An anti-theft class is an education class that a court, prosecutor, probation department, or diversion program orders after a theft or shoplifting charge. Depending on where you live, the same requirement may be called a theft class, shoplifting class, theft awareness class, or petty theft class.
Who has to take an anti-theft class
Anti-theft classes are most often ordered after a shoplifting, retail theft, or petty theft charge. The class may be a condition of probation, part of a plea agreement, or a step in a diversion or deferred prosecution program. Some employers also require one after a workplace concern. Your paperwork names the class and the number of hours you need.
What an anti-theft class covers
- What counts as theft, and the legal, financial, and personal consequences
- Why people steal, and the thinking errors that make it feel justified
- Triggers, urges, and high-risk situations, with a plan for each
- The people a theft affects, accountability, and restitution
- Budgeting, community resources, and healthy ways to handle stress
- A written personal prevention plan
How long is an anti-theft class?
The court or program sets the length. Common requirements are 4, 8, 12, or 16 hours, and longer orders usually go deeper into each topic. If your paperwork does not list the hours, ask before you enroll rather than guessing.
Can you take an anti-theft class online?
Many people take an anti-theft class online so they can work at their own pace. Whether an online, self-paced class meets your requirement is up to your court, probation officer, or program, so ask first and keep their reply. Some courts name a specific provider or require a live class.
What you get when you finish
When you complete your required hours, you receive a certificate of completion showing your name, the course, the hours, and the completion date. Give it to whoever ordered the class before your deadline, and keep a copy for your records.