Theft Class Online

A theft class is for adults who were caught taking something and now have to show a court or officer that they took the problem seriously. It often comes up after shoplifting, a petty theft charge, or taking something small from work. A judge, prosecutor, probation officer or diversion program may ask for one.

This class may fit you if:

• Your paperwork says "theft class," "shoplifting class," "petty theft class" or "theft prevention course."
• You are in a diversion program that asks for a class about theft or choices.
• You want to understand what was going on for you, so it does not happen again.

The course does not judge you. One choice does not define a person.

A version for ages 13–17 is in development. This course is for adults 18 and older.

Each lesson is about one hour of reading, listening and short exercises, with a quiz at the end.

1. What Happened and What Comes Next: Theft and Its Consequences
2. Why People Steal: Needs, Urges, Pressure, and Habits
3. Thinking Errors Behind Theft: "No One Gets Hurt"
4. Who Really Pays: Workers, Stores, and Your Community
5. Triggers, Urges, and Risky Situations
6. Stop and Think: Better Decisions in the Store
7. Money, Needs, and Honest Alternatives
8. Making It Right and Building Your Theft Prevention Plan
9. Your Brain on Impulse: Urges, Rewards, and the Brakes
10. Saying No: Assertiveness and Peer Pressure
11. Delayed Gratification and Setting Goals
12. Shame, Guilt, and Your Past
13. Repairing Harm: Apologies, Amends, and Rebuilding Trust
14. Stress, Sleep, Substances, and Self-Control
15. Mindfulness and Daily Self-Care
16. Values, Goals, and Staying on Track

You start with what this situation has already cost you and what you want to protect from now on. Then you look at the reasons people take things: being short on money, boredom, the rush, pressure from friends, payback, or a habit. Next come the thoughts that make it feel okay, like "no one gets hurt," "they're rich" or "everyone does it." You practice catching those thoughts and checking them against the facts. Later lessons cover risky places and times, a simple stop-and-think method for the moment in the store, and honest ways to get what you need. Every length ends with your own Theft Prevention Plan.

If the urge to take things is not about need and you can't stop it, talk to a doctor. That kind of urge is a health issue, and help exists.

Take the number of hours on your paperwork. If it says weeks or sessions instead of hours, ask your officer how many hours they need.

A certificate only helps if your officer can trust the hours on it:

• A timed study log. The timer counts active time only, like reading, listening and doing exercises. It stops when you walk away. Your hours are saved on our server, not on your phone. How the timer works →
• A quiz after each lesson to check that you understood it.
• A final test that opens only after every lesson is done and the hours are logged.

You get an enrollment letter when you start, a progress report for your officer, and a certificate of completion with a certificate ID and QR code. Your officer can check it at /verify with the certificate ID and your last name. The course works on a phone, tablet or computer, and every lesson can be read to you with audio. We never ask for your case number, court or date of birth.

Some stores send a civil demand letter that asks for money after a shoplifting stop. A court may also order restitution, which means paying back the loss. These are separate from this course. Taking a class does not change a civil demand letter or a restitution order. This is general information, not legal advice. Ask your attorney what applies to you.

Your court or officer decides whether a certificate counts, not us. Ask three questions, by email if you can:

1. "Will you accept an online, self-paced theft prevention class?"
2. "How many hours do you need?"
3. "Does my order name a specific program or provider?"

Florida: some counties keep a list of class providers. Check whether your county requires a listed provider before you choose any class.

Our page for probation officers explains how hours are logged and how to check a certificate. For more on who decides, read will a court accept an online class?