Petty Thief

Report Drug Problems to the FDA?

2010-03-03T23:10:00.000-08:00

well, it's worth a shot.

I don't know if anyone reads this blog, but if enough of us start complaining about what has happened to us while we were taking anti-depressant medications, maybe something can be done about it.

The fact remains that I have had a manic episode related to this medication. All of the signs and symptoms were there, and then some. I had no idea that an anti-depressant could do so many things to you.

Check out the official FDA site. Vioxx was pulled from the market because of complaints. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm

Thieves like us?

2010-02-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

It's hard to say if these people who are looting after the earthquake in Chile are really thieves or if they are taking food in order to survive. Even the law recognizes that people who steal from neccessity will not be punished with the same severity. With electricity most likely not working, and no one working, what are people to do when they have no food?

Here is a link. I just don't see it as the same. Nor do I see it as the same thing when someone is taking a medication which definitely can influence behavior.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/lt_chile_earthquake

Please note that they did figure this out:

To strip away any need for looting, Bachelet announced that essentials on the shelves of major supermarkets would be given away for free, under the supervision of authorities. Soldiers and police will also distribute food and water, she said.

The Devil Made Me Do It

2010-02-23T00:21:00.001-08:00

After thinking for several months that it would make a difference, after my medical records were subpoenaed, after crying about the medication causing me all these problems...

I was told today that I should take the plea.

Because if I got up on the stand and said that I was stealing stuff under the influence of this medication, and that I was doing it all the time that I was risking more than 3 years of probation. I was risking jail time.

Because my reaction to the medication was severe and out of the ordinary, even if my doctor and counselor were willing testify for me that it was medication related, it didn't matter.

To a jury...

My tears were crocodile tears.

My defense began to sound like, "The devil made me do it."

It doesn't matter that these impulses are gone after getting off the medication. Never mind that my hair is still in the process of growing back. No matter that my face is scarred from acne. Never mind all of that. Never mind the truth.

Thanks to the Twinkie defense, it sounds like "The devil made me do it."

My attorney said, "I don't care what the truth is. I care about protecting you."

When I entered my plea, the judge seemed to feel sorry for me from the expression on his face. Maybe he knew that pleas aren't always the truth. I was so disoriented I couldn't find my car in the parking lot. I lost my favorite pair of sunglasses somewhere. I have to pay fines and restitution. I now have a record with two misdemeanors. I have to do community service.

People have lied to me. My first lawyers said "Trespassing isn't priorable." When I first went in to talk to someone at the DA's office. I was told, "You have a good case for trial." Another attorney decided to subpoena all of my medical documents because he said he believed me. Today I was told by my final attorney, "He just didn't have the backbone to tell you. He knew he was being transferred and so he left it to me to tell you the truth."

The "Irresistible Impulse" defense didn't work. "Entrapment" didn't work either. The drug defense didn't work because she had friends who said they had friends who were on that same drug and they didn't do those things.

So all that was left was, "The devil made me do it." No one believes in the devil anymore. And no one believes he can do anything.

Shit.
I took the plea.

Trail on Monday, I hate my life.

2010-02-21T02:26:00.000-08:00

After many postponements, the trial will finally happen this Monday.

I am not taking any psychotropic meds. Except for being severely stressed out, I am almost normal. I am so fortunately to have people around me who believe me and this will become part of the trial.

Unfortunately, something else is coming down the pike that I thought I would be cleared of. Unfortunately, our justice system is an injustice to us. I haven't been arrested on this. My lawyer is appearing for me on Monday at one court while I attend at another.

The thing is, I didn't do this. But the investigation was probably negligible. I even told the detective what to look for and he didn't do it.

I've been falsely accused of a hit and run. I worry about writing all the details. But I didn't do this. I was falsely imprisoned against my will. I was falsely accused of trying to hit a man. I was given a parking ticket and then I asked if I could leave. I was very disturbed about the way that they treated me when this occurred and I called 10 minutes after I left to report the event to the concierge desk. Somehow in the course of the next few days, the men who detained me invented a wild story and in this version I hit him at a high speed. News to me. I really wouldn't do that. When I called, I left my phone number at their workplace. No one said anything about an injury. They waited 7 days to contact the police. Does anyone else think these people got in trouble at work and then lied to cover it up??

The problem is that I now have a record. I hate my life. This is really serious. I'm scared that something bad will happen, even though they have my complaint on file at the place where this happened. I can only hope that there is video somewhere that hasn't been destroyed. This happened nearly 1 year ago.

I had just started to feel happy and like I could go on with my life again. I thought for sure that they would find the videotape and the complaint I made to drop this. They just didn't. They didn't believe me.

The cruelest twist of fate that ever occurred in my life was the head injury I had a few years ago. It placed me on medication that did awful things to me. And everything else that has followed as I reacted to it worse and worse has been a nightmare.

I wish I could be someone else. I hate my life.

Cured of Compulsive Shopping, Spending Sprees,

2009-10-03T22:39:00.001-07:00

When I was on Lexapro, I used to feel a deep spiritual connection to Tory Burch... Rodeo Drive and Robertson were my special places. I still know all the best places to park, eat and shop. Sometimes 5 large bags from a department store had to wait until people were asleep so I could sneak them up to my room without being detected. My cousin asked me one day, "Don't you want to save your money?" I took a friend shopping once and she was fairly convinced that I was out of control and not shopping normally.

She was right.

My wardrobe used to fill a small closet in a small NYC apartment. My collection exploded to the point that the rod in the closet is bent from the weight and I seriously doubt another thing could fit. It started with being video taped for a class. My humble wardrobe needed help. The Lexapro kicked in and a trickle became a torrent. My clothes now spill out of a closet 4 times the size of that one.

$1200 on SK-II was NOTHING to me. Only the BEST would do and it was far better than the $320 I spent on La Mer. Lexapro gave me acne.

I bought $350 on French lingerie. I've only worn one of the items I bought.

An $80 D&G T-shirt found its way into my collection. I almost bought a lambswool jacket for $2500 even though I'm allergic.

I went to Just Cavalli and bought two dresses that don't even fit me. I HAD TO HAVE that feather print dress.

Salvatore Ferragamo shoes for $350... At 40% off I HAD TO HAVE THEM!

The $150 Burberry scarf that was JUST PERFECT.

And $6,000+ in jewelry that I had to have because it was on sale, perfect for me or the store was closing.

Any designer by the name Max was a personal friend...BCBG Max Azria, Studio M... At Max Studio I bought two dresses for $150 each at different times. Only one of them fits me.

I bought a $1200 Ferragamo dress that practically CALLED MY NAME for $250 or so and it DOESN'T EVEN FIT!!!!!

Marc by Marc Jacobs, another favorite, has designed items that I haven't even worn because they don't fit. I was convinced I could lose the weight to get into them. I really NEEDED the navy heart print dress. I mean, I couldn't LIVE without it. I think I spent $700 or so, but I'm not sure.

And the Ferragamo bag was AT SUCH A DISCOUNT that a normal person wouldn't say no. I mean a $1400 bag for $500? Who would walk away from that?

MOST PEOPLE!!!!

At one point, a $500 shopping spree at a second run store was to be my reward for weight loss. But blowing that became the norm; I couldn't stop myself. I returned LOADS of things that I bought legitimately and then would turn around and take them back to the store.

Of course those returns led to MORE PURCHASES...

Klepto

2009-09-16T01:14:00.000-07:00

http://health.howstuffworks.com/kleptomania2.htm

A head injury to the frontal lobe may have actually caused my behavior? Kleptomania is an actual disorder? I don't know how to explain how I could do all of this.

I have a closet full of things I can't wear, don't even like. And now that I am off meds, I'm a bit shocked at how low cut some of them are. I'm shocked and puzzled, why did I take stuff that doesn't fit me or that I don't even want? I've given tons of it away since the stores wouldn't benefit by having it all back. I also shopped compulsively and ran up my credit cards. Everything was out of control.

I'm not surprised if people are a little scared of me or din't like me after what I have been through. It's alot. I really liked this supernice guy and then realized he is seriously too good for me. It hurt. But I'm not really bad. If I had never been put on Lexapro or had a head injury I never would have done these things. Never would have believed that I was or should be good at it. I'm disgusted.

Now when I go to the store I actually feel the normal anxiety that stops people from taking things. Can a medication really remove your moral center or hijack your sense of right and wrong. I don't know how else to explain it. I'm so confused. I seriously think if I were still on the medication I would still be doing all of these things, unable to feel that sense of right and wrong.

twtpoll :: Ex-Con Vs. Bad Credit : Who Would You Hire? (via @applicants)

2009-09-15T00:15:00.001-07:00

twtpoll :: Ex-Con Vs. Bad Credit : Who Would You Hire? (via @applicants)

Posted using ShareThis

Looks like I'm in trouble.
Some of you are too.
Please change your tune. It's too late for me. I'm officially a bad person. Wish I could still take the meds so I didn't realize it, but that's what got me in trouble in the first place. Lately, I wish I was dead/not me/could be someone else. A head injury was the worst thing that ever happened to me.

Making Out OK (in the Car at Least)

2009-06-26T11:58:00.001-07:00

I met a guy for coffee at the mall. I wasn't sure what his intentions were. He did mention that the place where I had parked was the "make out" section. He showed me exactly what he meant when he dropped me off.

Him: Do you mind if we park here and just talk?
Me: No.
Him: It's like we could look at the stars with the top open, except it's not dark.
Me: giggle.
Him: So what kinds of guys do you like? Do you have a type?
Me: I don't know. I don't really have a type.
Him: Do you like white guys?
Me: Yes.
Him: Do you like me?
Me: Yes. How about you? Do you have a type?
Him: I like them all. I don't think I could be happy with just one.
Me: Looking is OK, it's just being faithful that's important.
Him: You're sexy--the way you smile. You're amazing.
Me: Really?
Him: Yes.
Me: Tell me more about me.
Him: You've got beautiful eyes, beautiful hair. A cute smile. Nice teeth...

He shifted so his body was turned toward me. He reached for my face with his hand. And then he moved in for the kill. His kisses went up and down my neck making me moan softly. He was breathing harder and whispered "Come here." He pulled me closer and caressed then started massaging my butt. "Oh, you're so beautiful." He reach down my shirt so he could play with my boobs and suck my nipples. I kept saying, "Slow down." He pulled my right hand down to his pants so I could feel his impressive bulge. I put my hand on his chest after touching him briefly. He shifted around and then put my hand down there again. This time I was feeling his actual member. It was hard, but the skin was so soft. I squeezed it a few times. "mmmm" I wanted him but not here, not this way. I barely know him.

I was getting nervous. The last thing I need is to add something else to my present charges. (Lewd conduct, indecent exposure...It could hardly be considered prostitution since there was no cash involved and he bought coffee and a sandwich that cost a total of $13.15--for both of us.) I started pulling away. Part of me didn't want to, but it would be too easy to get another ticket for something where we were. The mall police station was so close. If I'm going to be with someone I want to be able to relax. Though I had already pulled away and then crossed my legs subconsciously, the mall security guards were very curious when they saw him kissing my neck again.

Him: So, I'm just curious, how many dates does it take for you--3, 4, 5?
Me: Ummm (I was thinking 5 months)
Him: Girls always say that they've been with 3 guys, but guys we always think about the attraction first.
Me: I want to take things a little bit slower. I want to know that it means something.
Him: If I were a girl, I'd be the same way.

I later texted him:
Me: I can still smell you on me.
Him: Good then I left my mark.
Me: I'm still thinking about it.
Him: I was dying for you to go down.
Me: I like surprises dates like that, but I might be more in the mood after a really nice date.

I haven't heard from him in few days. Oh well. Is it because I said something about serial killers and going back to some guys place being dangerous? Is it because I didn't really have a good answer for his question, "So why are you so interested in the law?" Or is it because I didn't answer when he asked how many dates it would take before I slept with someone? Truth be told, I wouldn't know how many dates it would take, but I have to feel like a guy cares about me. Other than the pecadillos I have shared, I'm a really nice girl hanging on for a dream of being with someone who cares for me. Could be that he was just after a little thrill in the makeout garage. In that case, he didn't really get what he wanted.

I keep wondering why I stopped myself from doing this and yet couldn't stop myself from stealing.

The Truth Is No One Cares

2009-06-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

It's sad. No one cares until you make them care. No one cares--not even a public defender who is supposed to have a bleeding heart because they took a low paying attorney job. Not until you make them care.

That's what I had to do. I had to insist that they look at my medical records, talk to my counselor and listen to me. Why should they care? I told my Public Defender, "I don't think you even like me." He answered, "I don't know you." He doesn't. I had just met him.

The offer: 3 years probation.
The problem: How is that really going to help me or anyone else when I was taking medication that made me compulsive?

I couldn't stop myself. I only got caught twice. I wanted to stop and couldn't.

If you ever get stopped for anything, MAKE THEM CARE. I wish I had known that the first time around. I wouldn't have accepted the plea, but then I was not completely understanding everything that was going on. I wasn't aware that the medication was lifting my inhibitions in that way. But now I think about things I used to do easily. I imagined myself taking a pack of cookies with my coffee at the counter today, but I couldn't do it. I did that on numerous occaisions when I was medicated. I don't know what to think of myself now that I am on the other side.

Raw Deal

2009-06-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

I found out that if you believe that your attourney did not adequately represent you that you can go back to appeal a decision.

Attourneys that you pay can be bad news. The truth is that some people got into law to make money, that means they want to spend the least amount of time and get the most amount of money. That also means they may not represent you very well and talk you into a plea that does not benefit you. They know that most people don't know the law. They think it's easier to go ahead and put a convition on your record and they have you pay them to expunge (have it removed) than it is for them to properly defend you.

Word to the formerly unwise, if you qualify, go with the Public Defender's Office. Even if you have to pay later because you make too much money, you may get a better defense.

Then again, it's forced me to learn something about the law on my own.

To wise up, take a look at you local court's website and see if they give you any helpful information. You can also check out http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/Criminal/ for helpful and inclusive information. They are a large court and give a great deal of helpful information at an early high school reading level.

Good luck and stay out of trouble!!

A Good Case For Trail

2009-06-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

I met with a law clerk in the Public Defender's Office today. He let me read the police report. I told him the points that I took issue with.

1. They have no right to seize my purse.
2. They have no right to go in my purse and then say I wasn't cooperating.
3. They may not have a right to peer through the slats to watch you change. (I'm never using a dressing room again.)
4. They threatened me with excessive force.
5. They did not allow me to use the bathroom. (I don't care how murderous you are, you should be allowed to use the bathroom because they have what is called a "duty of care" responsibility if they detain you.
6. They are not allowed to use any kind of entrapment--or tricks to get you to commit a crime. (When I said I had to go to the bathroom I was directed to the open door rather than being told I could use the one in the store.)

Remember, if they make mistakes in the way that they treat you, they can be held liable for that.

The clerk will be getting copies of my medical records, surgical records and will subpoena a copy of the department store Loss Prevention Handbook.

I will let you know what is in that because it is totally relevant to this blog.

I have to wait to file a police complaint because if I make the complaint before the case is resolved, it could go badly for me. On the other hand, he said that because of my circumstances that this would be a great case for a trial. Apparently I love drama.

As with everything, I will let you know what happens.

And stop stealing stuff!!

Date with a Probation Officer

2009-06-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be hot to go out with a probation officer who didn't know I was on probation. I suppose he might have found out eventually. But there was just something hot about it. And he seemed to really like my pictures--especially the sexy

Unfortunately, he backed out.

Gee I've been on unsupervised probation... What if I have to go on supervised probation and what if he turns out to be my PO? That will be interesting. I suppose I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Going off the meds

2009-06-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

Every day I realize how many side effects I was experiencing. I really never wanted to be on antidepressants, but I had to. The problem with them is that they really can cause you to have a manic episode. I'm sure you've heard that it could be fun to be happy all the time. But a manic episode may not cause you to feel happy. It can also cause you to just be irritated all the time and end up yelling at people because you are so uncomfortable and on edge. I developed acne, I had muscle twitches, I had some basic muscle coordination issues--it was hard to write and even to read because I lost some fine motor coordination.

The antidepressant I was taking also is used to treat anxiety. That explains why I could shoplift and really not feel bad about it. As I cut the medication, I found I just couldn't do it anymore. I found myself being my usual square self who pays for everything.

Unfortunately, now I have mess to deal with. I don't have as much as Winona Ryder did, but still, it's a mess. One that I didn't even realize I was getting into until now when I am going off of it.

Crappy Birthday

2009-06-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

My Brother called me and at the end of our conversation he said, in that off-hand way that all men say things to women they care about:

Brother: Stay out of trouble.
Petty: I think you should tell me that more often.
Brother: Yeah, riiiight.
Petty: No really. It might help.

No, really, Brother, maybe knowing that you care might have punctured through the prescription drug-induced haze.

What if it's true?

2009-05-31T23:47:00.000-07:00

What if it's true that I've been mentally compromised by medications I was taking? I think it might actually be. I can't believe the things I have been doing. Now that I'm going off my meds, I'm in a little bit of shock. It was like part of my brain was dead and now it's back. I had to go on the medicine to basically save my life, but then it caused other problems. What if I was truly heavily impacted by a head injury. I'm so confused. I promise you, it's not the Twinky defense.

Not Guilty

2009-05-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

I know what you're thinking...
I won't admit to a single thing.
I went to court today for arraignment. In case you don't know what that is, that's when you appear before a judge to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you say you are not guilty, then you have a pre-trial hearing after you meet with a public defender.
For now a plea of Not Guilty has been entered. I took a little trip to the Public Defender's Office. I'm totaly out of dough. I am cleaning up such a huge mess. I don't even know what happened to my processes of logic or even my sense of right and wrong. All I know is that I stopped taking one of the medications I was on, and halved the dose of the other one. On the other side of that, I'm looking at the shambles of my life in shock.

What was I doing?
What was I thinking?
I don't know. I don't know.
I feel sick.

A New Era

2009-04-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true, after my recent episode involving police abuse, that was enough to shake me out of it. Stealing a dress never made anyone feel any better. Of course it's easily arguable that if stopped, you didn't actually steal anything. It's also true that attempted theft combined with humiliation and excessive force at the hands of the police REALLY never made anyone feel any better.

Because of my strong fear of abuse by those in authority, not being able to get copies of surveillance tapes, etc, I have purchased a spy camera.

There was a time when a camera in a pen, watch or MP3 player sized device was pure fiction. Those days are now here.

This is not so much about you being guilty or innocent. You are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This is about people who may violate your civil rights.

According to civil codes, people can be recording in a public place where there is no expectation of privacy. That means you can record people at a store, on the steps of the courthouse, and anywhere else that is PUBLIC.

10 Commandments on a Penny

2009-04-28T22:30:00.000-07:00

My doctor gave me the 10 Commandments on a penny.
She was giving them out to everyone with a big smile.
I think they should be able to post it at every school.

I rubbed it in my pocket all day thinking:

Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not steal.

Next Steps

2009-04-28T22:24:00.000-07:00

The agency I hired wants me to do some investigative work for them. They want me to wear a wire tap when I go back there and see if I am approached and harassed by the department store staff. Did you know that they can't harass you for stuff like that?

He said he will be writing to the department store corporate office on my behalf saying that they unreasonably detained me and treated me badly. He said that will pressure them to drop the charges. If they are exposed for their abuses, it will be way worse for them financially.

Everything was captured on video that night. Copies of video can be subpoenaed to show that the arresting officer used excessive force.

As always, I'll let you know what happens.

Lastly, don't steal anything and I won't either. Not even a stick of gum!!!

Lovely Thoughts

2009-04-28T00:28:00.000-07:00

I am trying to find an attorney and file a complaint against the police. I don't know how seriously anyone will take it when I complain, but there has to be video of this officer roughing me up. Sure, maybe she got into the heat of the moment and stopped seeing the reality that there was no way I was going to hurt anyone and was under no obligation to say anything to anyone. Screw them. They should have to be accountable for what they did. I mean, even a big time sheriff in Orange County, CA is going to go to jail for jury tampering. And I pass on this gem to you.

Police brutality. Because we can. (At least for awhile, but then it can catch up to you.)

Swine Flu

2009-04-28T00:20:00.000-07:00

I have gotten really sick since my episode with the police--I mean the pigs. And you know pigs have SWINE FLU!!

Seriously, be careful. Wash your hands and stay away from the police. They don't have your best interests in mind.

Many Happy Returns!!

2009-04-23T00:33:00.001-07:00

When it was Eeyore's birthday in one of the Winnie the Pooh books, someone wished him, "Many happy returns of the day."

Did Eeyore ever have a happy return like mine?

I bought a piece of jewelry at a department store that was closing. It was marked final sale on the receipt and on the sticker. I cut off the part of the sticker that said No Returns, Final Sale in red and returned it without the receipt. I was just hoping to get back what I spent on it because I regretted spending so much. They were apologetic when they said that it gives the best price from the past few months when it finds it in the system. I said that it was about what I had paid for it.

That price was nearly $400 more than what I paid for it!!!! Sweet!!

I about choked. I certainly wasn't going to tell. Thank you, thank you very much. If only I had bought a few more things!!

PS I also returned a purse that I bought on the store credit card that was marked final sale. I don't regret it one bit. It broke. I don't think I should have to keep it under those circumstances. I told them to send it back to the vendor.

Arrested for Shoplifting? 10 things to remember

2009-04-21T01:10:00.001-07:00

If you are being detained, you have been arrested. Arrest really just means that you have been stopped. They are allowed to do this.
Don't say anything. You may be guilty as sin, but you have a Constitutional right. The 5th Amendment protects you from self-incrimination.
Don't believe anything they say. A department store will tell you that they will "let you go" if you cooperate. They are trying to get a confession out of you or collect evidence so that they can turn you over to the police.
Don't let the store take a picture. They don't have the right. They will tell you they "need" to. They don't. Turn your head, look down. It makes them angry, but so what?
Don't let them look through your stuff. They will say things like, "I'm going to look through your purse to get your ID, OK?" Tell them no. It makes them angry, but so what? They will tell you that they will turn you over to the police because you didn't cooperate. So what? They were going to do that anyway. When the police come, they CAN look through your stuff without your consent if there is probable cause that you committed a crime. I'm looking into the matter of whether or not the police had the right to get my ID from my purse or search through my purse when I was only being accused of taking 1 item.
Don't say anything. The police will try to get you to tell them what happened even after they read you your Miranda rights. Repeat this mantra, "I have the right to remain silent." They will ask again. Repeat, "I have the right to remain silent." They will tell you you are rude, have a bad attitude and demand to know why you aren't cooperating. They will ask you about the weather and try again to get a confession. Repeat this mantra, "I have the right to remain silent. I have the right to have an attorney."
Remember everything they do. You have other rights like protection from cruel and unusual punishment. Did they use uneccessary force? Did you advise them that you have a legitimate injury? Did they ignore what you said? Did they do anything cruel and unusual? ie did you tell them you had to go to the bathroom for 90 minutes without being allowed to go? They will tell you that they will let you use the bathroom if you cooperate. Don't tell them anything. Report things they do wrong to agencies like the ACLU or register a complaint of police misconduct to PoliceAbuse.com. If the shopkeeper does anything wrong, they may have to drop their charges. They may be found to be even more guilty than you an criminally or at lest civilly liable. You may be able to collect damages--money--for what they did wrong.
Yes, you're in trouble. Yes, you might be guilty as sin. So what? You still have rights.
Depending on your history and the charges a public defender may be just as good as a lawyer you pay for.
Lastly. Stop stealing you fucking idiot!

I Quit

2009-04-21T01:05:00.000-07:00

I can no longer steal. I have lost the touch. I got caught a second time. Why am I doing this to myself? The thing is, it was an ugly dress that didn't even fit me right. I was going to leave it in the dressing room. I didn't. I should have.

I came down quite harshly on those who have been caught multiple times tuning around and teaching their kids how to steal. Now clearly, I should quit.

I met a guy who I think should quit. He had 5 felony counts of commercial burglary, etc and just got out of jail for running a shoplifting ring that supplied purses to wealthy women who want the latest and are willing to pay. He wants a decent job, but can't get one because he's a convicted felon.

I don't want to end up in the same boat.

A Bowl of Moral Fiber

2008-12-29T11:50:00.000-08:00

How many bowls of Moral Fiber will it take to get me right?

Are 10 bowls of any other cereal and replacement for 1 bowl of Moral Fiber?

Where did I put my Moral Fiber?

I'm not perfect

2008-12-28T00:45:00.000-08:00

I guess I wanted to prove that I still have the touch. I wanted to prove how easy it really is to nab a few things. I didn't mean to. It's just that I found myself in the dressing room without an attendant. No one counted on the way in, the dressing room was a mess and I figured that no one would know it was me. After I was done trying things on, I had a cashier order something for me in my size. From what was seen, I wouldn't be suspected. That's exactly how I did it so easily for so long. I can't believe that I just got arrested and I'm still tempted. I still took something. I haven't even been to court. What is wrong with me? What will make me stop? I don't know. I wandered around the store trying on makeup debating if I should just leave the stuff in the dressing room again.

I even took some stuff from the store where I was caught--not the exact same store. I have to stop. I don't want to think what could happen if I am caught again.

I keep hoping that writing this blog will make me confront my inner depravity and make me stop.

Shoplifting Commercial

2008-12-27T20:39:00.000-08:00

Shoplifters of the World Unite

2008-12-26T15:27:00.000-08:00

Shoplifters of the World Unite--The Smiths Video

Winona Version

Smiths Video

Going to Chuch

2008-12-26T15:21:00.001-08:00

Yes, it's true. People like me go to church. Sometimes I've only gone out of habit without saying too much else about myself. I felt so guilty knowing I was shoplifting on a weekly basis since the accident--a little thing here, a little thing there. Maybe a designer dress or something. And no one knew. It's not like the old days were everybody really knew everybody. I'm not going to be put in the town square for all to see me in the stocks. I'm not going to be tarred and feathered, live in a prison where rats will nibble on my toes, publicly paddled (ouch), whipped (ouch) or have my hand cut off (seriously ouch!). Almost no one has to know. I even keep other blogs that don't acknowledge this side of me. This blog is my confessional.

I feel better knowing that I'm not lifting. Church was more meaningful today. For so long I didn't care that I was doing anything or not--at least until I got to church. I want to talk about it with a spiritual adviser, but not at MY church. That would be too embarrassing. They think I'm Miss Pure. I want to go to a catholic church that has screens in the confessional. It's because I am ashamed. I want my secret to be somewhere else for safekeeping. After what happened with the ex whatever I just don't need any more pain.

A Lump of Coal

2008-12-25T18:42:00.000-08:00

When people gave me money for Christmas this year, it totaled to 1/15 of my lawyer's fees. I got a letter from a lawyer that I already work with on a civil case and was too embarrassed to go to him for this case. I am remorseful over getting caught, doing this in the first place, not going with a lawyer that i knew and liked, and finally because it clicked in to me that I let a dumbass department store that paid me shit wages get me down all this time. In the end, they can now do more damage to me than I ever did to them by shoplifting. What the fuck was I thinking? Oh, yes, that's right, I wasn't really thinking. I had a head injury 2 years ago.

I got a gift card from the Department Store I shoplifted from. THE IRONY!!

And lastly, we live in a culture that celebrates wrongdoing. I took photos of this cute stocking in --SAME-- DEPARTMENT STORE!!

SANTA, I CAN EXPLAIN!

Can I use this as part of my defense?

Why Do People Shoplift? (for those who don't understand.)

2008-12-23T00:12:00.000-08:00

I think it might also be to fill a void. Many people shoplift after a great loss. This means that people would be better served with counseling than with tying up the criminal court system.

by Peter Berlin

In simple and concise terms... "TO GET SOMETHING FOR NOTHING."

While we all like to get things for free and the stores are constantly promoting and placing merchandise on "SALE" to generate excitement about getting a bargain, most people don't cross over the line and steal the item. But some people do. Why?

The answer is... to most non-professional shoplifters, "getting something for nothing" is like giving themselves a "gift" or "reward," which in turn gives them a "lift." Many people feel they need a "lift" just to get through the week or even the day. A study by MasterCard International found that shopping was second only to dining as the primary way people reward themselves. Take it one step further and you can see how "shoplifting" the merchandise increases the reward.

Getting Something for Nothing

It's important to understand that "getting something for nothing" always represents something more to the shoplifter than the value of the merchandise. For different people it can represent any of the following things:

For some, it's a "substitute for loss" because they perceived they were unfairly deprived in some way (i.e., a divorce, a serious illness, death of a loved one, loss of income from a job or investments, or an unexpected expense which can cause people to feel needy). Stealing a bottle of shampoo, for example, can temporarily help to relieve the anxiety about their financial situation and gives them a feeling that they are more in control.

For others, it's "justified payback" for all they give to others and how little they get back in return.

For some, it's a "relief mechanism" for anxiety, frustration, boredom or depression.
Several studies have found diagnosed depression to exist in approximately 1/3 of the shoplifters studied. Depression was the most frequently found physiological problem. This helps to explain why so many shoplifters steal from stores on their birthday and around holiday times.

Any way you look at it, shoplifters perceive shoplifting as a form of self nourishment or as a way to relieve fear or pain in their life. In truth, shoplifting is self-destructive not self-nourishing, but shoplifters often can’t see the paradox.

For almost all non-professional shoplifters, stealing from stores is basically a reflection of a person's ability (or inability) to cope with a multitude of situations in his or her life. It's a response to their personal life situations. While these unhappy life situations may not easily be changed (or may recur from time to time) shoplifters must learn how to cope with these situations in a way that's not harmful to themselves or others. This may not be easy to achieve, because approximately 27 percent of shoplifters caught for the first time have already developed a shoplifting habit or even an addiction. Many admit that it will be hard for them to stop shoplifting... even after getting caught.

A person's addiction to shoplifting can develop quickly when the excitement generated from "getting away with it" produces a chemical reaction (i.e. adrenaline, etc.) resulting in what shoplifters describe as an incredible "rush" or "high" feeling, which many shoplifters will tell you is the "true reward," rather than the merchandise itself. In addition to feeling good, shoplifters quickly observe this "high" temporarily eliminates their feelings of anger, frustration, depression or other unhappiness in their life. Realizing how easy it is to get that "high" feeling, they are pulled toward doing it again..."just one more time"...and their addiction begins to develop. Even though most non-professional shoplifters feel guilty, ashamed or remorseful about what they did, and are fearful of getting caught, the pull is too strong for many to resist.

Of course, some people don't see shoplifting as a functional or psychological problem. They say, "What do you mean that a person can't stop shoplifting? Of course they can, they're just greedy". The idea that shoplifting is an addiction, “except for a few kleptomaniacs", is ridiculous, they say. “People who shoplift should go to jail and not be coddled or told they have an addiction.” This is like telling them it's okay to steal because they really can't help it.

The irony is that most shoplifters who have developed a habit or addiction believe they should be punished according to the law when caught. What offenders often resent, however, is when they are simply thrown into jail with hardened career criminals and are not given the help or support they need to help prevent them from repeating the offense.

Juveniles Who Shoplift

Shoplifting among juveniles is remarkably similar to adult shoplifting. However, the primary issues related to shoplifting among youth revolve around family, school and peer pressures.

If you were to ask juveniles caught shoplifting, "Why did you do it"? The most frequent reply would be "I don't know". Like adults, the reasons teens shoplift vary, but most commonly it is because they wanted nice things, felt pressured by friends, wanted to see if they could get away with it, or were angry, depressed, confused or bored. Sometimes they are just mad at the world and want to strike back.

While teens, like adults, usually know the difference between right and wrong, when their life becomes too stressful they become more vulnerable to temptation, peer pressure and other things that can lead them to shoplift. This is especially true when they feel unworthy, angry, depressed, unattractive or not accepted.

In summary, shoplifting for millions of our citizens, is simply another maladaptive way of coping with stressful life circumstances...similar to overeating, drinking, drugs or gambling. It is not an issue of good vs. bad people, rich vs. poor, young vs. old or education vs. illiteracy. At any time, or even many times in a person's life, the temptation to "get something for nothing" and the desire to reward oneself can easily be present. By raising public awareness about the problem and delivering needed programs and services to people who shoplift, communities who engage in prevention efforts will reduce the number of people who become involved and improve the quality of life for all.

www.shopliftingprevention.com

Oh, the stories people tell!!!

2008-12-21T17:07:00.000-08:00

Every once in awhile I find myself taking to a sympathetic stranger who marvels at my arrest and is very comforting about it.

I talked to a lady working at a gas station who said she got involved with a guy who was a meth addict and she started doing the stuff too. She ended up with no money trying to put her life back together after leaving te guy and stole to be able to eat. She said she walked out of a grocery store with a full cart of groceries. After that she shoplifted all the time but she never got caught. I used to be arrogant like that.

People do this all the time. Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills went after Winona Ryder with a vengeance because they lose money in the millions--money that could be going to the pensions of bitchy employees. I know they are bitchy, I've shopped there. They should be nicer to their customers and maybe they wouldn't shoplift. Just kidding. But I did complain to a manager there because they were so bitchy when I was making a return of an expensive cosmetics line that made me break out (or at least that's what I thought, but then it didn't go away.) There is just no excuse for being bitchy. I don't care how bad your day was, it can't be that bad if you work at Saks.

I Went Shopping!

2008-12-20T01:18:00.000-08:00

I went shopping today. For the first time in a long time all I did was shop. And when I mean shop, I mean I paid for everything that went in my bag. No looking over my shoulder. No wondering if I'm going to get caught. No sneaking around. No wondering if my bag is looking over stuffed. No pretending to try things on in the dressing room.

It was a relief.

This is a hard lesson for me... It's been so long since I did normal shopping. It makes me wonder why I ever took anything because in comparison, I feel so much better when I am actually purchasing items. I can think about the person I am shopping for. I can think about how much they will like the gift.

What a relief.

I can think about how much money is going into the mess I created for myself.
The value of the items I took. And that everything I am going to pay in lawyers fees and payments to the company I stole from could have just gone into paying for items that I really wanted and that fit me well.

Don't be stupid.
Don't shoplift!!

Now I have to worry about whether or not I'm going to be on probation, or have the case dismissed or end up in court they didn't catch me on days when I had $1000 worth of merchandise in my bag. That would then be Felony Grand Theft.

Maybe for everyone else, this is a no-brainer. I should have thought about this before. I used to be like that, but everything changed when I got sick 2 years ago. More on that later. How do I explain that I didn't feel anything? How do I explain that I felt like it didn't really matter? I don't know.

So I'm going to say it again:

Don't be stupid.
Don't shoplift!!

Mail Call!!!

2008-12-19T17:06:00.000-08:00

Apparently, anytme you are arrested, they send advertisements to you to get your case. I found out by accident. The postman came, someone got the mail and I asked if I could pull my ail out of the pile. Good thing I did or there would have been too many questions. I had to intercept the mail again today to make sure that no one in my family finds out. I was in shock. Not only was I humiliated by being arrested, no one wants to keep my secret. I need to keep it secret. I don't want to lose any more friends.

Of couse, if anyone really looked around and found this blog, they also would most likely feel the same way

Regrets, Social Consequences

2008-12-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

I made the mistake of telling someone that I got arrested If I had just left that part out, things might have gone differently.

I used to date this guy. He hurt my feelings by just not talking to me after we shared some level of intimacy. Not everything mind you. But enough that it meant alot to me. It really hurt me. And even before that, I thought he didn't want to see me anymore because I didn't want to go home with him. He said it was because I was too religious; Haha.

I told him that if you like someone and you are attracted to them, it's worth a shot. But then I told him I didn't sleep well because I was in the tank. The thing is, I didn't think he would be so judgmental. I was crying and felt really awful and now he wants nothing to do with me.

His exact words via email:

I am extremely concerned about you, but at this juncture, my having any long conversations with you, in person, on the phone, or by e-mail, will do neither of us any good.

You are engaging in a number of self-destructive behavors at the moment. Even if I was of a mind to want to be in a romantic relationship with you, given what you are doing to yourself, I would be extremely foolish to want to be in such a relationship.

Please do not call, write, stop/drive by my home. If I see you in public (e.g. at an event), I promise to acknowledge you and talk to you, again BRIEFLY. However, if you do not IMMEDIATELY seek professional help for your problems, that will change. If you do get help, and I do see that you are getting better and you are making better judgments in your life, I will be overjoyed and we can resume our previous status.

I know that I am sounding harsh. I am doing so, because you do have many fine qualities, but you are obviously a very troubled and sad individual at the moment, and I seriously believe that your best interests would be served by you focusing on getting yourself well. While it may appear that I am being cruel to you, but I am not. I am trying to be your friend, and I do not wish to watch you destroy yourself anymore than you have managed to do since I have met you.

My words back:
I wish I hadn't told you. The look on your face hurt me all over again. I was in a fragile state already last time and I really couldn't handle how you treated me because it made me really hurt. I was so confused after that. No one ever told me they adored me. If someone who says they adore me could reject me so harshly, then what did anything mean? It made me think that no one really cared what I did--and especially after what happened with my head injury with the way people who said they were Christian treated me.

We didn't really have a status anymore, but we did have fun together sometimes--as long as it didn't get romantic. I didn't know if I wanted to be close with you again only to get hurt all over again. In many ways, you haven't been much of a friend because the ways you have hurt me made some things worse. Maybe now you just realize how much.

And by the way, I wasn't purposely driving by your house. I was driving home and crossed your street. It reminded me to call you when I thought we could still be friends.

In any case. I don't want to get hurt anymore. Please keep this in confidence because I need the few friends I have and I would like to keep this secret. That's all I ask. You don't have to talk to me because I'm not really sure I want to talk to someone who constantly rejects me.

No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. My mistake is $50 worth of stuff and getting caught. I try not to judge people for the stupid things they do. I'd be a sicker puppy than I already am if I allowed myself to think that I should behave so that he will like me. Yeah right!!

Petty Thief Arrested!!

2008-12-18T16:34:00.000-08:00

I'm a dumbass. I was so good at this up until recently. As we learned from Winona, don't shoplift under the influence. As you may learn from me, don't shoplift when you are angry at the world, confused, depressed and frustrated. You won't think clearly and you will get caught. The suspicious behavior that the rent-a-cops heard about was that I was trying to make a "suspicious" return. I tried to return an item in the wrong department. The associate told me the right department and I went upstairs instead of downstairs. I made the error of not concealing that I took something in that department. The merchandise I returned was actually legit. All they had to do was look at the fucking tag. Retards. OK, really, I'm the one who is retarded. They did watch me buy some expensive shoes that were on sale. I thought about snagging them, but it was a good thing I didn't. I then took a lipstick when I thought no one was watching me.

I walked out of the store and two security guards in plain clothes stopped me. Don't be an idiot and resist them. They will lie to you to get you to cooperate. They told me they would let me go. Then they told me that if the police were in a good mood that I might be released with a ticket and if they were in a bad mood that I would go to the station. Cooperate or it will not go well for you. I gave them the items I took. When I was asked if I had taken anything else, I shook my head no. They asked again and I again said no. I had to listen to the rent-a-cops swear and talk about how the other people they had detained were stupid and they thought it was funny that one woman had soiled herself when she was stopped.

The police were nicer than what you see on TV, but it was still unpleasant. There were a bunch of guys sitting on a bench handcuffed. They asked me if I had any reason to fear for my life and I said yes. They asked why and I said that those guys looked scary. Because of this they put me in isolation. I was the only female there.

I was transported to the police station. They told me I wasn't under arrest. I got a pat down, an escort to the bathroom and the whole works. I wonder if they are really doing their job when there is graffiti etched in the glass and paint of the cell I was in. But then after sitting in the tank for two hours, they finally read me my rights. They asked me to cooperate with them and tell my side of the story. They booked me, took mug shots and fingerprints and let me go without posting bail.

I had to call a cab, but at least I was on my way home. I certainly wasn't going to call anyone and say, "Hi, I'm calling you from JAIL! Can you pick me up?" The cab driver took one look at me and said, "What are YOU doing here at this hour?" What am I doing here? That's a great question.

Does Anyone Read This Blog?

2008-09-25T00:25:00.000-07:00

Maybe you've stopped by and are afraid to post a comment? You can always post anonymously.

You know you want to say something...

Security Tag Stuck

2008-09-24T00:43:00.000-07:00

Lo and behold! I took a shirt from the store to see if I could take the tag off. I also snagged two shirts that didn't have security tags. Plus, an item that I bought was actually on sale and I saved $100. See, I actually DO buy things sometimes. Of course that's mixed in with swapping tags on two of the items returned, but you get my point. I even left an item there that I had stolen because it didn't fit. Something that I don't usually do, but I had second thoughts about the item.

As I was leaving the store it...didn't even go off. I was kinda disappointed in that. I have a theory that half of them don't even work, but its very presence stops most people.

So far I have tried:
1. A bent hanger.
2. A bent skewer.
3. 2 pliers
4. The magnets on my purse. (Yep, stole that purse, too.)

So far no luck.

Best Security Tag Removal Techniques

2008-09-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

Wow! I never thought that anyone would be so brazen as to put some of this stuff on YouTube!! I already have issues with posting an anonymous blog. I worry that my other readers will find this blog and chastise me--or worse the cops. My field requires a background check and I have always passed. I'm torn--in fact I have cut or torn fabric to get the sensor off. It doesn't leave much of a scar if you are careful. But carrying a tool, that's BRILLIANT!! So tempting to discover a tool and then continue. But i truly am starting to feel bad about it all.

In any case, what are the chances that these people ACTUALLY aren't shoplifters?

Two Pliers:

A bent "thingie"

Bent Screwdriver:

Shoplifting 101--teaching kids to lift

2008-09-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

1. Know where your cameras are.

2. If you've been CAUGHT shoplifting before, clearly you aren't doing it right and you shouldn't be teaching ANYONE how to do something if you aren't doing it right.

3. If you are going to live a life of crime, don't get caught. The consequences are far too dire.

How To Shoplift

2008-09-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

Funny Video that summarizes how I have been feeling lately. God is watching.

I started feeling bad

2008-06-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

I could just take whatever for the longest time and not feel anything. I have started to feel bad about it. I don't know why. I'm glad. I have my theories. I'll sahre them even though I don't think anyone reads this blog.

Counseling

2008-05-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

I see a counselor, what a surprize! She is concerned that I could end up throwing my whole life away over shoplifting if I get caught. I'm going to make sure I don't get caught. I need to stop, but it's so hard. I might end up lying to her about it so that she gets off my back, but then that defeats the whole purpose. You shouldn't lie to your counselor.

Snagged a Bag

2008-05-22T22:06:00.001-07:00

I went to the mall because traffic was really bad. Well, not that I need much of an excuse. I found a cute bag that I really like. I bought it. Not without switching tags for a lower price, but I did buy it. I also bought two shirts. However, I stole 2 plus a scarf. I really like the bag.

Jail--The Musical

2008-05-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

It seems like a great idea since they make a musical out of everything. I ended up watching a little bit of a live camera TV show called jail. They arrested a guy for not shoplifting, but burglary. He didn't understand since he had lost all of his money in Vegas and really wanted this TV that was only worth $268. Burglary is a felony. Wow!! I don't think that would happen with clothing. They didn't say anything about breaking and entering, but definitely burglary. I don't understand either.

From what I saw, from having been fingerprinted for work and seeing it all first hand, it really made me think about what I'm risking. I'm risking alot. Not only that, apparently I'm also risking it being a very public affair. Not only might you end up injail, you might end up on TV. That's not the way I would want to be famous. Wow. Something to seriously think about.

Suddenly I Did

2008-05-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

I went to the store to pick up a dress that I had bought pre-sale. It was less now, so k I also tried on some jeans, but they were a little bit tight. I bought them anyway because they didn't have my exact size. I can always order from online. I looked around the store and I really thought I was done. I reallydidn't feel like shoplifting. ANd then suddenly I did when I saw two cute silk shirts. Lo and behold, they didn't have security tags.

If it doesn't have a tag, it's going in my bag.

Then I went to petites and I found some cute shirts there too. I bought two shirts, I lifted two more shirts. It seems fair if you ask me. But you didn't ask.

Bought: $217.89

Lifted: $115.00

I feel bad, but not that bad.

Just When I Thought It Was Safe....

2008-05-14T00:19:00.000-07:00

Here we go again. I didn't meant to do it. It's just that I went to the store to take advantage of a couple of coupons for a free bra. I needed a strapless bra to go with a dress I bought and a shirt I lifted.

I also switched tags to make a return, returned a ring I had worn and decided I didn't like, and returned a pair of shoes I didn't think I would ever wear.

Then as I was trying on lingerie, I couldn't resist taking some panties that didn't have security tags--especially when one of them was a pair of DKNY panties that I thought were really cute.

I am going to be doing some online shopping from now on so that I don't do this. Maybe by the time I go back to a store I will be cured. The other thing I'm thinking about doing is shopping with a friend so that I don't do anything bad.

Liberating to Just Shop

2008-05-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

It feels so liberating to go shopping and just shop. I was SHOPPING. Not shoplifting today. I tried on jeans, I tried on shoes. I THOUGHT about stuff, but I was really actively searching for jeans. Also, it helped that everything had a security tag. I needed to get alterations done, but ran out of time with the jeans. Gosh, jeans can be such a pain!

Yesterday was a little bit different of a story. I went to an outlet store for a department store. I found a cute Theory top for only $24.00 andthought about buying it since it was about 90% off. I didn't really need it and I was trying to meet up with my friends. I spent too much time shopping and was late. I didn't buy the shirt, but I didn't steal it either because it had a security tag.

I did, however, make off with two Oscar de la Renta scarves. He's my favorite designer for scarves. I should have just bought them, but the line was taking too long. Plus they were already in my purse from when I was tryingstuffon in the dressing room. I feel a little bit quilty. There is one person who knows about myhabit and I have been promising her I will stop. It's hard.

Now that i think about it, I wasn't so innocent today either since I returned something with a switched tag. But that's the lesser of the evils I engage in. I don't think they would cart you off for that, they just don't let you return the items.

Why I'm Angry

2008-04-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

I hurt myself--it was an accident. I've been getting hurt accidentally alot lately. So, I went shopping. Again, I had the intention of returning one item and not doing anything but that. I just felt like shopping. I've been trying to find a pair of jeans that fits and I finally did.

I bought:
$19.97 Jeans Originally ($69.00)
$22.97 Bra ($52.00)
$ 9.97 Undies ($25.00)
$ 3.97 Undies ($10.00)
$19.97 Robe ($78.00)
-------------------------
$56.88 from ($165.00) That's about 60% off.

My sticky fingers also found:
$19.97 Shirt ($78.00)
$14.97 Nightie ($58.00)
$24.97 Sweater ($48.00)
$17.97 Bra ($46.00)
$19.97 Bra ($84.00)
$ 6.97 Undies ($18.00)
$ 9.97 Undies ($28.00)
$ 9.97 Undies ($26.00)
------------------------
$124.71 from ($786.00) About 85% off if I had actually bought those things.

The items were all quite small and fit neatly in purse, pocket and shopping bag.
If I had taken those things at original prices and been caught, that would have catapulted me into grand theft over petty theft. The truth is that once something is out of season, it loses value extremely quickly. They send things to last chance stores for next to nothing when they don't sell at the discount stores.

I think I should just swear off shopping, start giving some of this stuff back by leaving bags of stuff in the store or just give it away to some charity to somehow redeem my bad habit. If I ever got caught both my friends and relatives would either disown me or tear their hair out and cry WHY, WHY, WHY when you have so much money in the bank?

I don't really know.
I don't even really want this stuff and my closet is packed.

Something New to Feel Bad About

2008-04-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

I really don't know why I took anything from the store at all this last time. Everything was very reasonably priced. What is the point of lifting a silk shirt that only costs $10?? I have to ask myself this.

This weekend's take included:
$ 14.97 Silk tank Originally ($58.00)
$ 24.97 DKNY jeans t shirt ($49.00)
$ 64.97 Eileen Fisher dress ($248.00)
$ 14.97 Ralph Lauren shirt ($59.50)
-----------------------------------------
$119.90 Sale price, originally ($414.50)
in other words, if I had paid for everything, it would have still been a real steal. 70% off!

I bought stuff, too.
Velvet silk shirt
Rain jacket
AGB silk shirt that I plan to return because it was too small.

------------------------------
I returned something. I didn't return the jeans I bought, I decided I like them. I left a pair of shoes that I had lifted and never worn, so I'm not all bad.
But I had to make some room in my bag.
So maybe I really AM all bad.

I'm trying to stop and I'm trying to figure out why I'm trying to self destruct somehow. It's not the only dumb thing I have done lately. If I got caught it would ruin my career.

I Slipped

2008-04-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

Old habits die hard. I went shopping today--not really. I was just supposed to pay my bill. But then I saw so many pretty things to try on. Something I swiped was a size too small and I finally saw the right size. It didn't have a tag.

I pulled my usual thing of gathering up lots of items to try on and slipping into the dressing room. I did find something I would have to buy. And then I slipped the shirt into my rather small purse.

I was upset about something. It was nagging me terribly that I have to look for another job, I'm sick and I really don't want to go to work anymore. I'm taking another day off. Maybe an extra day will settle me.

At least I only took ONE thing.

No Lifting

2008-04-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

I have had two noteable shopping experiences this week where I actually didn't shoplift. I'm proud of myself.

I went to the bookstore last Sunday and actually bought books. How cool! I felt GOOD. I felt light and airy. I didn't have to worry or pretend like I wasn't worried about anything.

Then I went shopping with a friend and bought some jeans and some undies. I probably shouldn't have because I was shopping with a guy friend of mine. It was kind of embarrassing, but not really.
Petty: How do you like these Betsy Johnson's?
Friend: Wow. You're going to be wearing those?
Petty: Maybe. You can wonder about it the next time we hang out.
Friend: Yeah, just because we're friends doesn't mean you aren't hot.
Petty: I bought some French lingerie, too.
Friend: How about we have crazy monkey sex?
Petty: How about let's not and say we didn't.

I forgot that shopping with a friend can be fun. Usually I go shopping alone so I can do secret things. I thought about slipping something into my bag or a pair of undies, but just didn't want to have that on my conscience at the time.

Winona Caught Shoplifting in 2008???

2008-04-14T01:49:00.000-07:00

Old habits die hard for Winona Ryder, who has been accused of shoplifting for the second time.

According to reports from the National Enquirer, Winona got caught stealing makeup at a Hollywood CVS drug store.

An employee told the magazine, "Winona had a bag of stuff, but she set off the theft alarm when she left the store.

"When a security guard stopped her, he found make-up she had not paid for." When asked about the products, Ryder responded: "I don't know how that happened."

CVS decided not to press charges and let her leave after she returned the items. Naturally Ryder's publicist is denying the claims, but said she would "talk with her client" after she found out an employee had confirmed the story.

Winona not shoplifting is like Lindsay not partying, some things just go hand and hand.

Petty Thief sez:
It's not like someone who works at a CVS gets paid more than minimum wage in case you are wondering what their motivation would be to talk to a tabloid. Also, someone who works at a store would never LIE, would they?read the original at HollyScoop.com
Winona Caught Shoplifting

Shoplifting hurts people

2008-04-14T01:35:00.000-07:00

''Last year alone, we lost over $7 million to shoplifters,'' Kenneth Metzner, a Saks lawyer, said at today's hearing, adding that the money could have gone toward pension benefits, opening new stores or creating jobs. ''Instead, it went to criminals,'' he said, looking directly at Ms. Ryder.

I'm going to remember this little snippet from the Winona trial. Shoplifting hurts people.

from Actress Sentenced to Probation for Shoplifting

Justice, Hollywood Style

2008-04-14T01:27:00.000-07:00

Published: November 10, 2002
As a legal proceeding, the Winona Ryder shoplifting trial was a waste of time. But as a window on the folkways of Hollywood, it set a new standard.

Anywhere else, this petty crime by a first-time offender would have quickly ended with a plea bargain. The prosecutors, of course, made high-minded statements about the need to prove no one is above the law. But the truth is that in the great Hollywood tradition, this clunky script was green-lighted simply because a big star's name was attached. Ms. Ryder gamely stoked the publicity machine, dressing for trial in chic outfits and posing for a fashion magazine's cover in a ''Free Winona'' T-shirt.

Hollywood's famed clubbiness was confirmed when several jurors turned out to work in the industry, including Peter Guber, a onetime studio chief for Columbia Pictures who released three of the defendant's movies. The prosecutors presented their case in the best let's-put-on-a-show style, screening surveillance tapes of Ms. Ryder as she walked through the Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills with unpaid-for items.

Ms. Ryder's legal team offered a uniquely Hollywood defense: that she was too fashionable to be guilty. Her lawyer, Mark Geragos, mocked the prosecution's claim that she had stolen clothing by cutting off the security tags with scissors. ''This woman is known for her fashion sense,'' Mr. Geragos scoffed. ''Was she going to start a new line of 'Winona Wear' with holes in it?''

In the end, the prosecutors got their conviction and their names in the paper. Saks got free publicity. (The coverage helpfully included a list of all the designer goods Ms. Ryder considered worth stealing). Ms. Ryder, who is not expected to do jail time, could benefit most of all. Although some producers may steer clear of a convicted felon, the trial could well revive a slumping career. ''The town is behind her,'' one casting agent told USA Today after the verdict came in. ''She's even more sought-after now.'' Which gives Ms. Ryder's tale the most essential Hollywood quality of all: a happy ending.

From the New York Times Online
Justice, Hollywood Style

Winona, I Understand!

2008-04-14T01:19:00.000-07:00

Winona is starting over again at 35. 35!! Incredible. She doesn't look 35.

I think she's probably most like her character in Girl Interrupted, which is a really good movie. I mean, shoplifting--Come ON, Winona!! I understand, but I don't understand. I'm worried that they might make a public expample of ME someday for all my theft. I've never taken quite as much as she did though. $5,000 worth of stuff is definitely not petty theft. The places where you shop, petty theft is hardly POSSIBLE.
----------------------------

Winona on her shoplifting arrest:
“The attention was what was embarrassing. It was the December after Sept. 11. … So much attention was being paid to me, when we had just been attacked, and there was all this really important news going on.”

Would you feel guilty if you shoplifted from corporate America? In Winona Ryder’s first interview on that fateful day in 2001 at the Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills, she says that she really didn’t.

"I didn’t have this tremendous sense of guilt, because I hadn’t hurt anyone. Had I physically harmed someone or caused harm to a human being, I think it would have been an entirely different experience.”

Well, she didn’t kill someone, but stealing technically does cause harm someone who’s trying to run a business.

But the million-dollar question after all of these years is why a famous, wealthy woman would actually steal. She blames it on painkillers that she got from a “quack” doctor.

"Two months prior to that, I broke my arm in two places, and the doctor, a sort of quack doctor, was giving me a lot of stuff and I was taking it at first to get through the pain. And then there was this weird point when you don’t know if you are in pain but you’re taking it.Have you ever taken painkillers? It isn’t a reckless (state), like you’re out of your head. It’s just confusion.”

The painkillers left her in a state of “confusion” But the arrest was a blessing in disguise because she never touched those pills again. She moved to San Francisco to be close to her parents and kept a low profile until now. She’s apparently gearing up for her three movie releases this year: Ten, Sex and Death 101, and The Last Word.

Well, I welcome back Winona. She’s done the classy thing and stayed on the down-low for years. Imagine that in the young Hollywood world we live in. You’ve got to admire that.
----------------------------------

Hmmm... yet at the same time, speaking from personal experience, this is something that you shift to when you are VERY angry inside. Because it's something that alot of people have done before, it's hard to believe it's an isolated incident of sloppy shoplifting. I think it was only sloppy because of the meds.

It's not an isolated incident with me. I stopped for a really looooong time. It was a moral thing and I didn't have anything really bad happen for years. Then suddenly, BAM, now it's hard to stop.

If anything, Winona has taught us that we are risking our careers. But somehow I think that Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie got off much easier than Winona.

from:
Winona Talks Shoplifting

and other sources.

Shoplifting Prevention Website

2008-04-13T23:23:00.001-07:00

http://www.shopliftingprevention.org/main.asp

At first I thought this website was going to be cool, but then I discovered that they want you to BUY a PROGRAM with CDs to help you stop. Crap. I'm not going to do that. Someone might find it. It's bad enough that they have questions about all the CLOTHES in my closet and how I can afford them. Sales, I say.

Well, I suppose if I got caught and had a charge pending with the court system, then I would do it. The website says its a way of showing the court you are serious about stopping. That might help your case.

US Department of Justice--Shoplifting Report

2008-04-13T23:14:00.000-07:00

Outlines all research on shoplifting and possible deterrents to shoplifting. Basically it's telling the public that nothing really works. There isn't exactly a cure-all. Great. And I was hoping my recommendations for stopping shoplifting would really help. I want to quit and obviously there isn't an outside source that is going to make me stop. I have to look within.

Visit the report. PDF File.

Stop Shoplifting--Real Solutions, Real Confessions

2008-04-13T22:28:00.000-07:00

Well, at least you could stop my kind of shoplifting. The main thing I do is that I actually buy stuff and that covers it all up. It explains why I have a large bag and why it's full. I go to the dressing room and mostly do my business there. If it doesn't have a security tag, and it fits me, it's going in my bag. If they don't see anything suspicious, they won't stop me. That could be harassment. Every store knows if you harass your customers, they won't return. The best way to prevent shoplifting is to be proactive.

Keeping a person posted at the dressing room to count items in and out would really help. Then I wouldn't be able to cover it up in there. If I see someone posted at the dressing room, I usually go to another dressing room in a more lenient department.

Put a security tag through all parts of a dress. If it has two layers and I can leave the slip behind, I'm taking the dress. I can always buy a slip somewhere else.

Make sure employees put security tags back on items when they are returned. If it doesn't have a tag, it's going in my bag.

Make sure your employees greet people and are very helpful. Bloomingdales has this down to a science.

Stores should know that if someone is really determined, they are going to be able to pull it off. One time I cut a security tag out of a dress with a pocket knife because it was in an underneath slip. I dropped the security tag randomly on the floor by a rack. Some employee will pick it up and wonder how that happened. It could be from anything, right?

Security cameras can be lied to. It's easy to make it look like you put merchandise back. The racks are so mulled over by so many people that it's impossible to tell who may have done the deed. You can also pretend to drop things and slip some of the things into your bag. People drop things in stores all the time. Things go flying off hangers, hangers go flying all over the place on the way to a dressing room.

You may select merchandise and leave a mess in a dressing room, to include empty hangers but they can't prove which room you were in if they weren't being attentive. It could be that you decided to buy the merchandise but don't need the hanger, so you left it. Besides, who's to say that a shirt disappearing after you walked out of a dressing room wasn't due to employee pilfering?

Have employees check tags on merchandise carefully when it is being returned. Switching tags is very common and alot of people don't realize it is a crime. One store inspected my tags and did a search for a description of the item. That stopped me in my tracks. Of COURSE I blamed it on someone else. It's certainly POSSIBLE that there is someone else out there switching tags. Either way, they wouldn't take the items back even if it WAS someone else. I went to another register within the store and she took it back without doing that search. This kind of checking would be especially helpful when going from one department store to another. There are some department stores in wealthier areas that may have designer items not available at smaller stores in less affluent areas. It's easy to return items from one store to another. They aren't going to be as careful about returns in a less affluent area.

Having more people on the floor and paying them better would save a store at least as much as I have stolen on days I go "shopping". A happy, well-paid employee is a faithful employee. It just seems alot less likely to shoplift successfully at a small designer shop where they know the value of their merchandise ($6000 dress) and they are really trying to help. They approach you so fast you don't know what hit you. Compare that to medium level and lower end department stores where they have a constant flow of new employees. The stakes are low, the interest is low. They are trying so hard to learn how to use the register that they can't possibly pay that much attention.

If a store did all of these things on a consistent basis, many shoplifters would have to go somewhere else. I know I would.

Juvenile Petty Theft

2008-04-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

Teenage and Juvenile Shoplifting
(Juvenile Petty Theft)

When a Juvenile is accused of Shoplifting (teen shoplifting), the criminal process is different than in adult court. The juvenile crime is called an act of delinquency. The rules applied in Juvenile court are different than in adult court.

Penalties and Punishments for Juvenile Shoplifting include:

-Detention (placement or camp)
-Probation
-Juvenile record
-Fines
-Community Service

A good criminal defense attorney may be your only defense against a juvenile spending time in jail, being sent away to camp or placement.

Proving Shoplifting

2008-04-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

The Shoplifting Defense

If you have been caught Shoplifting, the charges will most likely be proven by the following means:

1. Store video camera
2. Security staff
3. Loss prevention staff
4. Witness testimony
5. Statements made by the accused

In order for the Prosecutor to establish a solid case for Shoplifting, the following must be proved:

1. The Shoplifter must have been seen approaching the merchandise;
2. The Shoplifter must have selected the merchandise;
3. The Shoplifter must have concealed, carried away, or converted the merchandise;
4. The Shoplifter must have been in continuous observation by the merchant or witness;
5. The Shoplifter must have failed to pay for the merchandise;
6. The Shoplifter must have been approached by the merchant outside the store;

With Shoplifting, the specific intent of the person who committed the crime does not need to be proved. Mental illness, alcohol or drug-related issues, and medication cannot be used as a defense to a Shoplifting charge.

In some cases, with the assistance of an experienced attorney, a Shoplifting charge could be reduced to a Trespass charge or Disturbing the Peace charge if the evidence is weak, there are no witnesses, or video available.

Prosecutors analyze each Shoplifting case individually. The penalties will vary according to the defendant’s prior criminal record, value of goods stolen, and other factors.

Petty Theft vs. Grand Theft

2008-04-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

Sample law:

Petty Theft – Usually charged as a misdemeanor for first time offenses, Petty Theft is the act of stealing goods valued at less than $400. The punishments for Petty Theft can range from fines of up to $400 and/or imprisonment in County jail for up to 6 months. Two or more offenses of Petty Theft may be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the value of the goods stolen and the time that has lapsed since the previous Petty Theft charge. Convictions for repeated Petty Theft offenders may include state prison sentences of up to 16 months. Petty Theft that involves stolen goods valued at under $50 may, in some cases, be reduced to an infraction and a criminal record avoided.

· Grand Theft – Charged as either a felony or misdemeanor, Grand Theft occurs when the value of the merchandise stolen is greater than $400. Grand Theft includes automobiles and other large-ticket items. Grand Theft is usually punishable by up to one year in County jail or a maximum sentence of 16 months in state prison.

Shoplifting is Stealing

2008-04-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

I stole this information from a website.

The crime of Shoplifting is the unlawful taking of merchandise from a store. Also known as Petty Theft or Grand Theft, Shoplifting is charged as a felony or misdemeanor, depending upon the value of stolen merchandise and the defendant’s criminal record.

Shoplifting is a common offense. It can have embarrassing consequences. Shoplifting can blemish your record and can affect your ability to secure a good job. Most employers are reluctant to hire new employees with a Shoplifting charge on their record.

Shoplifting is not just walking out of a store without paying for goods. Shoplifting includes any form of deception where the defendant did not pay the asking price of the merchandise.

Shoplifting Examples:
Switching price tags
Modifying merchandise labels
Consuming food and concealing the wrappers
Wearing articles of clothing and concealing the tags
Walking out of a store, without paying for goods.
Leaving without paying the bill

SHOPLIFTING STATISTICS
Shoplifting is the number one property crime in America
Over 10% of the public shoplifts
Teen or juveniles make up 25% of all shoplifters
Retailers lose over $20 billion worth of stolen goods each year
Some cities have stiff penalties for shoplifters

Sample Shoplifting Penalties
If you have been caught Shoplifting or convicted of a Petty or Grand Theft crime, you could be facing a variety of Theft Penalties, including:

Criminal Record

Consequences

First Offense
Small fine
1 to 3 years informal probation
Community service
Misdemeanor charge

Second, Third, or Fourth Offense
State prison sentence of 16 months to 3 years
- or -

One year in County jail
Felony charge

Returns

2008-04-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

I was just going to return a few things today. It didn't turn out that way, but that was my intention. I did that at one of the stores. Mostly anyway. I didn't end up walking out of the store with anything at least, but I did stuff some undies in my bag. I also saw some other things I wanted to try on, and then decided to leave the undies and just returned the two bras I had bought without swapping them for bras they had there that were the same size. This store doesn't do return stickers so it would have worked out. But my bag was already full from the other store...

My closet is getting really full. One of the other things I do is switching tags. I might buy something I don't really want so I can switch tags on something I bought and want. Sometimes I will switch tags with something that is a the same brand, but I will switch tags and return the sale item with the full price tags. That's what I was doing.

But while I was there, I decided to try a few things on. I really am looking for a new evening gown. Other things caught my eye as well. And then I realized some of those things didn't have tags. Well, you KNOW the rest. I couldn't resist some of those things.

3 shirts (full price $166.00)
2 undies (sale price $3.99 ea)
1 skirt (sale price 22.95 from the original $129.00. It's 1 size too large, but I can deal with it.)

Total value: $213.67 including tax

Wow. I seriously have to stop doing this. I was good yesterday, but that's only because I didn't go to a store!

A Real Steal

2008-04-08T22:45:00.000-07:00

I wore some shiny gold and crystal Stuart Weitzmans at a wedding. Someone complimented me about my shoes. I didn't know what to say, so I found myself telling the truth.
Lady: Those are fabulous shoes.
Petty: Thanks. They were a real steal!
Lady: Wow! What's your secret? I have such a hard time finding a bargain at a department store.
Petty: Well, lets just say, I know how to shop...

I have three pairs of Stuart Weitzman shoes, all of them totally hot. Smokin hot. Stolen hot. One was an accident--really! I was going to buy a pair of black strappy low heeled sandals. They had a security tag on them. I watched the guy take the tag off. I thought I saw him scan them. I reviewed my receipt later and realized that he had forgetten. OOPS! His bad! Do you think I went back and told them? No way!

I slipped another pair into my shopping bag another time. They were matte gold. Very cute. Irresistable. Only $79.00 after all the discounts at a department store clearance center. But I didn't pay that, of course. I carried clothes around over my shopping bag and underneath the clothes slipped the shoes into my shopping bag.

My last ones are the piece du resistance. They were full price, $295. They were practically calling my name as they sat on the shelf at the department store. They were so beautiful. Shiny gold strappy heels with little crystals or rhinestones or whatever. I fell in LOVE! I thought about buying them...but why would I do that? How did I do it?

Well, I always know where the security cameras are. I kept the salesgirl VERY BUSY looking for pairs of shoes for me. I developed a pile around my feet. Then I got the Stuart Weitzman's off the shelf and tried them on. They were an actual PAIR, not two right shoes! They went into the pile. Then I adjusted the pile and dropped the shoes into my shopping bag with alot of adjusting to hide what I was doing. I used the mirror to make sure it looked like I was just shuffling around my stuff, to include the Betsy Johnsons I was thinking of returning. If the security camera caught anything they wouldn't be able to prove anything. Besides, at department stores, they are mostly worried about what the employees are doing. That always works in my favor. I was a bundle of NERVES as I walked out of the store with those. Each moment I dreaded was my last free breath before I was hauled off by security. By the time I got to my car, I figured I was safe. Nothing showed up on the news. That was now months ago.

Store Liquidation

2008-04-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

I went shopping today!! Department store liquidation sales are a great place. I bought some really great items. I'm actually a real bargain hunter when I am shopping. I ended up replacing all I returned yesterday. I thought I could be good in terms of spending money until I hit this sale.

1 Laurie B sweater jacket
1 dress ($ale price $12)
1 Jones New York sweater (it's still cold damnit.)
1 pair of capris
2 panties
1 bra

See, I buy things!
Total items purchased: 7
Dollar amout spent: $200

I thought I could be good about not shoplifting until I hit this sale too!
I lifted:------------------------------------------------------
2 panties
1 nightie
2 Calvin Klien shirts
1 Anne Klein evening dress (1 size too small)
1 other evening dress (2 sizes too small)
1 Pure DKNY silk tank (I have 3 others like it)
1 Nanette Lepore shirt (I'm not sure I even like it)

Total items shoplifted: 9
Dollar value amount: $490

It shouldn't be so easy. I had to be let out by one of the people that work there because I stayed so late. I went to the dressing room to double check that I didn't have any tags on anything, then purchased some lingerie. As I was walking down the stairs, I grabbed another pair of undies while smiling at a girl who was closing her register. She probably figured I would pay for it downstairs. They are going to remodel the store. Good idea. They ought to put in security cameras everywhere because I stuffed those undies in my bag as I bounded nonchalantly down the stairs. I was so friendly to the guy who unlatched the door for me that he didn't suspect a thing.

Petty: So, do you get the door for me?
Clerk: Yes, I've seen you shopping here before.
Petty: Yes. I love this store. You look a little like my brother.
Clerk: Really? He must be a very good looking guy.
Petty: He is. But kind of ugly too. I mean, he's my brother, right?

We laughed, smiled and waved. On the inside I was a little shakey, but nothing went off as I walked through. I figured I could make a run for it if I had too, though that might be kind of dumb.

I really have to stop doing this. I could have been jailed if I had been caught.

I Have Never

2008-04-07T06:18:00.000-07:00

We've all played that juvenile game. It's either I Have Never or Never Have I Ever, or some variation of that. We decided to make the rules be that you say you haven't done things that you have done and then people who haven't don't those things have to drink.

There are the usual things that people have done or not done, but when my turn came I ventured toward my little sin:

When I was a I teenager, I never shoplifted at Disneyland.

Everyone else drank but one other person. We looked at each other and started laughing hysterically.

I'm with you on that one!!!

He gave me a high five. Of course, I would never admit to all the other stuff I've lifted. Just goes to show you never know who would do such awful things!! But then I also thought I left it behind when I grew up.