Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, people are doing what they can to stay safe. In many places, including Connecticut, that means wearing a mask when out in public.

The problem is that enterprising thieves are using this to their advantage. In fact, one Connecticut couple went on an eight-day crime spree using masks and surgical gloves to evade recognition as they robbed convenience stores and gas stations.

No matter the circumstances, shoplifting is a crime that is harshly punished in Connecticut. Obscuring facial features and fingerprints doesn’t mean a person won’t be caught. When they are, here are some of the charges that can be faced.

What is Shoplifting?

Shoplifting is also referred to in Connecticut as larceny. It involves taking something from a retail store that you do not intend on paying for as well as actively discarding security devices that are attached to items, putting items in different packaging in order to make it cheaper, or altering the price tag on an item.

Penalties for Shoplifting

Shoplifting in Connecticut can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the merchandise that was stolen. Under state law, these are the levels of larceny are broken out by first- through sixth-degree.

Penalties can range from a few months in jail to two decades behind bars, and fines can reach up to $15,000.

First-Degree Larceny

This is a Class B felony involving items stolen that were valued over $20,000. This charge carries with it a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine up to $15,000.

Second-Degree Larceny

This is a Class C felony where the value of items stolen is between $10,000 and $20,000. It can result in a fine up to $10,000 as well as jail time up to 10 years.

Third-Degree Larceny

A Class D felony, third-degree larceny is charged when the items stolen are valued between $2,000 and $10,000. It can result in a jail term of up to five years and a fine up to $5,000.

Fourth-Degree Larceny

For this Class A misdemeanor, the value of the items stolen is between $1,000 and $2,000. It can result in up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,000.

Fifth-Degree Larceny

Shoplifting items valued between $500 and $1,000 can result in a charge of this Class B misdemeanor. It can be punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine up to $1,000.

Sixth-Degree Larceny

Shoplifting items valued at $500 or less can result in the charge of this Class C misdemeanor. It can result in jail time up to three months and a fine of $500.

A conviction of shoplifting can also lead to being held legally responsible in a civil court case, should the rightful owner of the stolen property choose to pursue damages.

This could place the defendant in the position of having to pay the full value of the item that was stolen, paying the attorney’s fees and court costs of the store or owner of the merchandise, and/or covering financial losses that were experienced by the owner of the store.

Intent Matters When Defending Your Case

When arrested for shoplifting in Connecticut, police must have probable cause that the alleged perpetrator intended to steal the merchandise. It does occur sometimes that a person accidentally leaves a store without paying for an item, but most security personnel in stores are trained to look for common schemes associated with shoplifting.

Under Connecticut law, any person who intentionally hides an item that has not been purchased is presumed to have done so with the intent to take the item without paying for it.

Be aware of the things you’re carrying in the store, because even if you have your face covered to protect against COVID-19, it cannot protect you from shoplifting charges.

The holidays are ripe for possibilities. With crowded stores, careless shoppers, and overwhelmed store owners, it may seem too easy to pocket those gifts you can’t quite afford.

Resist the temptation, though. You might feel like your actions will get lost in the hustle and bustle, but store security and law enforcement officials are on high alert this time of year… and they’re looking to catch anyone that they even think could be shoplifting.

CT Police are Increasing Their Efforts Across the State

You might have been able to get away with shoplifting before, but know that times have changed. Police, as well as store owners, are increasing their vigilance during the holidays, and they’re not going easy on shoplifting suspects.

Bridgeport Man Faces Multiple Charges for a Single Robbery

Take, for instance, a young man recently caught shoplifting in a sporting goods store in Bridgeport. He and a handful of others were arrested after they (collectively) stole merchandise worth $1,500. He wasn’t just arrested on a robbery count; He now faces charges of robbery, larceny, threatening, breach of peace, and conspiracy.

Stratford Woman Faces Up to Six Months Behind Bars for Shoplifting

Similarly, a Stratford woman was caught shoplifting about $500 in items from a popular retail store. Police responded quickly to the scene of the crime, where she was arrested and charged with fifth-degree larceny. May not sound like much, but a conviction could land her six months in jail and paying a fine of $1,000 max.

Five Degrees of Penalties for Larceny in CT

Shoplifting in Connecticut falls under the general definition of larceny. Larceny occurs when a person wrongfully takes another person’s property from them, with the intent to permanently deprive that person of his or her property.

If you are arrested for shoplifting, you better take it seriously, because the consequences can be pretty severe if the situation is right.

Larceny can be tried as either a misdemeanor or a felony, and the charge depends largely on the value of items stolen. There are six degrees (or levels) of larceny according to CT law, and they can be classified as either Misdemeanor or Felony convictions.

Misdemeanor Larceny Convictions

The three lowest-level larceny crimes can result in Class A, B, or C Misdemeanor convictions. Values of misdemeanor larceny offenses never reach more than $2,000, and only carry up to 12-months in jail. Fines are only a fraction of what an offender may face for a felony larceny conviction.

Larceny in the Sixth Degree

This is the lowest larceny offense and applies when the value of items stolen is $500 or less. Sometimes referred to as petty theft, this is a class C misdemeanor. It could result in a 3-month jail sentence and a maximum fine of $500.

Larceny in the Fifth Degree

A class B misdemeanor in Connecticut, this applies when the value of items stolen is between $500 and $1,000. This charge could include up to six months of jail time and a fine of no more than $1,000.

Larceny in the Fourth Degree

For stolen items totaling $1,000-$2,000, this is considered fourth-degree larceny and is a class A misdemeanor. Class A misdemeanors carry potential fines of up to $2,000 as well as a possibility of one-year imprisonment.

Felony Larceny Convictions

The three highest-level larceny crimes can result in Class B, C, or D Felony convictions. Values of felony larceny offenses begin at $2,000, and they can land you up to 20 years in prison. Your maximum fine is $15,000 per count.

Larceny in the Third Degree

A class D felony, this category of larceny applies to items with a value of between $2,000-$10,000. Third-degree larceny carries a penalty of 1-5 years in prison. Fines can reach $5,000.

Larceny in the Second Degree

Stolen property valued between $10,000 and $20,000 can land you second-degree larceny charges — a class C felony here. You could be looking at 10 years’ prison time and a possible fine of $15,000.

Larceny in the First Degree

This applies to stolen items valued greater than $20,000. It is the most severe larceny charge and penalty and is a class B felony. The fine for this crime could be up to $15,000, and a possible prison sentence of up to 20 years could also be served.

Shoplifting might sound like a harmless crime with no real consequences. After all, teenage girls do it all the time, swiping lip gloss and other makeup with no repercussions, right?

Not so much, and certainly not this time of year. Don’t be tempted by the holiday chaos. Connecticut police are on high alert this holiday season, looking to bust anyone who is even thinking about shoplifting right now.