by Khristopher J. Brooks
CBS News
Inflation has led to price surges at grocery stores, car dealerships and even dine-in restaurants nationwide. A new study finds it’s also the main motive behind another recent surge: shoplifting.
More than 20% of Americans have admitted to stealing items from stores within the past year or so, according to a new survey from personal finance website LendingTree, which polled 2,000 U.S. consumers from ages 18 to 78.
Of those who admitted to recent retail theft, roughly 90% of them said they did so because of inflation and the current economy. Specific reasons included, prices becoming otherwise unaffordable (34%), helping make ends meet (30%) and helping save a few bucks (27%).