ULPT Request How to (safely) shoplift necessities
Posted by OneInevitable1565@reddit | UnethicalLifeProTips | View on Reddit | 131 comments
This is a bit embarrassing, but here goes;
I am struggling pretty bad. Like, REALLY bad. I escaped homelessness recently but am unable to get into a stable rental for various reasons (need to renew ID can't afford it, etc) and I pretty much lost all my stuff. Between living in a hotel and absurdly expensive probation payments (my public defender did an absolute shit job, yay!) I literally can't even afford my basic needs right now. I need shampoo, toothpaste, tampons, and more. Sooo, I need some tips on how to safely shoplift without getting caught and violating my probation or worse. Hoping to hit my local grocery store. Teach me your ways, Reddit.
Real_Detail_963@reddit
I would be happy to send you a package with the necessities. Shoplifting right now sounds like a step back and away from the life you may want to create? Just a guess. But again, I’d be glad to ship you a package.
bradbrookequincy@reddit
Send me a message and I’ll Venmo you $25 that you can put with what you send to OP.
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
I'm expecting an Amazon package tomorrow from this generous, kind soul. Y'all are really restoring my faith in people and giving me hope again. ❤️
ZealousidealCattle39@reddit
What is ur general location, lived off various social services for 5 yrs illinois/colorado
LoveIsAllYouNeeeed@reddit
How did you do that? I really need to figure that it something for my mother who is computer illiterate cook who can’t work due to bad knees and back, arthritis, scoliosis. Her body is a mess and she needs assistance but we are I. Arizona
FirebirdWriter@reddit
Bit late to this but look up your state's long-term aging and senior affairs for the services available. This can include caregivers. Also meals on wheels.
ZealousidealCattle39@reddit
On top of this goodwheels is a service worth investigating
ZealousidealCattle39@reddit
I heard new mexico is more welfare friendly but call 211 or whatever to get the basics, then just repeatedly ask them where u can get x, y, z, ask every person about churches they know, outreach orgs, shelters, dhs offices can be a good starting point to point you in the direction you need to go to start.
Real_Detail_963@reddit
Hi, I connected with /u/Onelnevitable1565 via chat. If you’d still like to gift her, I suppose she’d be happy to communicate directly:) 🍀
Pelon-sobrio@reddit
This is the best of us, and this is what I love to see. I am enormously gratified to have witnessed this exchange, and I think you have made a lovely offer! Well done, you! 🥰
Real_Detail_963@reddit
🍀🍀🍀
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
It's absolutely not the path I want to go down. Its desperation. That is SO very kind of you . Made my whole entire day. ☺️😊😊 I'm going to send you a message!
strugglingSoberMa@reddit
I was just thinking how am I going to get shoes for my interview Tuesday I'm 55 days clean and not wanting to shoplift I can't find anywhere that helps for interview attire i love these people have helped you
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
Me too they've been great so kind
ShitsFuckedDude@reddit
Trader Joe’s doesn’t have cameras but has lots of employees so be careful. Really just don’t steal from the same place a lot. If it’s cold out, jackets help to conceal. Look for cameras and blind spots but don’t look up at them. Use your eyes. If you’re being followed, they most likely know. So drop all the stuff you concealed when it’s safe to do so and leave. You can’t be charged if you don’t leave with the merchandise. Also (if you have a car) park close but not in the main parking lot so cameras won’t get your plates. Don’t steal from private owned businesses, they need the money from the products. Also NEVER steal from Target!!! They know 100% of the time and will wait until you steal a felony worth of stuff so they can charge you with a harsher sentence
DrunkinDronuts@reddit
How does target know 100% of time ? I saw a thread where it was “what is this thing” and they have some sort of ai tracker. Is every target watched like a casino table ?
vagabond139@reddit
Target isn't state of the art, they define the art. They have literal crime lab that helps the FBI out when it comes to retail crime. Don't steal from a place that has a literal damn crime lab for shop lifting.
https://corporate.target.com/news-features/article/2012/02/an-unexpected-career-target-forensic-services-labo
And back when r/shoplifting was still around they even told people to never ever shoplift there.
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
I'm a former Target employee. I wouldn't dare risk taking even a drink from them! They're masters of asset protection.
pumkinmunchkinz@reddit
Can confirm from 10 yrs ago. Not worth
Worried-Classic-104@reddit
Eh, I'm skeptical about that. I work for a casino. We're always told about how advanced our cameras and AI are. We've got views of our guests from every angle except the bottom of their shoes.
But EVERY SINGLE TIME a problem arises, a guest breaks a slot machine or something, surveillance is always "inconclusive". It's all a smoke and mirrors show.
vagabond139@reddit
There are no smoke and mirrors there. They take asset protection very seriously and are the best in the game about it. OP actually worked at target before and can confirm this.
fileknotfound@reddit
Some Trader Joe’s DO have cameras, and some even have security. This will mostly be in big cities like NYC or LA, so YMMV. I worked for the company for many years and my partner still does.
jessiegirl82@reddit
Big box stores employees are less likely to care than a mom and pop. Do it quickly so the people on cameras don't have time to find you in the store.
Also, it is not unethical, but usually, there are food pantries and donation centers around you can visit to pick up some items. I'm sorry you're in this situation
ShaunaOfTheDead@reddit
NOT target
pumkinmunchkinz@reddit
FORREALLL
Sharzzy_@reddit
Are they behind the cameras 24/7? Damn, I always thought the cameras were there for playback. That sounds miserable
Muted-Performance424@reddit
As a former target employee, yes. Target has a dedicated staff for loss prevention (watching cameras, secret shoppers etc) and take it more seriously than any other store I know.
PhattyMcBigDik@reddit
As an addendum to this, find a Mormon church, go to their pantry, pick out what you need, go to church once in a while, and do what you can.
Appropriate-Two-7293@reddit
Just walk in and walk out. Happens all day every day at my store. No one cares.
AdNegative3504@reddit
If you dont actually want to steal you can try to supplement that with some of these poor tricks...
Sometimes if you write a email/comment mail to a fave company (toothpate, yogurt, snacks) they often send samples or coupons for free stuff back, may be worth mentioning yohr situation.
I also used to sign up for free samples... online... with an extra email because of course you get spammed but theres lots of sites that list all these promo offers and free samples you can get in the mail. Its not instant but it helped and i used to get shampoos, toothbrushes, pads+tampons, teas, protein powders, etc.
Also... dk what your situation is but have you considered a govt program, emergency food stamps?
exotic_mudbutter@reddit
Gas stations you can likely take the toilet paper without anyone noticing.
Gas stations in general, especially on a weekend (its currently labor day weekend so most people are traveling and all the gas stations are busy.)
Park your car around the corner. Grocery stores can be pretty difficult. Also walmart isnt a terrible idea.
goldenmam@reddit
There’s an app called “too good to go”, completely free to use,
Often times you don’t know what you get but it’s mostly all very good.
You just pay on the app and pick up at the specified time.
Definitely worth it if ur trying to just get food in your belly
Redhairedrockhead@reddit
I just got this app thinking it would be too far to drive, or not available in my area - holy crap there’s a BUNCH of places that do 6/7 dollar bags, all different times of the day, within five miles of me. Great tip, even if it is ethical!
goldenmam@reddit
Glad to help! ❤️
Icy_Tomorrow_@reddit
Campuses usually have free tampons/pads
You might be able to pop open their TP dispenser and soap dispensers have buttons on the bottom to open them up
Kamiden@reddit
Don't scan everything. Claim you aren't trained on how to use self-checkout, and made a mistake if you ever get caught. Never needed to do it myself though, so take it with a grain of salt.
Physical-Ice6265@reddit
Honestly going through self checkout makes you more of a target, some of the workers care too much about their job. It’s much more lowkey to stuff a few expensive things in your pockets and pay for one cheap thing, or just walk out altogether
Kamiden@reddit
Depends on where you go. No one checking people out gives a shit about there job at the Walmarts around here. Just avoid smiling old people and anyone standing up straight I guess.
SnooPandas1899@reddit
not necessarily true.
the non-white staff (likely immigrants), take the job seriously, because they grateful to have a job.
the other staff are chit-chatting and are more apathetic.
Kamiden@reddit
Nothing is always true when it comes to what someone you don't know will do, including what you've said. It's a game of chance. Best you can do is improve your odds.
Physical-Ice6265@reddit
Yes I guess it depends, I live in high theft area so usually employees been trained on it
JADRK@reddit
Second this! IMO You seem less suspicious if you’re willing to be face to face with a cashier vs trying to avoid employees
ak08021986@reddit
Send me an address and I will be happy to ship you necessities
momthom427@reddit
If you don’t want to ruin your probation, go to a shelter or food bank for these items. Or get a job.
IcyIndividual1100@reddit
I send u couple dollars for food
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
OMG thank you so much. I don't need much, I eat as cheap as I can. Cashapp? Mine is $Sarahtx512 Thank you again for your kindness ❤️
MossyRock0817@reddit
DM me, I will send you a box of supplies.
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
Currently employed and working as much as I'm able. Hotels are stupid expensive. Food bank is currently exhausted because of the ID situation. Promise I'm not trying to take the lazy way out .
bpdnidhdhdhfbdjdd@reddit
Bro how much does it cost to get an updated ID? That seems like the biggest issue for you.
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
I think it's like , $16-20
momthom427@reddit
Churches are helpful, too. Just don’t steal and risk putting yourself back in a worse spot.
scritchesfordoges@reddit
r/Dumpsterdiving is a good resource for getting free stuff. The best food and necessity hauls I see posted on there are usually from drugstores, AIdi and DoIIarGeneral.
Food banks. Make a schedule of what churches have them on what days, and get there early as possible for the best pick.
Tell supermarket managers you have goats or chickens and ask if they will sell you produce past It’s prime. Frequently they’ll give it to you, and you can cut away mold spots. In case they want to see proof, borrow photos from r/goats and r/chickens.
Go to restaurants and ask if you can do a chore for a meal. It won’t work at Applebees but sometimes local places are kinder.
If you’re near a Costco, ask people going in if you can enter with them. Eat the fuck out of those samples. Get them order a $10 pizza or $1.50 hotdog for you.
Do NOT steal from Target. They have cameras everywhere, use facial recognition software and allow but track theft until someone hits a felony amount and they can prosecute you to a more vicious extent. This style of loss prevention is also used by many chain stores, including Walmart. Target just seems the most gung-ho about prosecution.
Dollar Tree keeps a skeleton crew. There’s often only one or two staff for a whole store. If they’re on the floor, they’re not watching cameras. You’d also have to steal literally hundreds of items to hit a felony amount in most states.
If you get caught, don’t say SHIT. SAY NOTHING. Even an apology or sob story is an admission of guilt.
Sorry you’re going through this, OP. Late stage capitalism is barbaric.
Piss discs and liquid ass to all CEOs and finance bros.
scritchesfordoges@reddit
If you’re able to work, apply for catering jobs. Back of house doesn’t always have as strict a dress code as waiters, so cheaper uniforms. Unless the client wants leftovers (many don’t) there are frequently trays of food to be eaten or brought home by staff. I did cater waiter shit for a while and my cat wouldn’t even eat broiled salmon anymore.
bossamemucho@reddit
Ethical and good tip here ^. My friend worked catering very part time and it’s the only reason we didn’t starve a lot of the time.
Longjumping-Form-354@reddit
Go to prison. Free meals and housing. And unethical
Ok-Addition7008@reddit
Do you have a public health clinic near you? These are nonprofit “safety net” clinics that provide health care subsidized by the government. Cost is a sliding fee schedule based on income. Many of these clinics also have hygiene products/packages available and some even partner with food banks a few days per week to distribute food to those who need it. Not sure what state you are in, but I work for one in Arizona and we have tons of resources for folks in your situation.
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
Unfortunately everything is in Austin, which is a 30 min drive from me and I'm without a vehicle. No public transportation in my city either.
NoSoup2941@reddit
On your way in, walk by the self check out. Grab a handful of bags and browse the store.
Slowly fill the bags with groceries. Even stuff custom cut from the deli like steaks or meat or lobster.
Walk confidently out front door with full bags of groceries in hand.
Try to be in and out within 5 minutes.
NoSoup2941@reddit
I used to do this 15 years ago when I was hard up and I only had issues twice. I was asked to drop the bags and leave, no one ever got me in trouble. I did this all the time, typically $200-$400 in groceries. Changed my life at the time.
Coffee-and-gas7@reddit
I’m a couponer and have a stockpile I can send shampoo, conditioner, tooth brush and paste if you want!
IcyIndividual1100@reddit
Hey,late check your account details.
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
I responded to your earlier comment I , received on chime. Thank you!!
veridi-pollice@reddit
Wish I could help. Lack of tampons really stands out for me. I used to have to walk or hitchhike to different gas stations or park bathrooms and roll up wads of toilet paper.
kuda26@reddit
I would wear a hat and Covid mask
bradbrookequincy@reddit
Please don’t put your probation at risk. There are churches, homeless orgs etc that will help you. I don’t know but maybe your probation officer would know of programs
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
My probation officer is only concerned as to whether or not I'm complying with conditions of probation,. unfortunately. He's less than helpful. He's not understanding.
IcyIndividual1100@reddit
I sent it, check your acct.
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
Received, thank you so much. ❤️❤️❤️
Repulsive-Bag8349@reddit
Check and see if there is a Mutual Aid program in your area. I’d ask at the library. It’s easy to navigate as it’s just run by community members. They can help you with items you need and usually cash as needed as well.
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
Good idea!
Repulsive-Bag8349@reddit
Good luck. I hope everything gets easier very very soon!
Sweetnspicy77@reddit
This post/comments turned my day around. I was feeling incredibly overwhelmed and honestly, passively suicidal. Those that offered gifts: your kindness is unreal Op/“; you are worthy of these gifts♥️
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
I've been teetering lately with dangerous thoughts and I had no idea reddit would bring me the relief I needed.
ShaunaOfTheDead@reddit
Dollar tree. Very low risk. Just walk out
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
Got chased out by the manager last time I tried and she bullied me into bringing the stuff back in because I was already having a really emotional day .
IcyIndividual1100@reddit
Tried with CHIME Wouldn't work. Downloading cash app.
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
I just remembered I have joint access to a chime account since mine was shut down. Chime sign is $Carl12
IcyIndividual1100@reddit
What is screen name to send some help. Not bright est candle in the Shop. Not tech educated but trying.
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
I'm sorry not sure what exactly you're asking. Do you mean a payment app screename? I have cashapp $Sarahtx512
o-reg-ano@reddit
Not unethical, but many leftist organizations do mutual aid. Message local orgs and ask if they can help. I did that when I was broke and they gave me hygeine products. If you shoplift, stay under felony amounts for each store. Not sure about all of them, but iirc Target specifically doesn't prosecute until you hit the felony amount. If you have a friend who will enter/exit separately and create some kind of distraction(behaving erratically, dressed weird, asking employees stupid questions), that can take employee's eyes off of you.
toppestsnek@reddit
Just don't shit where you eat
PrudentFlatulence@reddit
I don’t recommend shoplifting, purely because it is not IF you get caught but WHEN you get caught. I had to shoplift necessities for a year or two so I could pay rent.
If you run out of legal options (most suggestions in this thread are great), all I can say is, if you get even 1% paranoid, drop everything and walk out. Even if one little hair stands on end, abort mission.
Again, not saying this to dissuade you for ethical reasons, I am saying this to look out for you and your future, as someone who once got caught.
Be well!
squishyoctopodes@reddit
Not unethical but if you're staying at an okay hotel you should be able to ask the front desk for extra shampoo/conditioner, a toothbrush, bar soap, maybe even a razor or comb. When I worked at a hotel they were free to guests, you just had to ask
IcyIndividual1100@reddit
How about research studies at nih remotely administered for cash, citizen science. My boyfriend is making money without my consent, but u can do ethical research by untrained. Check in to it.
Worried-Classic-104@reddit
Shampoo, toothpaste, tampons, and "more" are not necessities.
Food, water, shelter. Those are the 3 necessities for human life.
When you steal anything that isn't one of those 3 things, you're just a common pos thief. Thieves had their hands cut off back in the day, we need to bring that back.
Griffinej5@reddit
Do you suggest someone free bleed? What solution do you offer? It costs time and money to clean blood out of things. Getting your teeth fixed because you didn’t brush them is expensive. Sure, you can brush without toothpaste. It will work and you don’t actually need the toothpaste. Some of these things are necessities to live in a modern society.
Worried-Classic-104@reddit
I suggest they get creative...napkins are free for the taking at every location that sells food.
Humans have existed for literally thousands of years before current-day products like shampoo and tampons were a thing. These people survived, because again, only food and water and shelter are necessities for life.
If you really MUST HAVE these luxuries, you must work for them. Or, come up with creative solutions to solve the problem without spending money. It's really quite simple.
redrosebeetle@reddit
Shampoo and toothpaste - the front desk of the hotel you're staying in may have some of the travel sized containers as extra.
Toothpaste, part 2: if you can get to a dentist's office, it may be worth going to the front desk, explaining your situation and asking if they have any samples you can have.
Toiletries, tampons, etc. If you can get to your public health department or planned parenthood, they may be able to hook you up. Also, call/ visit local churches and see if they can help.
gofish45@reddit
Do this please and don’t violate your probation. It’s not worth it.
Teal-Pumpkin9157@reddit
If you can find a way in, a lot of colleges/universities have free tampons in their bathrooms now, just don't take too many at once or they'll think students are stealing and stop restocking
Griffinej5@reddit
For tampons/menstrual supplies, check the bathrooms at local libraries. If you’re near any college campuses, try their bathrooms. Do a search for businesses in your area with free tampons. Fuck, if you live near a cedar fair amusement park, my local one has free stuff in the bathroom. You could walk up to the gate and use the bathroom that is before you actually enter at mine.
kinkworks3000@reddit
Depending on where you are there may be a local credit union or charity that offers micro loans to folks in your position. Don't be shy they want to help!
Griffinej5@reddit
Buy a couple of things at the store so that you have a receipt. Or get someone‘s receipt who trashes it. Take something else, go into the bathroom with it at a store that says you can’t take unpaid items into the bathroom. If any employees question you going into the bathroom, quickly flash the receipt at them. I’ve had some employees harass me bringing paid merch with a receipt into the bathroom, when I was clearly holding the receipt. Flashing the receipt at them has typically made them shut up and leave me alone.
According-Ad5312@reddit
Target’s security system is better than CIA
goldenmam@reddit
Facts
Heidilovescoffee@reddit
Walgreens employees can’t stop you if you’re shoplifting. Neither can Target. They can have you trespassed from the premises if they know who you are, but they need your name for that.
goldenmam@reddit
This is going to depend on the state you live in. In California, most chains have hired loss prevention teams in plain clothes walking around the store with hidden walkies, or official loss prevention with handcuffs & pepper spray in the BOH. Suspicious behavior is called in, and the individual is followed all the way into their exit
Worried-Classic-104@reddit
They can absolutely stop you, they'll just lose their job afterwards.
Really I'd be more worried about the random armed customers like myself ruining your day when we see you doing that shoplifting bs.
MediumFuckinqValue@reddit
Shoplifting is a high risk low reward unethical move. If you need toiletries, hang out at hotels and wait for the housekeeping cart for low risk decent reward.
Go up to the Uber Eats counter holding your phone and grab a meal, making sure you look like you belong. It's unethical, yet you're not really stealing from someone because the restaurant will just make another for that person.
If you're in my town I can hook you up with some personal hygiene supplies and bring you somewhere safe.
goldenmam@reddit
Going to give you recommendations & then I’m going to give you real advice
Unethical - Places like Target & Walmart have Facial Recognition software. - Be very cautious of this. Hats, Sunglasses, change facial hair, change appearance, etc. - They all will start to keep a record and tally of things stolen. Target has even been known to take an inventory of multiple occurrences and charge you all at once when you’ve hit the felony amount, even if ur only caught at a time with 1 small item. - Like others mentioned, don’t frequent the same places.
wisdom & life experience advice here:
I shoplifted once as an adolescent 17 yr old kid and got caught, I didn’t understand that minors were given a slap on the wrist & I lied and said I was 18. They booked me, took me to jail & fingerprinted me & it was terrifying. They waited until I was 18 to prosecute.
Honestly, for 100$ worth of stuff, it wasn’t worth it.
I understand being in a place of need, but you would be surprised at the huge amount of ways to make money besides stealing.
Real Advice:
You would be best at looking into how to properly do side hustles here on Reddit.
You can sell clothes or belongings in Poshmark or Facebook marketplace.
the list of ideas is endless - turn this defeat into a clean slate & be an entrepreneur -
Leading_Bed2758@reddit
Please send me a message with the things you need! I’ve been going through my things to downsize for a move and have wayyy to much! Even face creams and lotions and such, I’d be glad for you to be able to use it!
Sawfish1212@reddit
Just go to your local food bank or homeless shelter and ask, I'm a volunteer at one and keep backpacks with toiletries ready to go, as well as have shelves of free clothing, and lists of where else to go in the region for free food, and every other kind of assistance.
we_gon_ride@reddit
Not a ULPT but there’s a r/periodpantry group here. I donate once a month and I know others respond to those seeking help. It would be one less thing to worry about
vagabond139@reddit
Any dollar type store should be a easy hit. They are always under staffed, over worked, and under paid.
BathroomInner2036@reddit
Dollar Tree and Dollar General usually don't have security and staff are not likely to stop you. Rarely the cops would get involved due to stuff being cheap. Get your soap, tooth paste and tooth brushes there. Easy to fit into your pants pocket or hoodie. Good luck.
Comprehensive_Elk773@reddit
It would be really hard to get dollar tree employees to notice anything
Dziggettai@reddit
They don’t even notice you wanting to check out so you end up standing there for like 5-10 minutes or get frustrated and leave
br00000dak@reddit
this is very general but do whatever you can to look as put-together as possible, no backpack or big bag, no look of uncertainty.
lakeswimmmer@reddit
a lot of foodbanks offer basic toiletries like the ones you mentioned. It sounds like you're seeing some good changes in your life, but going through a very hard time, but it can get a lot worse if you get busted again. Just go to a foodbank.
atlgeo@reddit
Don't do the self check crap where you scan some items and fake scan the rest. This is where everyone gets caught. That area is covered in cameras you can't see from every angle.
FantasticKey299@reddit
get a cart and go shop as if your a normal paying customer. walk right out with as much confidence as you can muster. there is no other way
TheKidsAreAsleep@reddit
Is there a little free pantry near you? The one near my house has a tub at the bottom where people put travel size toiletries.
What state are you in? There is usually a process to get an id renewal for free if you are low income.
Work the phones. Call or email every charity near you.
Join your local buy nothing group.
Apply for other jobs - even if you know that you would only stay for a few shifts.
Does your probation office have any social services? You are paying good money. Get whatever you can out of them.
Obvious-Release-5605@reddit
r/dumpsterdiving
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
You all are awesome, thank you so much 💯
Arcade_Life@reddit
I just wish you the power to get out of this situation as fast as possible. Not being able to afford the most basic necessities like tampons should not be something anyone has to go through...
I'd try asking some hotel residents for these pre-packed bags that include hygiene items. I'd happly hand these out to someone who asked me for these.
OneInevitable1565@reddit (OP)
Thank you. It's rough, but I'm incredibly thankful for a bed to sleep in and air conditioning. Texas heat is no joke. 🥵 I stay as optimistic as possible and remind myself every day that this is only a chapter in my story. I make a point to practice gratitude for even the smallest things. Not an easy feat for someone with major depressive disorder (amongst other crippling things) but I can't let that paralyze me anymore.
A1onbbq@reddit
Rule 5.
YoDJPumpThisParty@reddit
This doesn’t apply because the rule is against stealing from people for the sake of stealing, not because you’re homeless and can’t afford tampons. Jesus Christ.
A1onbbq@reddit
Oh sorry, I guess I didn't read that in the rules.
YoDJPumpThisParty@reddit
I was saying the rule doesn’t apply to you :)
ShitsFuckedDude@reddit
Look up LP subreddits and threads and read how they catch and spot people and just don’t do the stuff they’re aware of 😂 this worked for me when I shoplifted (I don’t need to anymore)
africafromu@reddit
Bring a reusable bag. Like a Trader Joe’s bag. Fill it up with you need. Then go to self checkout and buy like a pack of gum and walk out. Scout to see security guards and attendants. If you have confidence and dress like a normal person this should work.
whatintheheckareyou@reddit
Hey, this is for educational purposes.
Get a baggy clothing, sweatshirt, something oversized. If you have separated pockets, you can stuff all of these in one coat. Grab it with confidence, don’t look at it for minutes and minutes, just grab the damn thing and in one full motion put it in the dedicated big pouch.
I can fit 2 20 oz Red Bull’s into my sweatshirt with ease if that tells you how much room you’re working with. Don’t bring a backpack, that shit is dumb and will get you caught
Good luck.
whatintheheckareyou@reddit
Also LP (Loss Prevention) in big name stores are going to find it harder to get someone in trouble that is doing this out of necessity. When caught, spin that fuckin story like you’re picking coins off the sidewalk and walking 40 miles to and from work.
RichardBottom@reddit
I got stopped at Aldi once when I missed a hand full of things at self checkout. I was there with my girlfriend and we were rushing through it, and I put a box of stuff in the cart I thought she had already scanned. Nothing crazy, just a hand full of normally priced things. On the way out some manager got in front of us and without saying anything, just started going through the boxes in our cart til he found some of the stuff that wasn't paid for.
It was super embarrassing and he was a total dick about it. He did not believe for a second that we missed them by mistake, and wasn't afraid to say it. Still though, he took us to one of the registers and rang up the missing stuff and we paid for it in another transaction. He told us we weren't allowed to use the self checkout anymore, which we continued to use starting the very next day. At first we were humiliated, then once it wore off, kind of angry. What a fucking prick. Then we were like "Shit, now we know everybody gets a free pass even if they believe you're actually stealing stuff."
TitanFodder279@reddit
The scales implemented at the self checkouts dont actually weigh items in the way you think they would, they just register that after something was scanned something was placed on the scale. For instance, if I scan a chocolate bar, and place it and a $30 roast on the scale/ bagging platform at the same time, it doesnt flag it.
Spare-Ad2011@reddit
Maybe in USA. In Európe they weight by gram so you can only do stuff with produce.
jessiegirl82@reddit
But some of them have cameras now.
Shenkai123@reddit
Some zip up jackets or sweatshirts have big inside pockets or the way they are made leaves pocket like pouches where the actual outside pockets are attached to the inside.
My best advice is to be fairly quick in the store. Don't take forever, and ideally buy something even if it's only $1.
fishbutt1@reddit
There are plenty of folks who make ends meet on the dumpster diving subreddit.
If you’ve exhausted shelters, pantries, charities, that maybe an option.
Common-Syrup5694@reddit
When I was young, I had a gf who taught me how to shoplift. She had a larger bag--almost diaper bag sized. We used to go to a Walmart out of town and take socks, travel-sized hygiene items, and so on and stick em in her purse/bag. Never got caught. If you can, don't shoplift near where you live. Maybe the grocery store across town. If you get caught and trespassed, when you're able to afford to purchase your items, it makes life a lot easier. Good luck with your probation. Mine just ended, so I know it can be tough. Hang in there.