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2010-03-20

2010-03-16

2010-01-19

Agriculture

Lifestyles

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 9:42 PM

Shoplifting is far from a victimless crime

Songwriter John Mellencamp, in the 1980s, once said “Nothing matters … and what if it did.”

That disenchantment may be what some people are thinking as evidenced by the recent rise in shoplifting and other theft at area stores. These aren’t just teens out looking for a thrill on a dare but adults, too.

Area merchants have sponsored publication of a series of essays on the topic of Shoplifting in The Herald during the past year. Youth writers consistently say it is important to obey the laws of man and God and not steal, to respect others’ property and to avoid injustice of stealing as well as avoiding a life of crime.

It is clear that theft and shoplifting do matter. In addition to the possible negative impact on an individual’s personal record — and surely their consciences, too — merchants suffer a loss of revenue. They must pass on those costs to customers. Then, the rest of us suffer, too, from a higher cost of goods and services, as well as developing a lack of trust in others.

Unfortunately, shoppers aren’t the only ones taking advantage of the five-finger discount. Employees also do their share of “lifting” merchandise from stores. Consequently stores often incur numerous costs to maintain security of goods and to ensure they don’t leave the premises unless they are paid for.

Some see shoplifting as a harmless game with no consequences, which is precisely why it is so important for merchants to prosecute shoplifters. Of course, merchants are not the only ones experiencing theft. A rash of break-ins involving cars also is occurring. Owners are reporting broken windows, stolen electronics, money, medicines and more. Often, these thefts are less than the deductible on an individual’s auto insurance so the loss has a maximum negative impact, particularly on those unable to afford to have vehicles repaired and items replaced.

While some people may steal for financial reasons more often shoplifting is the result of social, peer or personal pressure. Those may be the same folks who thoughtlessly destroy people’s pumpkins — just for kicks.

Those who think nothing matters need to think again. Theft and damage to personal property does matter.

Do what you can to provide the peer, social and personal pressure that makes people think twice before committing stupid and destructive acts of theft.

— Jeanny Sharp, editor and publisher

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Shoplifting is far from a victimless crime

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.