How Theft Affects Everyone
In recent years, a disturbing trend has emerged—people are starting to refer to certain crimes as “victimless.” But is there really such a thing?
The reality is everyone is a victim of crime, even if they don’t realize it. Whether you’re at work, sleeping at home, or shopping for groceries, crimes are happening all around you. Just because you’re not directly impacted doesn’t mean you’re not paying the price.
One of the most overlooked “victimless” crimes is theft—particularly retail theft. People often assume that when a large corporation like Walmart, Target, or Best Buy gets robbed, it doesn’t affect them. But the truth is, you are the one paying for it.
How Retail Theft Impacts You
Retailers, like any other business, cannot afford losses. When products are stolen, they don’t just absorb the cost—they pass it on to consumers.
Here’s how it works:
- Theft Drives Up Prices
- Ever noticed how prices vary between stores, even in the same city? That’s because stores in high-theft areas raise prices to cover their losses.
- Even online prices are cheaper than in-store purchases because stores have to account for theft.
- Insurance Won’t Cover Everything
- Just like you wouldn’t file an insurance claim for a broken car window unless it’s worth it, stores don’t claim every stolen item.
- Instead, they increase the price of other goods to make up for stolen merchandise.
- You Pay for Someone Else’s Crime
- Every time you buy groceries, electronics, or household goods, you’re paying a little extra to cover the cost of theft.
- That extra penny, nickel, or quarter on each product adds up—and you’re the one footing the bill.
Are You Being Robbed at the Register?
The next time you check out at your favorite store, ask yourself:
“Am I paying more because someone else stole?”
The answer is yes. Every item you buy is affected by theft, meaning that crime does have victims—millions of them.
So before we call theft a “victimless” crime, let’s recognize the reality—we’re all paying the price.