With children and loved ones craving the latest cool gadgets and trendy toys, money always seems tight around the holidays. It may be tempting to snag a free present for your special someone by swiping it off the shelf when no one is looking. But think twice before shoplifting this holiday season. Even the holiday cheer likely won’t convince police to give you a free pass. Here are a few reasons why shoplifting is especially risky for you and your family:
- Shoplifting can quickly become more than just a misdemeanor. Suppose you use a device such as a magnetic key, purse, or bag to conceal stolen merchandise. In that case, you could be charged with Organized Retail Theft, a class 4 felony under A.R.S. § 13-1819, or Shoplifting with an Artifice, a class 4 felony under A.R.S. § 13-1805. Likewise, if police believe you have the intent to resell items, you could also be charged with Organized Retail Theft. Felonies carry stiff penalties, including the possibility of prison. Misdemeanors could also result in significant jail time, probation, and fines.
- Repeat offenders will see the harshest consequences. Under Arizona’s three-strikes rule for shoplifters, anyone with two or more convictions for Shoplifting, Burglary, or other Theft-related offenses occurring within the past five years could be charged with a class 4 felony for their third offense, per A.R.S. § 13-1805.
- Stores are beginning to go high-tech with their shoplifting defense systems. The new technology utilizes artificial intelligence to recognize and alert managers to suspicious customer behavior, such as concealing merchandise in a bag. This means store security could soon become far more efficient and shoplifting far harder to hide.
So stay off Santa’s naughty list this December, and don’t risk spending the holidays behind bars. If cash is tight this holiday season, try these resources around the State of Arizona for free or low-cost holiday shopping instead:
- Harvest Compassion Center will give out food, hygiene items, and toys at all 3 of its valley locations through December. For more information, contact HCC North Phoenix (602-788-2444), HCC West Phoenix (602-841-7110), or HCC Maryvale (623-247-0039).
- Crossroads Youth Intervention and Fire and Water International Church will host a toy giveaway on December 17 at 6 pm at 1937 E. Diamond St., Phoenix, AZ 85006. Space is limited, and toys are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- St. Vincent de Paul’s Feed the Valley Campaign runs through the end of the year and provides food boxes to families over the holiday season. For more information, visit https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/give/campaigns/feed-valley.
- Childhelp donates toys and clothing to children who have survived abuse and neglect. For more information, contact Kathy Emig at kemig@childhelp.org, 480-922-8212, or visit https://www.childhelp.org/events/toydrive/.
If you or a loved one are caught shoplifting this holiday season, it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney. Cindy Castillo is a certified criminal law specialist per the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. She and her team of highly qualified attorneys are available for a free consultation at 480-206-5204.