As a social work student, I was disheartened to learn about the increased instances of shoplifting at the Walmart Supercenter in our community, especially considering the underlying causes behind this behavior. While a small percentage of individuals may choose to shoplift for the “thrill,” a more significant percentage turn to shoplifting as a final resort rather than an initial choice. According to a recent LendingTree survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers, 90 percent of recent shoplifters attributed their actions to inflation and the current economy.
As a state with a higher cost of living, the average meal cost outpaces financial assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) in Massachusetts. In 2022, Project Bread found that the maximum allotted SNAP benefit does not fully cover the cost of a low-income meal in all counties but one in Massachusetts. Currently, there are also no federal programs that cover the costs of basic needs such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and other hygiene products that are commonly shoplifted.
A combination of economic challenges, mental health issues, and a lack of supportive resources contribute to behaviors that appear criminal but instead originate from basic unmet needs. Rather than addressing the driving forces behind shoplifting, the criminalization of this behavior exacerbates the individual’s challenges, leaving them worse off than before and without support. Retailers like Walmart often focus on prevention through punishment instead of offering supportive alternatives when shoplifting occurs. Large, wealthy corporations also need to consider their role in community responsibility. Walmart should address shoplifting from a social welfare perspective by connecting offenders to financial counseling or employment assistance resources. They should also increase access to essentials by introducing programs or discounts to help alleviate needs-based shoplifting due to economic pressure.
On a state level, Massachusetts should invest more in support programs by increasing the budget for food services, mental health resources, and affordable housing. Addressing the root causes of shoplifting can reduce the increasing number of incidents that we are seeing at the Plymouth Walmart Supercenter more effectively than criminal charges.
– Emma Larracey