shoplifting

Everyday

1. Stealing things from a shop by hiding them and leaving without paying. tree →
2. A crime that police and shops take seriously. tree →

In the lessons

In safety and citizenship lessons children learn that shoplifting is stealing and a crime, even for small things like sweets; shops use cameras, tags and guards. In stories a character is caught shoplifting and learns a lesson. It also raises prices for everyone. Phrases: «caught shoplifting», «shoplifting is a crime», «shoplifters will be prosecuted».

Examples

• Shoplifting is stealing, and it is against the law. tree →
• He was caught shoplifting a chocolate bar. tree →
• The sign says «Shoplifters will be prosecuted». tree →
• Shops use cameras to stop shoplifting. tree →
• Shoplifting makes prices go up for everybody. tree →
• In the story, Jack's friend dared him to try shoplifting, and he said no. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Person: shoplifter. Verb: shoplift, shoplifted. It is wrong and illegal; the word is taught to understand rules, not to try it. Informal: nicking (UK slang for stealing).