Out of curiosity, does anyone here habitually steal, or perhaps suffer from kleptomania? I myself have a habit of taking things that may not necessarily belong to me largely because of the thrill it provides that I would describe as 'dupers delight.' Also, considering this forum isn't moderated, do you have an stories or tips to share?
I used to lift a lot of booze when I was younger. I would also buy things at the same time so I looked more ordinary. Leaving the store with shopping bags always helps. I would normally do it in pairs with a friend. I would have my backpack on the keep watch, when I told them to go they would load as much drink as possible into the bag. Then we would buy some small things and leave.
I only ever stole consumables. Oh yeah, I used to live in Germany and when you shoplift any food there under the amount of 15 euro, it's refereed to as "mouth theft", which is not a crime. If you get caught they just give you a slap on the wrist and some food stamps, so you technically profit. A fairly handy policy - you can't be done for stealing a load of bread if you're hungry (or booze if you are an alcoholic, for that matter).
The few times I haven't stole booze or food it would be small things from places with little or no security. Preferably when the place was packed with people.
I stole a sculpture from an art gallery once by talking on my phone next to it for a full ten minutes before making the lift. Then I came back two weeks later and did the same thing so I could have the counterpart to the thing I took.
Dressing correctly is also essential. If you look poor then you fit a profile and will be under watch. Dress smart, look distracted/bored/vaguely pissed off and you have good chances.
I have stolen some things in the past, but I don't have kleptomania.
I don't really get any thrill out of stealing. In fact, stealing in general doesn't do much for me at all, except save me from having to spend my own money.
The first time I stole something was when I was 7. I climbed onto a metal bin and reached in through the neighbor's window to steal an ornament that was sitting on a shelf just inside it.
I may have stolen things earlier than that age too, but if I did, I don't remember. Apparently my father, or it may have been my brother's father (I can't remember which one my mother told me it was) would encourage me to steal things from stores when I was a toddler.
I was not specifically referring to shoplifting, but also from places outside of stores as well. I'm fairly confident you all can figure out what I'm alluding to. But just in case, something similar to Tk's experience. Also has anyone done it for a reason other than "I wanted x?" On occasion, I myself have taken money from some unsuspecting person on more than one occasion to feed myself when money was tight.