At a time when many retailers are closing their doors, The Mall at Short Hills continues to see a lot of foot traffic. With high retail sales comes high levels of shoplifting, which both mall security and local law enforcement take seriously. A person caught shoplifting at the Short Hills Mall can find themselves facing serious criminal charges. No one should take shoplifting charges lightly. Here are some important facts about this crime.
New Jersey Definition of Shoplifting
Anytime a person attempts to deprive a merchant of the full value of a good, that person can be charged with shoplifting under N.J.S.C. 2C:20-11. The statute describes several specific such acts, including:- Intentionally taking merchandise without paying.
- This is what most think of when they think of shoplifting--removing something from the store without paying for it, either by concealing, hiding, or wearing the merchandise.
- Altering or transferring a price tag/container.
- A person can be charged with shoplifting if they altered the price tag or moved the item to an alternate container that results in it being rung up at less than the full value.
- Under-ringing/unauthorized discounting merchandise.
- An employee who deliberately rings up a lower price for one or more items--whether for himself or a customer--can be charged with shoplifting.
- Removing a shopping cart from the premises
- Shopping carts are also subject to shoplifting laws. Even though they are not for sale, they are considered property of the store or mall.