shoplifting

What Happens If You Get Caught Shoplifting at Target?

If you get caught shoplifting from Target, you could face criminal charges for theft. Target is known for its extensive loss prevention practices and active efforts to catch shoplifters. Some strategies that Target loss prevention officers use include video surveillance, plainclothes security officers, and uniformed staff at the exits.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24viPG6LTk When a security guard thinks that a customer is shoplifting, the guard will stop and question the potential thief. If any stolen property is recovered, Target will often issue a “no trespassing” order against the shoplifter, banning them from returning to the store. Target loss prevention will also contact the police, who will respond to the store to conduct an arrest and initiate criminal charges.  Does Target Press Charges for Shoplifting? Yes, Target will typically pursue criminal charges against shoplifters. According to Texas law, shoplifting is a type of theft. Texas Penal Code § 31.03, which is the theft statute, states that “A person commits an offense if he unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of property.” In other words, an individual commits theft when they take property that belongs to someone else and doesn’t intend to return it to the owner. When a theft occurs in…

The Defendant’s Guide to Shoplifting

In Texas, there is no separate criminal offense called “shoplifting.” Instead, people who steal merchandise from open retail stores are prosecuted on theft charges. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7U652YH_A What is the definition of shoplifting? The term “shoplifting” generally refers to stealing goods from a retail establishment during regular business hours. Under Texas law, shoplifting is considered theft because Texas has consolidated most theft-type offenses, such as shoplifting, embezzlement, extortion, and receiving stolen property, into a single statute.  Texas Penal Code § 31.03 reads: “A person commits an offense if he unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of property.” Essentially, this means that theft is taking someone else’s property without their permission and not intending to return it.  Texas law also criminalizes the possession, manufacturing, or distribution of shielding or deactivating instruments used for shoplifting under Texas Penal Code § 31.15. Is shoplifting a felony or misdemeanor? Shoplifting can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor offense depending on the value and nature of the property stolen and your criminal record. Class C Misdemeanor Shoplifting is a Class C misdemeanor if the value of the property stolen is less than $100; Class B Misdemeanor Shoplifting is a Class B misdemeanor…