Beginner's Guide To Shoplifting

by scuzzy-elo

Bypassing Security

There are two basic ways to bypass anti-theft devices. You can remove the tags or block the sensors from picking up on the tags.

When removing anti-theft devices you need to know that the following will set off a security alarm:

• Magnetic strips
• Barcodes
• Ink Tags

In certain situations, one tag can be easier to remove than the other. If an item has a barcode that is under shrink-wrap, it would be harder to remove than an item with a magnetic strip on the bottom.

Magnetic strips have very strong adhesives that hold them on to their products. The easiest to remove are the ones with the strips on top of a shrink-wrapped item. The tag can be ripped of as easily as the plastic tears. If a magnetic strip is directly on the product, removal can be harder. A box cutter would help in situations like that. If possible, you could take the product out of its box. Be wary of magnetic strips that will leave parts remaining on the box. The type that are square with silver spirals leave parts that can still set off an alarm so be careful when removing them.

Ink tags are the hardest, in my opinion, to remove. If possible, acquire the removal tool from behind the cashier’s station when no one is around. You could also melt a hole in the back with a lighter and dump the balls out and remove both sides. You could also take it via your magic bag and put it in your freezer at home. After it has been in there for a day, you can pull the tag off without the ink spilling.

When blocking sensors from picking up signals sent out by anti-theft devices, a magic bag is often used. After creating your magic bag, you can test it by putting a cell phone inside the bag and calling it. If it doesn’t ring then the bag will block the signals from anti-theft devices.

There are variations of the magic bag. You could make one in the shape of different pockets to slip things in easily. You could line the inside of a jacket or the inside of your pants. The basic idea is that a few layers of aluminum foil will block radio signals.

You could also stuff a box. Remove the tags from wanted items and put them all in a large box that has another item in it. Wait a few hours and come back later. Get the box and pay for the item. If you didn’t stuff the items in a box of something you wanted, save the receipt and return the item and get money for it.

Leaving The Area

When leaving, always follow through. If the alarm goes off, just continue walking out the door. Once you’re outside, workers can’t legally apprehend you. A tip would be to try and walk out as someone else is walking out. With luck, they will think that something wasn’t scanned from their purchase, while you walk out with no visible items.

In the event that a worker does try to apprehend you, you will need to escape. Since no beginners have cars, I would assume, running is your best option. If you are running from someone trying to grab you, zig-zagging is a good evasive maneuver. If you are in or near a crowded area, make your way to the most dense part of the crowd and walk at a moderate speed.

Basic Tips

Appearance is a factor in shoplifting. Most teenagers are watched the most when they walk in a store in a group with no adults with them. Also, people with radical styles of appearance are monitored a lot as well. Dress like you have no reason to steal something. If you buy something and try to smuggle something out, act like you are in a hurry to get to your study group or something. Be creative. Also, don’t be scared. If someone suspects you of shoplifting but didn’t see you take the product or even have it in your hand, they will try to intimidate you in to putting the item back. In this situation, just grin and go about your “business”. Make it look like you are still browsing through the store and walk out with the item already concealed. Deny everything. If you are caught outside the store, give them the stolen items and run to your car. If you want, you can try to run with the items to your car. This technique is not recommended to someone without a car, workers might chase you on foot. Avoid looking at cameras. If you plan to go back to the store and you were monitored when you shoplifted there before, workers will have been informed and will be on the lookout for you. The cameras will also monitor you more closely when you go in next time and you may be caught.