A shoplifter is someone who steals items from a store by hiding them and leaving without paying. Shoplifters might slip merchandise into their pockets, bags, or under their clothing, hoping store employees won't notice. It's theft, even though the shoplifter never breaks a lock or smashes a window.

Stores lose billions of dollars to shoplifting every year, which means honest customers end up paying higher prices to cover those losses. Many stores now use security cameras, electronic tags, and plainclothes security guards to catch shoplifters. When caught, shoplifters face criminal charges and may have to pay large fines or do community service. Stores keep records of shoplifters and may ban them permanently.