Military shoplifting

Abstract

Shoplifting is a crime generally attributed to women. This article describes a population of mostly male active duty military shoplifters. Several cases are presented and discussed in detail. Shoplifting, and the psychiatric theories explaining the behavior, are placed in perspective with a literature review. The significance of shoplifting in the military is discussed by examining the law, appellate opinions, and the range of punishments. The article concludes by providing suggestions for conducting a medico-legal evaluation.