shoplift
Steal from stores
To shoplift is to steal merchandise from a store while posing as a customer.
The crime involves concealing items and leaving without paying: She was caught shoplifting cosmetics.
A shoplifter is one who does this; the act is shoplifting.
The term emphasizes the retail context—stealing from shelves rather than from persons or homes.
Decrease in size
- wardrobingWearing then returning merchandise
- boosterSomething that increases strength
- fenceBoundary structure between properties
- resellingSelling purchased items onward
Secretive and sly
- sneakyStealthily deceptive
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- discreetCareful to avoid notice
undetected · unobserved · secretive · covert · concealed · hidden · undercover · sleight-of-hand
Systematic observation of subjects
- CCTVSurveillance camera network
- sensorInput-detecting device
- alarmUrgent warning signal
- plainclothesCivilian dress for officers
monitoring · detection · anti-theft · camera · guard · apprehension · detainment
Unlawful taking of goods
- misdemeanorLesser criminal charge
- felonySerious criminal offense
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
- convictionFirmly held belief
arrest · detention · citation · fine · probation · restitution · trespass · ban
pilfer
Sneak off with trifles
pinch · pocket · lift · snatch · thieve · nab · sneak · nick · boost · palm
shrinkage
Decrease in size
- wardrobingWearing then returning merchandise
- boosterSomething that increases strength
- fenceBoundary structure between properties
furtive
Secretive and sly
- sneakyStealthily deceptive
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
discreet · undetected · unobserved · secretive · covert · concealed · hidden · undercover · sleight-of-hand · distraction
surveillance
Systematic observation of subjects
plainclothes · monitoring · detection · anti-theft · camera · guard · apprehension · detainment
larceny
Unlawful taking of goods
- misdemeanorLesser criminal charge
- felonySerious criminal offense
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
conviction · arrest · detention · citation · fine · probation · restitution · trespass · ban · charge
- theftstealing, larceny, steal, burglary, robbery
- misbehaviormisbehave, misbehavior, mischief, misconduct, naughty