Shoplifting IS Stealing! #1 Crime Committed by Teens

Judy Whalen produced the Shoplifting IS Stealing!™ program in 1997 to help young people understand the consequences of shoplifting and the far-reaching impact of choices they make. The entire project was developed "on a wing and a prayer" without any financial backing or sustainable funding.  Although I managed to get the video produced, materials developed and the website launched, it now needs updating and consistent marketing. To improve the program and get it to more people who can influence the lives of young people, I need $68,000 to underwrite the project. And since banks aren't very interested in funding small business projects these days, I need to find other means to fund the project.

I originally developed the Shoplifting IS Stealing!™ program because shoplifting:

• Is a huge problem that affects young people and even honest consumers.
• Is often overlooked by parents, retailers, law enforcement sending the message to young people that stealing is OK.
• Has serious consequences that can prevent a young person from getting a job or getting into college.
• Affects not only business owners and the shoplifters themselves, but honest consumers.
• Is on the rise not only in the US, but throughout the world.
•  Is considered a "gateway crime" - an entry crime that often leads to more serious crime.