shoplifting

Shoplifting is when you take something from a store or shop without paying for it. In Canada, there are two different charges. Theft under $5000 or Theft over $5000. Shoplifting under $5000 is punishable by fine of up to $2000, imprisonment for 6 months, or both.

    Shoplifting for under $5000 in Canada, is more common than bank robbery, or anything over $5000. That is the side we are talking about today. 
    Taking from places like the Dollar Store is just as wrong as stealing from Le Chateau. You are still costing someone more money than you are taking. If you take a sack of cookies from the dollar store, manufacturing costs are going to be what is on the price tag, plus a dollar extra.

    In the past, I witnessed people shoplifting from stores as easily as counting to three. They were never caught, and I should have said something to the employees or security guard on sight but I did not. But they were taking things they did not even need. They were taking lighters, lipstick, and more. It was wrong.

    If you witness someone shoplifting, tell someone working at the store or leave the area. You don’t want to end up being blamed for it. Telling someone can help you feel more at ease and less like you are keeping a secret. If you are protecting a friend, think for a moment, are they really your friend if they put you in that position?
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    If you are shoplifting right now, consider your reasons. 

1. Are you doing it because you want to be like your friends?
2. Are you doing it to help provide for your family?
3. Are you doing it because you saw something you like but don’t need it?

If you answered yes for questions one and three, you are doing it for the wrong reasons (though there is never a right reason). If your friends are pressuring you into doing something like this, they are not true friends. And maybe instead of stealing the thing you like, try finding a way to pay for it. By paying for it, the economic cycle can continue (You buy, they produce, you can buy more). There are many options if you cannot afford it. You can talk to store owners, sometimes they will help you out. 

There was one time that someone I know wanted to steal a snack, but instead of stealing it, she went to the store owner and explained her situation. She was able to pick one item out for free as long as she came back to pay for it when she could afford it. She paid it back one week later.

If you answered yes to question two, instead of stealing it for your family, you can either go to the government for financial support, go to food banks, go to shelters, and more. There are many other options than stealing.

    I believe that there is always a better way to do things. And I believe you can find these ways, if you need help feel free to email us or message us in some way. We will be happy to help! Good luck!

All information found: https://www.law-faqs.org/national-faqs/criminal-code/criminal-code-shoplifting/

Joey