In a society where celebrity scandals often steal the spotlight, a darker and surprisingly widespread issue is surfacing—shoplifting. Britney Spears, Megan Fox, and Winona Ryder may seem worlds apart, but all three have something unexpected in common: accusations of shoplifting. And they’re far from alone.
According to a recent survey by personal finance platform LendingTree, nearly 1 in 4 American adults have shoplifted at some point in their lives. Even more startling, 1 in 20 have done it within the past year. While many envision shoplifting as a petty crime committed by rebellious teens, the reality is far more complex—and far more common.
More Than Just a Teenage Prank
“People steal for all kinds of reasons,” says Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief credit analyst. “Some do it for the thrill or out of curiosity when they’re young. But a significant portion are driven by genuine need.”
The data tells a story of desperation: 90% of recent shoplifters cited inflation and financial stress as the main reasons behind their actions. These aren’t people pocketing luxury handbags—they’re stealing basic necessities. Food and nonalcoholic beverages top the list of the most-stolen items.
“This isn’t about lavish thefts,” Schulz clarifies. “It’s about people trying to get through the day.”
Big Stores Take the Biggest Hits
Shoplifters are targeting large chain retailers far more frequently than independent stores—52% vs. 28%, respectively. Nearly half of all shoplifters admit to being caught, exposing just how rampant and risky the behavior has become.
Interestingly, the surge in shoplifting correlates with the rise of self-checkout lanes, a modern convenience that removes traditional oversight. In a previous LendingTree survey, 69% of consumers believed self-checkout made it easier to steal, and 15% confessed to actually doing so.
Retailers Are Losing Billions
The financial impact of shoplifting is staggering. The National Retail Federation reported $112 billion in retail losses in 2022 due to “shrink”—a term that includes both shoplifting and employee theft—up from $94 billion in 2021.
Big-name retailers like Target and Dollar General have scaled back on self-checkout systems, citing increased theft, price-switching schemes, and a decline in customer experience.
“Retailers are facing a perfect storm,” said David Johnston, VP at the National Retail Federation. “Theft levels are unprecedented, and the ripple effects are undeniable.”
A Pandemic Hangover?
Crime statistics from the nonprofit Council on Criminal Justice show that while property crimes dipped during the COVID-19 lockdowns, shoplifting is once again on the rise. In the first half of 2024, reported shoplifting cases were 10% higher than in the same pre-pandemic period of 2019.
Adam Gelb, CEO of the Council, believes the pandemic created unique societal shifts. “It was a master class in human behavior,” he explains. “Now, we’re seeing the fallout.”
Celebrities Aren’t Immune
From Britney Spears cheekily walking out of a gas station with a $1.39 lighter to Megan Fox’s teenage cosmetic theft at Walmart, even A-listers have flirted with the criminal line. Winona Ryder's infamous 2001 arrest for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars in luxury items from Saks Fifth Avenue was a headline-grabbing example of shoplifting in the public eye.
Terrence Shulman, founder of the Shulman Center for Compulsive Theft, Spending and Hoarding, says these incidents aren’t as rare as we think. “Many shoplifters are polite, well-mannered, and show little resistance when caught,” he says. “They’re not hardened criminals. Often, they’re people going through silent emotional battles.”
The Psychology of Stealing
Shoplifting motivations are as diverse as they are personal. Some steal out of grief, depression, or a need to assert control. Others act impulsively or seek an emotional rush, similar to gamblers or adrenaline junkies.
“The items stolen often make no sense,” Shulman adds. “Clothing that doesn’t fit. Books they won’t read. It’s not always about possession—it’s about emotion.”
Worryingly, shoplifting can become an addiction, driven by underlying psychological issues and reinforced by the temporary relief or satisfaction it provides.
Legal Consequences Can Be Severe
Though often viewed as a “minor” crime, the legal consequences of shoplifting can be serious. In some states, a single incident involving a relatively low-value item—like a smartphone—can lead to felony charges and even prison time, especially where felony thresholds remain low.
“If you’ve ever shoplifted, even once,” Shulman warns, “it’s worth asking yourself: Why did I do that? Because the reason might run deeper than you think.”
More Than a Trend—A Social Crisis
Shoplifting isn't just a quirky celebrity misstep or a side effect of inflation—it’s a mirror reflecting the cracks in society. Economic pressure, mental health struggles, and the silent shame carried by millions contribute to a crime that is no longer hiding in the shadows.
As retail giants tighten security and lawmakers debate reform, one thing is clear: shoplifting has become a full-blown national issue, and it’s forcing America to look inward.
Whether it's a Hollywood headline or a struggling single mom at the checkout lane, the truth remains the same—behind every stolen item lies a story waiting to be understood.
