Stealing Integrity

Stealing is very common. Most thiefs are witnesses or the felons themselves. Adolescents are constantly faced with challenges that ultimately boil down to ethics. What causes stealing? What are the consequences that make everything okay? How often do people steal?
When asked why people steal, students offer compelling possibilities.
“They feel the need to possess the item [because] they have no other way to obtain it or [maybe it can result from] peer pressure; but I’ve never stolen anything in my life,” junior Henry Chen said.
One out of eleven people have stolen an item, according to the National Learning and Resource Center. Reasons can vary and shoplifters are not common with just one gender; it can be anyone.
“People steal because they want something without the hassle of paying for it. I’ve stolen one thing before, not knowingly though. That was the only time,” sophomore Danielle Giberti said.
According to the National Learning and Resource Center, about 25 percent of shoplifters are kids and 55 percent of adult shoplifters say they started shoplifting in their teens. Some teens don’t completely know the consequences of shoplifting. The consequences are far greater than people merely risking themselves getting caught and destroying their integrity. Shoplifting actually overburdens the police, costs consumers more for goods and causes communities to lose dollars in sales taxes which negatively impacts families.
It’s not worth it. According to an LA Times article, shoplifting can even indicate deeper emotional problems, such as trouble with feeling in control and impulsiveness. Self-worth and ethical values are constant reminders to keep stealing at bay.

By: Michelle Paulino StaffWriter