Question

Karen goes to Kmart wearing a large coat. While shopping, she proceeds to take a $40 phone and conceals it under her coat. Security personnel observe her actions and detain her for the police. At no time did Karen attempt to leave the store or approach an exit. Can Karen still be charged with shoplifting? 1) True 2) False

Answer 1

The statement that "Karen still be charged with shoplifting' is true. Karen can potentially be charged with shoplifting based on her action of concealing merchandise with the intent to steal, evidenced by security personnel's observation, even if she didn't attempt to leave the store.

Step-by-step explanation:

Whether Karen can be charged with shoplifting depends on the specific laws of the jurisdiction where the incident occurred. Generally, shoplifting is defined as the unauthorized taking of merchandise from a retail establishment with the intent to permanently deprive the store of its property.

Even though Karen had not attempted to leave the store, many jurisdictions consider the act of concealing merchandise with the intent to steal as an offense. The security personnel observing her concealing the item under her coat could serve as evidence of her intent to commit theft. Therefore, it is possible that Karen could be charged with shoplifting despite not having left the store and statement is true.