New Jersey Shoplifter Laws

Anyone can be jailed for shoplifting in New Jersey.

Shoplifting is the unauthorized taking of items from a store or other place of business with no intention of purchasing the goods. Because other actions can be considered shoplifting as well, New Jersey merchants and residents can benefit from learning about shoplifting laws.

Types

In New Jersey, several types of actions are considered to be shoplifting, such as the act of hiding unpurchased merchandise. Changing price tags for the purpose of paying a lower price is also considered a form of shoplifting.

Penalties

The total value of the merchandise that was stolen determines the severity of punishment that a shoplifter faces. Stolen goods valued at less than $200 could land a person in jail for as much as 6 months, and stolen merchandise valued at more than $75,000 could result in a 10-year prison sentence.

Tips

New Jersey store owners are advised to not touch a person suspected of shoplifting. If the suspect refuses the owner's request to escort the person to an area of the store so that the owner can inquire about the merchandise, a mental note should be made of the person's appearance and police should be called.

References

• Crime Prevention Service for Business: New Jersey laws on shoplifting