As the holidays circle around, expenses skyrocket too. Family reunion dinners, gift exchanges, and festive decorations all increase your expenses during this time of the year. Some of you may struggle with having the money to keep up with all of it. Did you know that retailers make a large percentage of their annual sales during these months, but it is also when stores experience the most shoplifting incidents? We have listed a couple reasons why shoplifting is popular amongst these months, and how A-EZ Out Bail Bonds can help you out if you have been charged with this offense.
What Is Shoplifting?
Shoplifting is the theft of goods from a retail establishment during operation hours. Most times, shoplifters conceal the items in pockets, under their clothes, or in a bag and they leave the store without paying. Shoplifting is one of the most common forms of property crimes in the United States.
Reasons Why Shoplifting Increases
Here are three reasons why shoplifting is tempting during this time of the year.
Personal Need
While some people steal during the holidays because more expensive items are out on display and they are tempting to take, others steal because they feel the need to. Necessities are usually the targeted items by those that are going through a financial hardship. The expensive electronics and jewelry are stolen for financial gain.
Increased Foot Traffic
Everyone is crowding the stores trying to buy all of their Christmas gifts and taking advantage of all the discounts. Since there are more people inside stores, it’s a lot easier for shoplifters to blend in and steal.
Busy Staff
Employees are occupied with delivering exceptional customer service during this crowded environment, so they get distracted from focusing on loss. They have little time to watch customers for signs of suspicious behavior when they are constantly completing sales transactions, handling customer inquiries, and restocking goods.
What Are the Consequences of Shoplifting?
Businesses lose over $16 billion each year due to shoplifting, and most of it happens during these holidays. If the value of the goods you shoplifted was under $400, it is charged as a misdemeanor. You can spend up to 6 months in jail and pay a fine between $50 to $1,000. If you have stolen goods over $400, you will be charged with grand theft. This can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on your criminal record and the jury. You will serve up to a full year in prison and pay a large fine. If you have stolen goods under $50, you will be charged with an infraction. It’s less serious than a misdemeanor and your fine will be under $250.
A-EZ Out Bail Bonds to the Rescue
If you have been arrested for shoplifting, get in touch with A-EZ Out Bail Bonds right away. Our bondsmen will grant you a speedy release, and guide you through the entire bail process. All you need to do is pay a small percentage of the bail amount to secure a bond with us. We will cover the rest. Team up with us, and our team will bring you back home for the holidays.