When I was a kid shoplifting was a rite of passage for bored suburban teenage girls who had nothing better to do. It was socially defiant, mildly risky status seeking behavior, usually done while hanging out in groups at the mall. 2-3 girls would go into stores (usually one thief and two watchers/blockers/distractors) and would return later with exciting tales to tell and to show off what they stole. Usually candy that was shared and jewelry that was swapped. I stopped when one of my GFs got caught and was held in some backroom somewhere for a few hours until her mother was called to come pick her up.
I can't imagine trying to shoplift now, with all the hidden rfid tags, video cameras, etc. Back then the only preventative measures retail could employ was to hire undercover floor walkers who you could identify right away because they were always so obvious. And now that I think back on it, they were always men too. Men in jeans, wearing baseball caps and black leather motorcycle jackets. Maybe moonlighting cops? Cop wannabees?
I guess management thought that teen girls intent on shoplifting wouldn't notice them checking them out and following them around the stores. As if. Kek.