You’re sitting on your couch, scrolling through your phone, when there’s an unexpected knock on the door. Police officers stand outside, requesting to search your home. It feels like something straight out of a crime drama, but this is real life. And in real life, the consequences are serious. Most people panic, unsure of what to do next. Do you let them in to avoid looking suspicious? Do you refuse and risk escalating the situation? It’s a high-stakes decision, and the wrong move could cost you more than just your peace of mind.[...]
What is shoplifting?
Most of us have a pretty clear understanding of the basics. It’s when someone takes something from a store without paying for it, right?
Except that in North Carolina, it’s not quite that simple. There is no charge in our state for shoplifting.
So, what happens when someone “shoplifts” here? Our state criminalizes shoplifting under its theft and larceny laws. The following are the statutes used in NC to govern the various offenses related to shoplifting:
- North Carolina General Statutes 14-72.1 describes concealment of merchandise
- North Carolina General Statutes 14-72(a)