What constitutes shoplifting?

Shoplifting is specifically defined as the act of stealing merchandise from a retail establishment, typically by a customer. This criminal behavior encompasses a variety of methods by which individuals attempt to take merchandise without paying for it, including concealing items on their person or in bags, or manipulating the payment process to avoid payment altogether.

The definition is significant as it distinguishes shoplifting from other forms of theft, such as employee theft, where an employee might steal items from the store they work for, which would not fall under the standard definition of shoplifting focused on customer actions. Additionally, theft of non-retail items or services does not fit the specific context of stealing merchandise from a retail environment—shoplifting is exclusively related to the theft of goods intended for sale in a retail context. Therefore, the core definition of shoplifting revolves around actions taken by customers within retail spaces.