‘They Won’t Even Miss the Raspberries I Steal’ Says Millennial as Shoplifting Rises Among Young, Well-off

Shoplifting is becoming increasingly common across the United States, with a growing number of Americans admitting to stealing from retail stores — and financial pressure appears to be the driving force behind the trend.Thirty percent of Americans say they have shoplifted at some point in their lives, up from 23 percent in 2024, according to a new survey from financial site LendingTree, which polled 2,000 Americans in early June. “These findings are concerning because they suggest many people aren’t shoplifting for thrills or resale but because they feel squeezed by basic affordability challenges,” said LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz. “That doesn’t excuse shoplifting, but it does highlight how financially vulnerable many consumers are. When people are risking arrest or fines to obtain food, hygiene products, or other essentials, it suggests inflation and stagnant cash flow may push some households toward desperate choices,” he said.Of course, the number could well be higher, as these figures reflect only those willing to admit to shoplifting. Among respondents who say they have shoplifted, more than a third (37 percent) report doing so within the past year — up sharply from 23 percent in 2024.The surge in shoplifting is closely tied to economic hardship. Among those who say they have stolen in the past year, 90 percent say inflation and broader economic conditions contributed to their decision. The items being stolen reflect the financial pressures many households are under. Food and nonalcoholic drinks are the most commonly taken items, reported by 30 percent of shoplifters. Clothing and personal hygiene products rank second and third. Among parents with children under 18, toys, school supplies, and electronics are also commonly stolen.Inflation has accelerated this year, with rising costs straining budgets across income levels. Notably, shoplifting is not confined to lower-income households — 40 percent of those earning $100,000 or more say they have shoplifted, compared with 27 percent of those earning under $30,000. Separately, 80 percent of Americans believe rising prices have made people more likely to steal, the survey found.Younger generations are leading the trend. Thirty-nine percent of Gen Zers and 38 percent of Millennials report having shoplifted, compared with 24 percent of Gen Xers and 18 percent of Baby Boomers. Men are also more likely than women to report stealing, at 36 percent versus 23 percent.Social media had a field day with the report. “Every liberal city on the West Coast legalized shoplifting, so that may have played a part,” one user wrote on X. “It’s time for these retailers to start speaking out against this obnoxiously arrogant behavior that local government and law enforcement encouraged because of lack of accountability! In essence, leftist policies ‘legalized’ and encouraged petty theft nationwide,” another user wrote.One Millennial we spoke to, who asked that her name not be used, said simply: “The store I shop at charges $8 for a pint of raspberries. The family that owns the chain are billionaires. They won’t even miss the raspberries I steal every once in a while.”Chain retailers are the most common targets, with 36 percent of shoplifters saying they steal from chain stores, compared with 33 percent who target local businesses. Grocery stores are the most frequently reported location (39 percent), followed by dollar stores (28 percent) and department stores (25 percent). When asked which specific retailers were easiest to steal from, Walmart topped the list at 47 percent, followed by Family Dollar, Amazon Fresh, Kroger, and Costco.Despite how widespread shoplifting has become, the risks remain serious. More than half of respondents (52 percent) say they have never been caught, but consequences for those who are include warnings, fines, store bans, and arrest.“Shoplifting may feel like a way to solve an immediate cash-flow problem, but getting caught can create a much bigger one,” Mr. Schulz said. “It can lead to short-term financial costs, including fines and legal fees, as well as longer-term consequences, such as making it harder to get a job or rent an apartment.”

‘They Won’t Even Miss the Raspberries I Steal’ Says Millennial as Shoplifting Rises Among Young, Well-off

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