Shoplifting
Types of Shoplifting throughout New York State
Various types of shoplifting charges exist under the New York Penal Code. These include petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and grand larceny. Petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property are generally charged as misdemeanors. Grand larceny in a shoplifting case is generally charged as a 4th-degree felony though more serious felony charges may apply, depending on the value of the goods stolen.
Various methods of shoplifting can result in charges. These include when shoplifters take items and walk out of the retail store, concealment, theft through the use of booster bags, tag switching, group shoplifting, and shoplifting through a practice called "sweethearting." Taking items and making a fast exit is one of the quickest methods, requiring little planning. To make this type of shoplifting more difficult, retail stores generally place expensive merchandise as far from exits as possible. Concealment involves taking an item and hiding it inside a shopping bag, backpack, pocket, or other place. Detection of this type of shoplifting requires the act of concealment being seen or an alarm sounding.
Shoplifting with the use of booster bags involves bags which are lined with material that disrupts communication between magnetic, microwave, or RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags and their respective readers. These bags also conceal stolen merchandise and are often made from the retailer's own shopping bags.
Tag switching refers to removing the price tag on an item and replacing it with a cheaper tag from a less expensive item. It also involves placing an inexpensive tag on an item that has no tag at all. Group shoplifting involves individuals acting together to steal goods. Sweethearting refers to the practice of a store cashier or employee who fails to scan items at checkout for a friend. The employee may pretend to scan items but covers the barcode or moves or stacks the items in such a way as to avoid scanning.
How an attorney can help your business
Many circumstances and factors can lead to your store becoming targeted by a shoplifter. Merchandise placement, packaging, surveillance, and location of exists or just a few. If you are facing persistent losses from shoplifters, you should seek experienced legal help. By contacting the law offices of Lance Fletcher, we can take a look at your store and provide a customized report detailing ways you can reduce exposure to shoplifting. Additionally, we can discuss the advantages of pursuing legal action against shoplifters. Our firm will work diligently to help you achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
Contact us for a consultation about your shoplifting problem today.