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I'll admit it. Theft can be a morally gray area for me. While the fear of getting caught has always kept me in line, I can empathize somewhat with both career criminals and those who occasionally grab a stapler from their office's supply room. As for the reasons people do so, it varies.

The most obvious reason is a low income. Those below the poverty line may not be able to make ends meet through normal means and turn to crime. A friend once told me of her adventures while working at a convenience store. Many nights, she said, a young boy in his teens would come into the store. She was fairly certain the boy was homeless and she'd often see him grab a sandwich and stuff it in his backpack. Whenever she saw him do so, she'd turn away and let him continue about his business. And, I'll admit, I would do the same in that situation.

Some readers might choose to instead call this greed and, in some cases, they might be right. Stealing a pair of $50 designer jeans instead of buying a $10 pair from the local thrift store or Kmart is far more centered in vanity than a sense of need. The average white collar criminal doesn't truly need the extra amount he or she skims from the company business.

Many kleptomaniacs have claimed that the only reason they indulge in their habit is for the thrill. It's a dangerous thing. When a thief gets caught, they face the risk of jail, fines, and the disapproval of their family and peers. For these people, trying to avoid the roving eyes of security guards, retail clerks, and closed-circuit cameras becomes an amusing game.

In high school, another friend of mine and I would sit around figuring out how to commit the perfect jewelry store or bank robbery. It was all in fun, of course. The consequences of doing so stopped us but we could certainly empathize with those looking for adventure.

Learn more about this author, Kayla Weller.
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