No. Of elderly shoplifters up 1.3% in 2010
In Tokyo, police said there was a rise in shoplifters that are aged 65 or older in 2010. The rise is 1.3% of shoplifters. The survey stated that 119 elderly shoplifters explained 101 people said they stole food just because they could not make ends meet, whereas 63 mentioned a lack of inspiration to live and the other 49 said a lack of friends. Elderly shoplifters summed up to 27, 362, the greatest number since 1971. I believe shoplifting basically happens when people don’t have enough money to buy stuff for themselves or their family. I think those 101 people stole food just because they couldn’t afford to buy food. In many countries people don’t have the money to live in a good condition, which then leads to shoplifting, crime, and much more. In the news article it also stated that 63 people mentioned a lack of inspiration to live, which means they probably don’t have a job and they can’t afford to feed themselves or do anything, so they don’t have any inspiration to live because what will they live for? To stay hungry and not be able to live? I believe the main reason for shoplifting food is because people cannot afford to buy it. There is a lot of shoplifting here in the United States. I don’t think people shoplift much for food here. People can afford to buy food here in the United States. It says that the shoplifters in Tokyo are aged 65 or older, I think maybe because they’re to old to work, so they don’t have money to buy things, which leads to shoplifting. If everyone has a job and has money to buy things I think the number of shoplifters will reduce.
Link: http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/no-of-elderly-shoplifters-up-1-3-in-2010
3 comments:
This blog leaves me wondering what kind of retirement system Tokyo has. Maybe their elderly can't live ethically due to the country's poor economic care for those that are unemployed.
I disagree that people in the United States do not steal food. There are thousands, if not millions, or starving and homeless people that use any means necessary to find their next meal.
However, I do see a correlation between the elderly stealing and their current lifestyle.
I wonder how much punishment the elderly receive for shoplifting in Tokyo and like Colleen I wonder what the retirement system is like. I agree that the shoplifting may be a direct effect of the care of the elderly. If no one is helping to take care of the elderly, government or family, than they may have to resort to stealing to survive. I disagree that this is not an issue in the United States. I know many individuals, young and old, who do not have the money to buy the necessities to survive; such as, food. I believe the United States may have a better government support system and more options for the elderly, but even the government provided options we offer are limited.
I agree with you regarding why people shoplift. I question how Tokyo treats their elderly citizens and why they feel that they have to steal in to survive. Some people have nothing so they feel there only option is to take what they need, free of charge. I think more ways should be provided to the elderly and everyone should be exposed to outlets that can help them when they need it.
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