Shoplifting getting out of control.

Nepal · 28-09-2012, 07:51 PM

I don't know how I've managed to keep my shoplifting secret this long as I'm what some would call a prolific shoplifter stealing things every opportunity I get especially alcohol, I walk in brazen and calmly fill my man bag up with the items I previously thought out then walk out as calmly as I walked in. I've never been caught sometimes stealing upwards of £40 each time numerous times a week.

Now I've just moved into a supported living placement with three other guys and the thought of me getting caught terrifies me and would serious jeopardise my placement as we'll as ruin my name labelling as a thief. Has anybody ever overcome their shoplifting habit and how? Thank you!

Infatuated · 28-09-2012, 09:00 PM

I don't have any first hand experience with this but it seems like this might not be something you can overcome on your own.
When you say 'every opportunity', do you mean you can't go into a shop without stealing something? If that's the case you could try setting yourself little goals. For example, go into two shops in one day and don't steal anything. Then slowly build those goals up.

Is the alcohol a problem for you or do you just steal it because you can?
It might be a good idea to talk to someone about this and try to get some professional help for dealing with this.

JayBlue · 29-09-2012, 12:53 PM

You're very lucky you haven't been caught, i got caught twice, the first time i recieved a caution the second time i went to court and got 80 hours community service which sucked, but i know ideserved it, i am not proud that i did it at all and i worry about my criminal record. Try to stop and get help cos you don't want to get a record mate trust me.

bella_cullen · 29-09-2012, 08:59 PM

I think this is something you need to get sorted sooner rather than later. As you've said, you're risking so much doing this, not just in terms of being caught but also your health as I'm assuming you're stealing the alcohol to have yourself? Do you have any professional support?

Nepal · 29-09-2012, 10:42 PM

Alcohol is a big problem for me especially when I've already been drinking and have no more money to continue so at this point I just steal it sometimes three times in one night until I'm intoxicated. The shame in the morning is horrendous and there is this niggling thought in my head that somebody might of seem me.

I suffer from Bipoler and have spent my benefit money unwisely in the past, when I was sectioned last time social services took me to court for power of attorney over my finances so its broken up into two small payment a week barley enough to get bladdered this has resorted me my stealing getting out of control I think.

Infatuated · 30-09-2012, 02:57 PM

It sounds like you really do need professional help in order to effectively deal with this problem. Are you in contact with a psych or counsellor at all for your bipolar disorder?

Wonderland. · 01-10-2012, 01:06 AM

I used to shoplift due to my bulimia when it was really out of control and I had no money so you are not alone in this at all.

I really think you need to speak to social services about this as you obviously need more support regarding your substance abuse in order to help you from shoplifting.

I managed to stop, I still get urges, but I want you to know that it can be overcome.

It's great that you can see that you need some support to stop things from escalating further.

Take care.
Ams x

Sleepless123 · 06-10-2012, 01:15 PM

Hey sorry i dont have any experience of this but things sound really difficult for you and out of control and i know im late but i just wanted to let you know i read and care.im often slow to reply but feel free to message me anytime.i might not be much use but will always be happy to listen.How are things going now?Did you manage to speak to anyone and get anymore help?i think youve been really brave in realising you have a problem/how bad its got and that you need more help.Please dont feel you have to struggle with this alone.Seek the support of those around you especially professionals and i know it may be scary but try and be honest with them.Also keep talking here if it helps.Well done also for being so brave and posting.Its a great first step.Best wishes.