NCJ Number
145465
Date Published
Unknown
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The Retail Theft Diversionary Program of the Allegheny Service Institute, located in Pittsburgh, provides an alternative to jail and/or a fine for first-time shoplifters accused of stealing less than $150 of merchandise.
Abstract
The participants, who each pay $50 to support the program, attend a 5-hour session on the Pennsylvania Retail Theft law, the possible penalties, the types of acts that are considered criminal, the nature of a hearing should they be arrested a second time, and the reasons why people shoplift. Most participants are children and adolescents. Many shoplifters fail to realize the economic impact of their crime on the stores they target, many of which operate on very slim profit margins. The Pennsylvania law requires only intent to obtain merchandise for less than its marked price for an arrest and conviction; a second conviction is a misdemeanor, while a third conviction is a felony. Retail theft, including shoplifting, is one of the few crimes which does not have special provisions for juvenile offenders. Completion of this program means that the charge of retail theft is dismissed, and most offenders can have their records expunged.