Shoplifting in Orlando

Stealing is one of the oldest crimes in the world. People steal for a variety of reasons; however, stealing is never right in the eyes of the law. If you’re caught shoplifting in Orlando, then you will face possible criminal charges.

Most Stolen Items

Some shoplifters have a preference when it comes to stealing.

A person that’s stealing in order to resell the items will likely choose small items that people need. Diapers, baby milk and small electronics fall into this category.

People that steal because they need something often go for necessities. Toothpaste, food and clothes fall into this category.

Three items that some Orlando shoplifters target include:

• Expensive Meat – steaks, filet mignon and lamb chops make the list of the most shoplifted items. A person could possibly steal these items because they need a meal. However, these cuts of meat have a high resale value. Meat theft is such a problem, until some meat products have anti-security devices implanted underneath the price tag or inside of the pad that absorbs the meat juice.
• Razors – razors are popular among shoplifters as well. Razors are small, easy to conceal and have a high resale value. Gillette’s Mach razor products are one of the most popular brands with consumers – and shoplifters.
• Baby Formula – it’s no surprise that shoplifters target baby formula. The formula is expensive, so it has a high resale value on the street. It’s also possible that a parent simply can’t afford the formula that their baby needs. Powdered baby formula weakens the strength of heroin and cocaine – which is possibly another reason shoplifters target it.

Criminal Charges

Shoplifters in Orlando can possibly face a charge of petit theft or grand theft. Florida law determines the charge based on the item or items stolen.

Anyone facing a possible shoplifting charge in Orlando should know the following:

• Shoplifting items that have a value of $100 or less is petit theft in the second degree. This charge is a misdemeanor, and can land a shoplifter in jail for up to 60 days.
• Shoplifting items that are between $100 and $300 is petit theft in the first degree. This charge is a misdemeanor as well, and is punishable by up to 364 days in a county jail.
• Shoplifting items that cost more than $300, but less than $5000, is grand theft in the third degree. This charge is a felony, and is punishable by up to 5 years in a state prison.

Rehabilitation

The Florida court may order a convicted shoplifter to take a shoplifting/petty theft rehabilitation course.

The Florida Safety Council offers the class in several Florida states, including Orlando. The purpose of the class is to reduce a person’s chances of becoming a repeat shoplifter.

Students learn about things such as impulse control, goal setting, stress management and self-motivation. There’s also an emphasis on discovering what drives the individual to shoplift.

The 8-hour course is for adults only. Juvenile shoplifters cannot enroll in the course.