Shoplifting is a common crime that occurs when someone steals merchandise offered for sale from a retail store. Shoplifting from retail stores costs mechants an estimated loss of 13 billion dollars per year.

To be convicted of shoplifting, one must "intend" to permanently deprive the merchant of the value of the merchandise. Merchants are often confused about the procedures for lawfully detaining someone suspected of theft from their store. What are the rights of the merchant? What are the rights of the customer? How much force can be used to detain someone who has stolen merchandise?

To answer these questions and more, I have written several articles to discuss the issue of shoplifting and retail loss prevention procedures.

Shoplifting and Loss Prevention Articles

Shoplifting, Retail Theft

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