Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Pathological Causes
• Method 2 of 3: Other motives
• Method 3 of 3: Recovering from theft
• Tips
• Warnings

Most people know that stealing is bad, but stealing happens every day. If something has been stolen from you recently, it is not surprising to ask the question “Why did this happen?”. There are different types and levels of theft. Someone can pocket the money left on the table, and someone can steal a person's personal data or waste millions that belong to gullible customers. First of all, you need to understand the motives that a person is guided by at the time of theft.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Pathological Causes

1. 1 Kleptomania. Kleptomania is a type of impulse control disorder in which a person has a frequent desire to steal unnecessary things and various small things. A kleptomaniac does not need such a thing. Moreover, he often has the means to buy it. A person feels an urgent need to enjoy the process itself.
   • People with this disorder do not steal for personal gain. They do not plan or collude with others. Kleptomaniacs act spontaneously. A person is able to steal things in crowded places like shops, home of relatives or friends.
   • If among your friends there is a kleptomaniac, then suggest that he see a doctor. Medication and therapy can help manage the disorder.
   • Tell the person, “I noticed you stole something from the store. You have enough money, so I think you just wanted to steal it. I don’t want you to get in trouble. Would you like to go to a specialist? go together. "
2. 2 Unhealthy addictions. Kleptomaniacs steal for the thrill and do not pay attention to the cost of the stolen items. Other cases of pathological theft are due to addiction. Theft, along with financial hardship, is often seen as warning signs of addiction.
   • A person who suffers from drug or gambling addiction can steal money from relatives, friends and employees in order to pay for their addiction. Lying is one aspect of this type of theft. If you directly tell a person about the problem, then he will deny everything.
   • Other signs of addiction include friendship with new people to the detriment of old friends, problems with the law, difficulties at school or at work, and an unstable relationship with a partner.
   • If you suspect that someone you know is committing theft due to addiction, then immediately take him to a specialist. Talk to the person about his behavior: "Recently, you began to behave differently, moved away from relatives and friends, there were financial problems. It seems to me that you have a drug addiction."
   • If the person denies the accusations, then try to intervene. You should talk to other people close to that person to talk about concerns and join forces.Anyone needs an incentive to overcome addiction.
3. 3 Pathological thefts have no personal motive. A pathological thief is usually not at all intent on causing deliberate harm to a specific person. Theft is motivated by need, emotional or literal. Many pathological thieves feel guilty about their behavior, but cannot stop without outside intervention.

Method 2 of 3: Other motives

1. 1 Some people steal to meet basic needs. Despair is a common cause of many thefts. A person may lose his job, a source of income, lack funds to support his family. In this case, he can steal to feed the children or provide them with a roof over their heads.
2. 2 Thefts are influenced by peers. Bad company can also make a person a thief. In such cases, the value of the stolen item may not matter as much as the excitement at the opportunity to take someone else's and avoid punishment. Similar situations occur among adolescents who are influenced by peers. Thefts can be dictated by the desire to stand out or get into a certain company.
3. 3 Lack of empathy. Adolescents and others who are unable to see the "big picture" can commit thefts without the thought that such impulsive actions will affect the life of their victim. A person may not have pathologies and be capable of compassion, but at the moment he is doing an act without thinking about the consequences of such theft for other persons or businesses. After talking about what happened, such a person usually stops stealing.
4. 4 Emotional emptiness. In some cases, people commit theft to compensate for emotional trauma. These individuals do not have basic emotional needs met. A child may steal to fill the emotional void left behind by their parents or guardians. He feels deprived of being cared for and suppresses that feeling. Alas, theft is not able to solve the problem, so theft is repeated over and over again.
5. 5 Some people just steal when the opportunity arises. Unfortunately, some thefts only happen because a person is given such an opportunity. Perhaps he is excited by the idea of ​​appropriating someone else's thing. Perhaps he sees this as a challenge. Sometimes people are driven by a sense of greed despite being financially successful.

Method 3 of 3: Recovering from theft

1. 1 Contact your authorities. If something is stolen from you, the first step is to report the theft to the police. Provide all the details to make it easier for police to identify your property and potential suspects. You must act urgently if you want to return the stolen goods and punish the offender.
   • If your personal data has been stolen, then you must follow the established rules in order to recover the data and protect yourself in the future. Find out the procedures for the organization that is responsible for processing, protecting and storing such data.
2. 2 Protect yourself. If your home or property has recently been burglarized, it is very important to regain a sense of security. Repair any damage caused by thieves. Hire an insurance company to identify the “vulnerabilities” of your home, such as window frames and door hinges. Warn neighbors and make sure they also take precautions.
   • It is also helpful to develop a security plan for the entire family that includes actions in the event of future thefts. Consider ways to protect valuables and choose a place where children should hide if burglars enter the house.
3. 3 Try to follow a normal daily routine. Getting back to normal life can be very difficult, but there’s no other way. Fear is a completely natural feeling after a traumatic ordeal like burglary, but don't let fear put you out of action.
4. 4 Take care of yourself. Self-pity is not a reason to neglect your own health and well-being. People who have survived the theft face a lot of stress. Try to get enough sleep each night. Eat a healthy diet and exercise to get stronger and better emotionally. Taking care of your body and mind can help you get rid of unpleasant sensations.
5. 5 Rely on loved ones. Neighbors, relatives, friends and acquaintances will help you to recover from the incident. If they can help make you feel safe in your home or neighborhood, then feel free to say so. Close friends and family are always ready to help and offer support.
   • For example, ask a neighbor, "Could you look after my house this weekend? We won't be in town for a few days, and I'm still worried after that incident."

Tips

• Pay attention to the people around you. If you don't trust the people you spend time with, they can steal your personal belongings.
• Don't beat yourself up. More often than not, thefts are not intended to hurt you. The thief thinks only of himself, and not of the owner of the stolen things.

Warnings

• If the thief entered the house without unnecessary problems, then try to strengthen the security measures.