Chef Anthony Worrall Thompson has recently been caught shoplifting and said he could not understand what motivated him to steal items such as cheese, wine, a sandwich, and onions. Worrall Thompson revealed that, “On one occasion I paid £180 for three crates of champagne and at the same time nicked £4 of stuff – how ridiculous and how stupid. I’ve been racking my brains to think why on earth did I do it and what was going through my mind at the time”.

Psychologists say that “non-professional shoplifters”, those that do not do it for profit, typically cannot comprehend what motivated them to commit the crime. Barbara Staib of the National Association For Shoplifting Prevention in the USA says that “shoplifters are generally honest citizens” and that recent research has found a “direct correlation between depression and shoplifting”. Whilst some people turn to binge eating or alcohol when depressed, other people turn to shoplifting. Staib explains, “some people are trying to find solace in shoplifting. It gives them a ‘rush’, a ‘high’ – it can be a relief, if only a temporary one’. Best to keep your eye on your armbanduhren!