Shoplifter Demographics

Since we turned over info about a couple of shoplifters to the police and got word today they had been identified and picked up, I took a look at the demographics of the identified shoplifters we have dealt with over the years.

Looking at four identifiable characteristics:  age, sex, and race, they are all male and young, college and high-school aged.  No elementary school kids as far as we know.  The differentiation comes in terms of race.  We have had roughly an equal number of black and white shoplifters, however, what they steal differs markedly.

Black shoplifters tend to steal more generally.  We have lost Yu Gi Oh cards, movies, video games, RPG books and snacks to them.  White shoplifters are more focused.  Almost exclusively, they focus on CCGs, especially Yu Gi Oh and Naruto, back when it was more popular here.  Magic gets stolen some too, but not as obviously, or as often, as the Naruto and Yu Gi Oh.

Shoplifer Redeax

For those interested, we caught another shoplifter last Tuesday. This gentleman was very pleasant, came in asked a number of questions about Star Wars items we had that he though about getting as a present for his kid. He also said he had dislocated his shoulder, as a reason why he walked somewhat awkwardly. He left without buying anything, saying he was going to come back with some video games to trade.

About 15 minutes later, I received a call from Book World, saying that a man matching his description had tried to sell a couple of Dark Heresy RPG supplements. I check the shelf and, sure enough, two of the four sued ones were missing. Book World hadn't bought them, since the shoplifter asked $75 for the pair. Figuring he would try the other used bookstore, I called Book Worm and warned them he might visit them. Sure enough, he showed up about 15 minutes later. I got a call from Book Worm and called 911 right away. The Carbondale Police showed up at BW while I was on the phone letting them know I had called. The shoplifter had left BW already, but police picked him up a few minutes later, still with the books.