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For something like shoplifting imho counseling of these people would be the way to go for best pay-off. And then maybe long-term insight into what causes such pathology.

Agreed though. A choice is being made to not go after the small stuff. The shopkeeper should have the full force of protection, even over a bag of chips.

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Much of the high volume shoplifting is actually a business. They ae in it as a job to make money. I don't think counselling would work like it would on a kid who shoplifted some stogies and candy a couple of times.

Are they individuals or is it gangs?

Stealing stuff and selling it through a fence is not a business. It’s organized crime. A racket.

You could effectively argue drug dealers and bookies are running an illegal business, and I would not disagree. They sell (illegal) goods and services to willing participants. The fences (eBay and other co-conspirators) are running a business too.

But shoplifting isn’t a business any more than muggings and “protection rackets” (give me a cut or I break your kneecap) are a business. It’s just violence.

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