“The shoplifting is just the “presenting” symptom.”
Great post. That is why “broken windows” law enforcement is so effective.
The “bad actors” do lots of small stupid bad things as well as bigger ones—once you have them in custody you can make sure they go to court for all of their outstanding warrants.
A lot of them don't get out on bond, if they have enough outstanding warrants, many for "failure to appear." They're not the most responsible bunch.
Getting them off the street is highly effective in preventing crime.