The $100 Billion Heist Hiding in Plain Sight – And Why No One Can Stop It

In this episode of the Conant Code, we delve into the intriguing and often overlooked world of shoplifting, a crime that's become a $100 billion problem worldwide. Starting with its origins in 18th century London, where the modern department store gave rise to a new kind of temptation, we explore how shoplifting evolved from a thrill-seeking sport among the wealthy to a survival tactic for those in need.

Join us as we examine the psychology behind theft, guided by social psychologist Stephen Riker's insights into mob mentality and how an individual's judgment can dissolve in the face of group behavior. Discover the modern face of shoplifting as it transforms into organized retail crime rings, defying advanced surveillance tech by major retailers across the globe.

Finally, we reflect on what shoplifting reveals about societal pressures—how our consumer-driven world drives some to rebellion or crime as survival. This episode doesn't just aim to understand the crime, but to question why society creates such tipping points and how we could prevent them. Tune in for a deep dive into one of the most unexpected symptoms of modern society.