the account formerly known as htxlifts

Maybe I’m just not following the right blogs, but I never see these stores in posts!

1. Office Depot: you can’t buy a 4.0, but you can buy the most wonderful school supplies ever! Specifically this store, though, because a) there are only cameras in the desk/chair/computer sections, b) few customers and SAs, c) the high walls are good shelter, d )no LP? It’s like 2 cashiers and some tech people who don’t care.

2. Nordstrom: don’t let the big name scare you! BP. is my favorite brand to shop from there because a) too cute! b) dressing rooms are monitored but they don’t count your items, c) nothing is tagged d) I believe they only prosecute if you get greedy and take a LOT.

3. Old Navy: seriously, one of the easiest places! I recommend it for beginners or seasoned shoplifters that want something simple. They definitely don’t always have the most trendy pieces, but they’re bomb for basics (jeans, plaid/flannel, t-shirts) and athletic wear, and a) only some things are tagged b) dressing rooms aren’t monitored c) they don’t really care if you beep on the way out d) shoes are the easiest fucking thing here! Take em into the dressing room (detag if necessary) and slip them in your bag or literally just wear them out e) no annoying SAs.

4. Gap: again, it’s fancy but don’t freak out! I like them because they have really nice basics and athletic wear and a) fitting rooms aren’t monitored b) only some things are tagged c) one time, I walked out of there with something tagged (literally not even trying to shoplift, I totally just forgot a had it), the alarm went off, the cashier smiled/winked/waved at me??

5. Starbucks: an untapped gold mine! a) baristas are waaaay too busy to care/told not to worry, b) nothing’s tagged c) hella helped me work on my concealing skills. I might make a whole post about this later.

BE SAFE!

DISCLAIMER: This is a post I created for my own personal use that I'm now sharing to help others. This means that you may recognize some of this information from other posts (or your own!), because I like to compile and rephrase any information I find helpful. I don't list sources for everyone's safety, but that is in no way because I want to pass off some of this information as my own. Feel free to comment or message me if you think someone should be credited and I will gladly do so <3 Any additional info is always appreciated!

General Tips & Tricks:

Remember, no ID, no case. Avoid using your credit/debit card whenever possible, as they can ID you this way and case build. You can either pay with cash, load up a V1sa credit card, or don’t pay at all ;)

Park away from camera view in the parking lot. Better yet, park down the street or around the corner and walk to your car so they can’t identify you with your car (this is if you can walk a ways with reusable bags, bc it’s obv harder with a cart)

Act like a normal shopper. Browse, look at prices, and don’t look around at other people.

Avoid looking at the doors if there is beeping, most normal people wouldn’t notice or pay attention.

Always do your research before hitting a store. Scope out the location ahead of time, check out the cameras in the parking lot and in the store, get an idea of how vigilant they are about checking receipts, find out when they’re the busiest, check for LP and security.

On weekdays when it’s slower some stores won’t have security, but will bring them in on the weekends. This is true for stores like Tom Finger and Kroh-ger.

Self Checkout:

Use reusable bags. Place the less expensive items/the ones you plan on actually paying for at the top of the bags. Scan those and “forget” the items at the bottom.

Bring a new looking receipt, or create a fake receipt of the items you’re taking (buy a receipt printer and print your shopping list using the store's template/format for receipts)

Create fake label stickers at home. Take a picture on your phone for barcodes and get a label sticker. Make your code for whatever dollar amount you want (like $1 each).

Scan things quickly and cover the barcode with your hand on “accident” when scanning. This is riskier because sometimes the camera or machine will catch this and stop your checkout process to replay video of you skipping an item (which is so embarrassing lmao).

Get a packet of dressing or gravy (which runs .30 to .50 cents) and hold it under the item you're scanning. This is also a little more on the riskier side just because an employee or cameras can physically see the price of the item scanned versus the item you’re holding.

If you’re satisfied with a nice self-given discount, it’s lower risk to tear the tag off a cheaper item similar to the one you’re getting. For example you can hold the barcode for a cheaper pillow against the actual tag for a more expensive pillow.

A good rule of thumb for self checkout is to act as quickly as possible. Your actions will be much harder to catch if you’re hard to keep up with. Don’t come off as frantic or worried though, just look like you’re busy and have someplace to be.

Place smaller items underneath cheaper bigger items or underneath the cart and “forget” to scan them at self checkout. This creates very realistic plausible deniability. One good example is placing a pack of toilet paper on top of a dozen sheets of pimple patches or face masks. It’s not going to occur to anyone to look underneath such a big item.

Likewise, you can place smaller items into bigger items and buy that one bigger item. For example, buying a large plastic bin or laundry hamper and placing items inside. This is higher risk though, because you will have to conceal the smaller items on the floor. Finding blindspots can be difficult, and hidden cameras are a thing. If you are seen doing this, it will be obvious what you are attempting to do so be sure you are being tactful. This may also draw attention because this is a common and well known thing that people do, even if they are not experienced lifters.

To create more plausible deniability, wear earbuds/headphones and play music. If you're caught you can pretend you didn't hear that the scanner didn't beep on the item.

Pretend you’re shopping for 2 people and need to do 2 different orders. If you're caught trying to leave without paying for something, just say the rest of the items are for someone else. Scan them, take the L, and move on.

Buy bulk. If you have multiples of items, it's easier to make it less obvious you stole something. So if you have 5 bottles of the same soda and only scanned 3, it looks less suspicious than if you only had 1 and it never left your cart.

Body Concealing:

Go to the freezer section, as you are “looking for ice cream” have your bag of choice situated on the side of your body where the door is blocking you; the condensation should block your actions. The items you want to conceal should be in your hand, so then just drop it in. Make sure no one’s on your other side.

Get two meat packs and have them facing each other for easy concealment.

The makeup aisle is highly monitored, for the love of god don’t try to conceal until you’re in another section. Don’t get too much makeup at one time either, try to grab moderate amounts like someone spending their own money would.

Carside Pickup:

Tell them that you have store credit, most will never check and as long as it’s less than like $50 they’ll probably give it to you. It might be more believable if you say “last time I picked up you guys forgot to give me my “xyz”, and I didn’t want to come back to pick it up so you said you’d take the $10.99 (or whatever amount) off this order”. 

You most likely will not get ID'd at carside.

Walkouts:

Find a store with a Stardollars inside. Have a drink and have your bag already filled and leave after you’re finished. This works for smaller hauls, don’t attempt with a whole cart, it will be more obvious. To my knowledge, this is a well known method by employees so in some situations this might be higher risk.

Don’t stop if they ask you to. Wave them off (as if you couldn’t be bothered and you find them an inconvenience), pretend not to hear, quickly flash a receipt, etc. If they are not cops, you are not legally obligated to stop.

Be patient and find your window of opportunity. Don’t rush out, wait and see when no one is paying attention to the doors. Your biggest tool will be confidence, if no one notices you because you are not acting out of the ordinary you can get away with a lot.

You can have someone watch your back as you leave. Meaning, they can stay back to see if anyone notices and follow you out after or if it’s a high risk situation, they can block the exit with a shopping cart and tell you to run.

The best approach is to do walkouts when no one will notice. This means going when it’s busiest (the weekends, specifically Sunday afternoon) and at higher income areas where they will not be on high alert. This will not always be possible, so in times it’s not just make sure there is no security to stop you.

Do not double dip too often at the same stores, rotate the stores you hit unless you are going in disguise. The same logic applies with lifting anywhere, dress nice and blend in. Face masks are preferable. 

Some stores have shopping carts with wheels that will lock up for one of these two reasons: 

1. You attempt to leave without paying (meaning the wheels will lock at the store doors). This is meant to prevent theft known as “pushout” or “walkout” theft.You can get around this by either walking out with a basket or reusable bags instead, or by going through the point of sale areas to deactivate the locking mechanism. Either walk through an empty cashier aisle so it appears you paid, or through self checkout.

2. You attempt to leave the premises. This is meant to prevent shopping carts from being taken off the lot, so unless you’re trying to steal the cart too or you parked far from the store it shouldn’t be an issue.

Personally I like to fill up reusable bags as I make my through the store, and not all at once since that to me looks more sketch. Have some items at your cart until the end then bag the rest before you’re getting ready to leave, but bag a majority of it as you go.

Usually there will be signs throughout the store notifying shoppers of this, or you can tell by looking at the carts’ wheels. There will be two out of the four wheels either on the front or the back that look different from the others, like there is some sort of clunky shield on them.

You can learn more about how this works at:

***This is a new idea I have not tested yet, but I will edit this portion of the post when I do. Wear a F@/vor or insta-nt-cart shirt/cap and bring the company bags to fill up (you can l find these items online). Routinely check your phone as you shop like you are collecting an order for a customer that already paid online. Walking out will raise less questions when you seem like a mere worker carrying out someone else’s order. That way you can also claim the items have already been paid for online if you are stopped. You could go as far as to have a fake item pulled up on the app or create a fake picture/screenshot.

Best places to go grocery shopping:

Trade Joey's (best for body concealing as there are few, if any, cameras)

Sproots

Worst places to go grocery shopping:

Fuckin’ T@/rget. I’d only attempt low risk methods if there’s something you REALLY want.

W@/m@/rt, unless you’re only occasionally skipping items at self checkout.

Kroh-ger. They’re known to case build.

Stores that have locking carts (this will not apply to every location):

@/di

W@/m@/rt

(for g0th and alt3rnativ3 aesthetics/styles)

did a little researching from reviews and site details.

L!p S3rvic3: Hard. They aren't responsible for p@ckages after shipm3nts but if u push and tussle about it not arr!ving for 1-2 weeks they eventually have nothing left to do but offer r3fund. Not recommended.

D0c M@rt3ns: Not too difficult. I'd recommend Dn4 when ordering them on N0rdstr0m. If they are hesitant/refuse to at first through email, call support and they will be an instant help! might ask you to wait a little longer but eventually will offer r3fund.

K!llsttar: 97% success rate! W!ll make you file a cla!m first and will usually offer r3funds almost immediately! pls wait 2-3 days before cla!m to be safe. also good if u don't support them for being dicks but u like their clothes! "sc@mmer get sc@mmed!" 😍

V@mpir3FreakSS DO NOT CLA!M DN4. if you select sh!pping protection they will instruct you to create a p0lice rep0rt for th3ft. If you do without protection, they simply will not do anything about it. You're better off d0ing returns/3mpty Box

D!sturbi@: EASY BUT just know: They say they will inv3stigate but from what ive read, its most likely just a lie and they'll r3fund in a week or less. If you don't hear from them after 7 days of filing cla!m just email asking for an update or complain on a review site and theyll say they've processed your r3fund.

TR!PP N.Y.C: NO R3FUNDS. EMPTY B0X PROBABLY BETTER TO DO. would not recommend generally for any tricks.

Am@z©n: VARIES BUT MOSTLY EASY! do not claim Dn4 if they have taken a picture of your pac kag 3 (which you can check on delivery status/arrived email). If no photo was taken, claim and will r3fund quickly.

D0llsk!ll: Do not cla!m Dn4. Not responsible for l0st packages. In exceptions they only offer r3sending packag3s. bad company overall LOLLL

Sp3nc3rs: Easy! Cust0mer Servic3 isn't the best and may be slow but they're pretty kind and will offer r3funds for DN4. May ask to wait for a bit or look around for pack ag3 but other than that, they shouldn't really ask anything else.

UPDATE: SP3NC3RS DOES NOT WORK ANYMORE.

H0t T0p!c: DO NOT TRY. Not responsible for p@ckages after sh!pment. May do some exceptions for ups3t customers but it really isn't the best store to dn4 from anyways and will probably refuse r3funds 89% of the time.

ALL ROLEPLAY!

I recently had an ask pop in my box asking for tips on lifting from a couple stores. I see a lot of new lifters spamming the inboxes of the community with the same “how do I life xxx from xxx store?” rephrased a few different ways. So let me break down my NUMBER ONE TIP: SCOPING.

SCOPE OUT THE STORE BEFORE YOU LIFT FROM THERE. SCOPE OUT THE STORE BEFORE YOU LIFT FROM THERE. SCOPE OUT THE STORE BEFORE - - are you comprehending what I am trying to say?

What does it mean to scope out a store?

“Scoping” is a verb that shortens “look around the store for cameras without looking suspicious, and all in all figuring out if and when you can get away with lifting at said location.”

Why should I scope out a store?

Lifting is a CRIME. I will not sugar coat it. If you lift anything from a store you are a CRIMINAL, regardless of being a minor or not. There are more ways to mess up a lift than there are to successfully lift from a store. Plain and simple. When you scope out a store you are deciding what places are best to conceal items, where to avoid, what you can reasonably lift, and how to scamper from the store in a calm manner in the shortest time and distance possible. This is useful if for whatever reason you have to halt your lift and get out of the store. Scoping also aids your confidence when you lift. If you know what to do ahead of time, you will be faster and more intelligent with your choices.

I see tips for lifting from XXX all of the time. Can’t I follow their guide and be fine?

Yes and no. Yes, tips are great! Yes, tips are fun! Tips are amazing resources to give you ideas. Yet there is nothing pragmatic about reading tips. No two stores have the same layout. I have three Ulta locations in my area. Ulta does not magically build new buildings for every location so they can look exactly the same with the exact same layout. In this case, Ulta works with the existing building structure to create their store layout. Just because Ulta doesn’t have a camera in the high end foundations at one location, does NOT mean the other two Ulta’s in my area ALSO have no cameras in the same section. Based on building structure and shrink (or items lost/stolen), cameras, two-way mirrors, motion sensors and monitors are in different spots at every store. When someone gives tips about where cameras are located they are only giving a generalization based on THEIR knowledge of ONLY THE LOCATIONS THEY HAVE ENTERED.

How do I scope out a store?

This is a complex question, so forgive me if I ramble. I will take you step by step as to how I scope out a store.

NEVER scope out a store on the same day you plan to lift from the store. Try to plan it out at least a week in advance. I don’t care if you are a minor and your mommy has to drive you everywhere. If you want to seriously take these tip posts to heart, you will scope the area BEFORE you lift, on a day where you are NOT planning to lift.

Use the store location to your advantage. If it is located inside a mall, wall down the hallway and glance through the store windows to locate any cameras nearby the doors. Sometimes you can clearly see all of the camera locations especially in smaller store locations. If there is seating outside the windows, sit in the chairs, sip on a Starbucks, text or talk on the phone, and continue to study the store through the windows. If it is located outdoors in a stand alone building are there any windows you can stand outside? Slip on your sunglasses as being outside in the sun is a perfectly normal reason to wear them, but it also hides your eyes from where they are looking if they are a dark enough tint. Chat on the phone while doing this so you aren’t just standing. Be creative but believable with your conversations. You are waiting for a friend, you are waiting for a ride, you got a call from your boss about work, you were on your way inside when a friend called you for help with a school assignment, or you just wanted to clarify something with a friend. Use this time to hunt for security: cameras, mirrors, SAs (sales associates), bear traps, etc.

Enter the store. If you are greeted be cordial, but do not spill into a long story about how you are just looking around and isn’t it such a nice day and oh look at all of these cameras. Spend your time browsing the store as if you are shopping normally. Depending on the merchandise, read the labels, compare products, search for an ingredient or two that you don’t understand, take a picture of the product, sniff them, lick them. While you are doing this search every. damn. aisle. Walk up and down each aisle as if you are just looking around at the different products and killing time. (A lot of people walk up and down every aisle if you like to people watch or stalk other shoppers for fun.)

MEANWHILE, meaning while doing step two and browsing the products, be on the look out for more cameras. Even if they are dome cameras and they look incredibly fake, assume they are real. There are companies that make horribly cheap cameras that are easily mistaken as fake cameras, and you would not be the first person caught on film because you made the mistake. Keep an eye out for mirrors.

MEANWHILE, meaning while doing step two and step three, be on the look out for mirrors. Assume all mirrors are two-way mirrors, meaning to you it looks like a normal mirror but if someone stands on the other side it looks like a window and they can see your every action.  Most people overlook mirrors, and it gets them into trouble. I have seen people IN PERSON, walk up to a mirror until they are practically on top of it, and thinking no one can see them from the angle they are standing, conceal items in front of the mirror. Then LP or a manager waltzes in and confronts the shoplifter in question. Mirrors are dangerous. SAs can see you from certain angles and it is best to avoid them. If they witness you take and conceal an object (and walk past the point of sale) it is grounds for loss prevention to have them assist in filing a report.

MEANWHILE, BE AWARE OF SAs! (Do you see how this “meanwhile” stuff makes this post very long and probably somewhat confusing when someone asks be to simply break down scoping out a store?) How many SAs are there? Where are the SAs located? How attentive are the SAs? Are they greeting everyone within ten feet or within twenty feet of their presence? Perhaps ask questions about products to several different SAs? Are the SAs earnestly concerned and are trying to help or do they seem pretty disinterested? If you drop your phone on the floor in the same aisle as an SA do they notice or are they too busy working on a project? The more obtuse the staff is, the more likely you can get away with stealing more volume or stealing more cumbersome items.

MEANWHILE, be on the look out for customers. Assume anyone in plain clothes is a member of their loss prevention department OR a vigilant citizen looking for an opportunity to relive their football days and tackle someone. I don’t care if it is a ten year old boy running up and down the aisles while his mother chases after him, or if it is a somber looking granny who is holding onto her shopping cart to keep herself upright. Anyone can snitch, anyone can be LP, anyone can tackle you (Never know - Granny could be doing Cross-Fit four times a week and skydives on the weekends) and therefore ANYONE can get you into trouble. How many customers are in the store? Where do customers like to congregate?

MEANWHILE, be on the look out for exit doors. If you need to make a speedy escape later on how many options do you have? Are there emergency exit doors? Does the door have a label warning of a time lock or a ten second delay?

Mentally make note of the blind spots you have discovered. Hell, you can open up your phone and jot them down - after all, you will look like you are texting. For craft stores check the fabric aisles and the seasonal aisles. Not many people steal an entire bolt of fabric so usually the only cameras in that section are focused on the cutting table where it is easier to stuff small pieces of fabric. Also, not too many people are looking to lift a wreath covered in Easter bunnies and carrots. For clothing stores I usually go the mens department as they are not monitored as heavily. I will even use the mens fitting rooms if I can. They are less busy, usually unattended, and if you are questioned as to why you waltzed into them if you are not a man, there are a billion excuses. You couldn’t find the fitting room for women, the other rooms were full, the other rooms were dirty, this was closer and you really need to find a restroom but wanted to try things on first. For grocery stores I usually locate the aisle with instant noodles and other prepared goods. Not too many people WANT to steal packets of Maruchan Ramen.

ATTEMPT TO GO OUT THE DOORS LABELED “ENTRANCE” when you leave. If there are two sets of doors, of course. I do this to test if the doors have motion sensors on the inside. If someone tries to block your exit during a lift, you confidently know you have another option. Or if someone is sent to the front to ask to check your bag as you leave, usually they assume you will go out the exit and not the entrance.

This is also a great time to play around with how you dress. If you are unsure of the store’s clientele base (meaning what kind of customers walk into their store to shop) you can experiment now. Can you get away with jeans and flats? Is it time to break out the five in heels and an all black designer outfit? Is that MK bag too noticeable? Will a bag from Kohls or F21 look out of place? Try your options then, rather than when you lift. If you need to make several trips to try out several outfits because you are getting negative responses then please do that. It is better to find outfit options that send you under the radar with SAs than something that sticks out. There are plenty of amazing outfit posts out there in this community.

A week or so later, feel free to hit the store. You now know where to conceal without cameras or SAs breathing down your neck! Now you can put into play all of those tips you read about concealing.

I would like to finish my post with two golden rules and an advisory.

First rule of lifting is SCOPE SCOPE SCOPE.

Second rule of lifting is DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT if you feel uneasy or are sensed by staff or customers, and get out of the store.

Remember, LIFTING is a CRIME. Just because we usually call it “lifting” does not make it different than “stealing”. They are synonyms. They are the same damn thing. Lifting is stealing and both make you a criminal regardless of age.

(Updated Jan 23)

G/0ss/3r: $366 Feb/Jan 2022 DeeNA both times! New acc, Emailed n said i didn't receive my package n refunded immediately both times. If they push for reshipment, say it was for a birthday present and that you already got them something else

Urd@n 0ut£itt3rz: $120 ordered 2 items, received 1! I ordered an expensive kanken and a $20 backpack, claimed i didn't get the kanken (note this was years ago, like 2019)

K@t3 ♠️: ~$260 June 2022 2 different parcels but when I talked to CS thru live chat and said I didn't receive one(1) item, they refunded me for both! Easiest 🧬 so far

Sh3!n: $350 june 2022 + $250 august 2022!! First time, I got my items in 2 diff parcels, one containing about $100 worth of stuff and the other $250. Live chat refunded my $100 package right away, had to wait a week for an investigation for the $250 refund. Might be tightening up? Or maybe just trying to scare you. Second time i got 2 parcels, one containing only 1 shirt n everything else in the second parcel. DNAd the 2nd parcel worth all the money, 7 day inves

dîçkś śpörtïng gôœds: ~$200, july 2022, super super duper easy!! Sweetest CS ever, pushed for reship but i said it was for a birthday and i already got my friend a different gift, offered refund!!

$250, dec 2022, super ez! claimed dna, they offered teship/refund i opted for ref :3

Tærtë- ~$250, july 2022 ez. I contacted the day after my package was delivered and they told me to wait another day. The next day I came into chat and got the option of refund or reship :) ref obv!

âmæž0n- $320, july 2022, super ez pz. I contacted live chat 2 days later, and was offered a refund as soon as I explained my issue (:

$370 september 2022, made me wait 48 hours, pushed for reship but said it was a gift so they gave me a refund.

L0v3H0n3y- $150, august 2022, ez thru live chat! Was offered a choice between reship n refund

B&BVV- $115, Oct 2022, i just ordered a shit ton of candles n claimed they all came damaged and that i cut myself on the glass through live chat. Offered reship but i said i'd like to buy them in person and they offered refund

TÄRG3T- $95 🧬 , nov 2022, live chat, no inves, 2 items in the parcel, ez dub

$250 🧬, dec 2022-23, live chat, 2 week investigation, 3 items in the parcel, ez dub

VS- $350 🧬 Jan 2023, oh my god so easy through live chat. Said the package didn't arrive, they offered refund immediately :)

SK!MZ- $350, EB, Jan 2023. I claimed EB and they made me file a claim with ups, but as soon as I sent them the claim info they gave me a refund.

F!N!SH L!N3- $180, 🧬, Jan 2023. New acc, no prev orders, claimed that neither parcel arrived and they offered refund or reship.

🇺🇸 🦅- $130, 🧬, jan 2023, New acc, no prev orders, live chat, claimed the parcel didn't arrive and they offered refund

GYM 🦈- $310, 🧬 Feb 2023 ez, said they investigated but tbh i don't see anything about an invest? so idk if they just said that or if i just don't know how to find investigations on my acc lol

KH0LZ- $100, 🧬 feb 2023, ez! Claims 🧬 thru live chat and was offered a ref

!NST@ - $350, 🧬, feb 2023 ez! Emailed the company i bought from and they offered reship, claimed it was a gift and offered refund :)

$350 🧬 march 2023 successful

L0v3 🍯- $250, March 2023 🧬, thru email ezzzz

Sh3!n- $250, 🧬 March 2023, ez pz, live chat said they investigated but then i emailed a few days later n got the ref the next day

Orders I Have On The Way

Calv!n Kl3!n - $250

🎯- $250

Every ⭐️🦌 I've ever been to have at least 6 cameras centered on the baristas and the register. Sometimes in the lobby and sometimes on the way to the bathrooms.

I say this ^^ because I've seen methods of "just take cups to the bathroom" and "just take cups to the lobby" but there's cameras there watching the whole room...

When I y01nk from ⭐️🦌, I body block any camera above the baristas that can also see the gift shelf. Baristas are always doing something more important but just in case - block any baristas moving out into the lobby. I grab a cup I'm curious about, check price, check design. I like to bag y01nk or coat y01nk with my body blocked blindspot. Alternatively I've just grabbed as many cups as possible in 30 seconds and left. So.

That doesn’t mean the game is over. Your main priority is getting away, even if you’re in a mall. Walk quickly and calmly to an exit.

It’s only over when you’re on the floor with handcuffs or completely overpowered. Know every time that you approach the exit that there is a real possibility you could be called out or approached. Prepare to dodge grabs and pulls, know they may attempt to grab your bag, prepare to ESCAPE.

Let me tell you something as someone who has worked at numerous stores in one high-security mall. The only thing a worker can REALLY do once you’re out is call security.

I called security on a guy once. My coworkers didn’t know the number. It took us a few minutes to find the fucking number.

When we got in contact with them, they said they would come to US for questioning.

YEAH. They showed up ten minutes later to ask us “questions.” After five minutes of “asking questions,” they messaged the other security workers to search the mall for someone with that description.

That guy had TWENTY minutes to get out of the mall, because he ESCAPED THE EMPLOYEES.

Please do not surrender defeat just because a coworker is shouting at you across the store to come back or asks to check your bag. RUN. Get the fuck out of there. Once you’re out, you walk calmly. No one outside of that store knows you stole. Go to the nearest exit.

By the time security even hears you stole something, you should be out.

Oh, and don’t park your car near the mall. That’s just begging to be caught.

I've mostly been lyft1ng groceries lately so I'm going to share my grocery technique to help anyone who needs it. (this is probably pretty basic and has most likely been shared here before but it works)

small grocery häù1 technique:

you need some reusable bags. personally I use two heavier, more structured ones, and one or two small fabric ones.

you're going to choose one of the thicker reusable bags to store your other bags inside. bend the other thicker one around the inside of that first bag to kind of hollow it out while making it look fuller than it is. then throw in your smaller fabric bags on top so it looks like it's just full of bags. basically just make it look full and position the bags inside it so that the shapes of objects won't show through the sides.

now you're going to head to the store. (i only do this at stores with self checkouts). shop normally, as if you're shopping with your own money. check prices, examine fruit and vegetables before you choose them, etc.

pick up a few things that you need until your hands are full. this is when you're going to put your groceries into your reusable bag. don't try to hide what you're doing, you're just putting things in your bag because your hands are full. tons of people do this, stores don't like it but it's not innately suspicious so long as you've acted like a paying customer (e.g. don't choose the most expensive items you can find and put them in your bag.)

I tend to keep fruits + bread in my hands because they could get crushed in the bag (plus they're cheap), as well as the majority of stuff that I pick up after this point. I usually pay for 4-5 things.

now you're going to proceed to the self-checkout and pay for the things in your hands, use one of your small reusable bags to pack your purchased groceries, and leave. don't pay for anything in your bag.

I've done this for the past month and it's worked every time. i just got $40+ of food for $11 a few days ago. and i learned this trick from someone who's been doing this far longer and it still works for them too.

other people are noticeably shoplifting

finding tags in the dressing room

there being a lot of random clothing in the dressing room (sign they are understaffed)

a lack of employees in general, especially on the floor

there are carts of merchandise cluttering the store

When the store floor is crowded use this to your advantage.

One circle the area where he go conceal. Be would walk between that circle spot and stuff his tote full in one shot.

Then he carefully maneuver between that spot and quickly stuff his tote bag with everything needed in one go. On top of the pile, One place a large sweater to conceal the items underneath. Later on, he simply discard the sweater as if I've changed his mind and don't want it anymore.

before i sleep, i’m going to type out some things i collected from lift-pros who have deactivated their blogs and adopted into my own routine! i’ll just detail my routine and try to give a few tips at the end so that the newer lifters can have some of the wisdom of those who have left us.

routine: 

whenever i go lifting, i always bring a medium sized purse and a large shopping bag. i gently fold the shopping bag and put it inside of my purse. other than this, i’ll bring:

my magnet and hook (i hide them inside of these hidden zippers in my purse) {some lifters use scissors. same goes.}

a wallet with a decent amount of money (if i have it) in case i get caught 

earphones (personal preference, but i find that music calms me and makes me look nonchalant. sometimes i won’t even listen to anything so that i can appear occupied, but actually be attentively listening around me.)

when i enter my first store, i’ll browse around, examining fabric, price tags, comparing clothes to my body in the mirrors. this is useful for concealing. if you conceal an item of clothing in another, mirrors are so good for checking if you can see it. just look as if you’re checking our your appearance. 

try to take some items without hangers, so that you can put those items onto hangers when you have extras. 

once i’ve taken a couple items i want along with some larger items with pockets (jeans, overalls, collared shirts) i’ll go to a changing room. if an attendant asks me how many items i have, i’ll lie and say 2 less than what i have. if they physically count the items, then i’ll probably only steal one item. if no one gives a shit, then still, don’t be too careless about stealing items. there’s still video cameras. 

***MAKE SURE not to steal a boldly printed/colored item that’s showing in your pile of clothing or the first item that you’re holding. they’ll probably notice it’s gone, or at least there’s a greater risk. ***

in the changing room, i’ll probably take my shoes off so i don’t look suspicious from underneath the curtain. and if the curtain doesn’t fully close, i ALWAYS hold it closed with my body as i detag. a lady once walked in on me as i was detagging and i nearly had a heart attack, thankfully she didn’t see anything. 

after i take the tags off of the items i want, i’ll put the tags into or onto the clothes i don’t want. DOUBLE CHECK FOR TAGS PLEASE!!!! THERE’S CHANCES OF EXTRA HARD AND SOFT TAGS. i’ll put the clothes i detagged in my purse. if i don’t have space, i might wear the item of clothing if it’s small and unnoticeable. when i exit the changing room, i’ll most likely leave one item that has been untouched on the rack outside of the changing room. 

PLEASE MAKE SURE NOT TO LEAVE THE ITEM WITH THE EXTRA TAGS ON OR IN IT ON THE RACK OR WITH THE ATTENDANT the attendant will be touching these items the soonest and it’s pretty sketchy when a tag falls out of a pocket or if there’s an extra on there. 

i usually take the items with the tags and bring them back out to the store, if i’m not lazy i’ll put it back where it came from. i always try to put it in the middle of the rack.

then i exit the store, trying to look calm. 

so you probably noticed i haven’t mentioned the shopping bags yet. this isn’t what everyone does, but i always head to the bathroom and put the clothes i stole into the bag. it works for me because i can’t necessarily pull off walking into my mall with a bag in hand, but if you want to start off with the bag, just put something thin and dark inside the bag to put on top of the clothes you stole. just in case. 

then i hit up other stores! except at these other stores, i can put the clothes i take into the shopping bag.

tips: 

1. always double check for tags on the clothing. this is a given, but really, you have to check for any kind of tag. you might have gotten the hard tag off, but there could still be a soft tag somewhere, or some other lifter could’ve left a tag somewhere. hold up the price tags and clothing tags up to the light and look for chips and shit.

2. HIDE your tools. please. hide them. if the LP sees your tools, you’ll get punished so much harder because you were shoplifting with the intent.

3. DON’T RUN!!! don’t run. if you run, well, it depends on store policy. but if you run, they might tackle you or call the police or some shit.

4. if you don’t have a good feeling about a place, drop the shit and get out. seriously. get out. leave the mall if you have to. give it a little time before you return. just don’t risk it. no item is worth a record, especially since we’re all young with our futures ahead of us.

5. find somewhere to put your tags. don’t be careless. i’ve seen people just leave the tags in the changing room, it’s not necessarily traceable but it draws attention to the fact that shoplifting is prevalent in the store. what i’ve found is putting them inside of purses, pockets is effective. and of course, retagging clothing as well. i usually tag the inner tag on the seam of the clothing. 

6. always be nice to the SA. if they talk to you, they’re just doing their job and being polite. but if they’re following you around a little too closely, they’re probably suspicious of you. 

7. dress appropriately for the store. this is also a given, but don’t wear shit like black hoodies and sweatpants, cause you probably look like a lifter who wants to wear clothing out of the store. also, i recommend changing your appearance up a little.

8. don’tttt please don’t go to one store too much and never buy anything. give it some time. if an store attendant asks, i like to say that i’m just trying on things and i’m going to tell my mom what i want so we can come back. also, don’t always go at like 4:00 on a tuesday. change it up, so you catch different employees at different shifts. 

9. don’t grab a shitton of stuff and then steal a large portion of it. for me it’s usually: stealing one item for every four pieces i grab, two if the SA’s aren’t nearby or paying attention, or if i concealed really well.  

10. you don’t NEED to buy a small thing to alleviate suspicion. i understand the logic, but honestly i’d just get out of the store. don’t stay longer than you need to. 

11. when you’re leaving, don’t rush out. walk sloow and calm like any normal shopper would. i get it. you wanna get out ASAP. but you also don’t want to be sus. fake a phone call if you must. or look at your phone. just be natural. 

12. DON’T BE AFRAID TO WASTE A DAY ON SCOUTING. lifting at a new store is very exciting but sometimes they might have something you’re not familiar with, like at zara, they will scan every single clothing item and make sure there’s a tag when you’re entering and leaving the changing room. when you scout, figure out the layout, security cameras, SA procedures

13. THIS IS REALLY USEFUL FOR ME idk if it’s useful for you but some of the stores i go to have a level for men’s wear and a level for women. often times, the changing rooms on the men’s level will have fewer people and fewer SA’s. if you feel like the SA’s on the women’s level are hardasses about the clothes in your arm, check out the men’s level. 

14. DON’T TAKE WHAT YOU DON’T NEED. don’t be greedy. this is just me, but i take only things i will actually wear. some people boost, so that’s different, but don’t be greedy. stores will probably notice a larger loss in inventory way sooner. pleaseee don’t be greedy. sometimes shoplifting is so easy you think you can get away with anything, but it’s still illegal at the end of the day. only take things you really want. i always look at store websites before hitting up stores so i have an idea of what i want and i have my limits. be smart about it. there’s a ton of big, flashy hauls on tumblr, but you don’t need to compete with others. go at your own speed. 

15. don’t ever underestimate the fact that shoplifting is still a crime. even if you’re a teenager, you’ll be punished. don’t forget that. you can still stick it to the man, just, be careful. 

other methods besides dressing room concealing:

so there’s a lot of other methods out there, especially just on the floor concealing where you put things in your bag or your sleeve. personally, it doesn’t work for me, so i’m sorry i didn’t cover it. i’m afraid of blind spots not actually being blind spots and i’m also afraid of tags. if there’s jewelry i want or something non-clothing, i’ll hide it under the clothes in my arm. this is only if the SA will not take these things from me and count them. so you need prior knowledge. anyways, a lot of jewelry i’ve seen have tags as well so be careful. i’ve taken shoes, bikinis, jewelry, socks and underwear this way ahaha i’d say it’s effective but you need to know your store.