The most common crime for adolescents is Retail Theft

The research and data revealed that there are basically eight reasons an adolescent engages in retail theft.

1. Peer Presure
2. Want
3. Impulse
4. Anger
5. Excitement
6. Entitlement
7. Denial
8. Greed

The consequences of retail theft include possible fines, a police record and other penalities which actually can affect an adolescents future and family finances.

The research conducted finds that the adolescent acted without thinking about the consequences, because no programs were implemented to educate them. Adolescents had no fears because they felt their actions were unimportant and meaningless.

This interactive program introduces an adolescent to eight situations that are realistic. The significance of this program are two-fold:

First - The questions they are asked after viewing a scenario
"Do you understand the feelings of the main character?"
Are they justified?

These scenarios and questions were designed to:

1. Engae the adolescent in discussion revealing their thoughts about retail theft
2. Prepare for the emotional and psychological issues involving retail theft
3. Preventing an adolescent from the action of retail theft

Second - The consequences of each criminal case are detailed at the end of each scenario.

Credits:

• Series Partially Funded by a GRANT from the Department of Justice
• Produced in Partnership with the United States Secret Service and the Leon County, FL School District