big deal. However, shoplifting is in fact a criminal offense taken very seriously by retailers and the state of Illinois. Were you aware that shoplifting as little as $300 in merchandise is an automatic felony punishable by 2-5 years in prison?…

Property crimes are some of the most common criminal offenses in Chicago. Property crime convictions are also ones that carry serious criminal consequences. That said, facing conviction of a violent crime – one which involves the use of force or threat of force against another – can result in a punishment longer lasting and far…

Petty theft and shoplifting are some of the most common criminal offenses. Because of this, you might think that the penalties would be minor. However, a theft or shoplifting charge is actually quite serious – especially in Illinois. Theft and shoplifting are penalized based on the value of goods allegedly stolen. Both offenses can be…

If you are accused of shoplifting in Illinois, you need to know what actually constitutes a charge in order to know how to fight back effectively. Below, we’re going to explain the acts that count as shoplifting in our state, as well as what options you have to battle your charges. Illinois Retail Theft: Acts…

Companies are using new high-tech methods to stop people from stealing. In this post, we’ll tell you about these methods and describe what penalties you can face for getting caught. High Tech Theft Deterrent Methods In 2015 alone, retailers took over $45 billion in losses due to shoplifting. Now, stores are working harder than ever…

Walmart is one of the most popular places for shoplifting, and recently a man was accused of shoplifting at least 30 different times from Walmart stores in Illinois and Indiana. The suspect has allegedly been shoplifting televisions and computers over the last 18 months at multiple Walmart stores. Three of the 30 instances supposedly happened…

Being falsely accused of a crime like shoplifting can be confusing and unsettling, and you may not know what to do. How do you fight back against the word of a store manager or security personnel? What kind of evidence can help your case? What are your rights? Unfortunately, this isn’t just some imaginary “what…

You’re walking around a store to kill some time while you wait for friends. When you get a text that they’re ready, you head for the exit. Before you can get there though, a big security guard steps into your path and says you have to come with him. When you ask why and shake…

Back to school shopping is expensive. Even with stores everywhere touting huge sales to help parents get their kids ready for the new school year, the cost can be prohibitive. Recently, a Bedford Park woman took matters into her own hands by attempting to steal 90 back to school items from the local Walmart. She…

Do you remember being a teenager, shopping in a department store with your friends and being followed around by employees? Maybe you were accused of stealing or asked to leave. This interaction is not uncommon, and has negative consequences for both customers and the store. Customers who are stereotyped as shoplifters are often discouraged from…