shoplifting

why do people who can afford to buy things shoplift instead.

• one of many reasons could be peerpressure, they would like to be accepted by their friends.
• Because they feel like ( abit of a laugh)
• They would like to be popular.

Is shoplifting any different to any kind of theft.

• No, it is theft, taking something that doesn't belong to you is stealing.

Shoplifting (also known as retail theft or simply lifting) is theft of merchandise for sale in a shop, store, or other retail establishment, by an ostensible patron. It is one of the most common crimes for police and courts.
Most shoplifters are amateurs; however, there are people and groups who make their living from shoplifting, and they tend to be more skilled. Some individuals shoplift in an effort to resist selling their labor, and/or to protest corporate power. These individuals target--often exclusively--chain stores; Wal-Mart is an especially popular target for political shoplifters. (see Evasion) Some counter this by arguing that costs of theft are not absorbed by the targeted company, but instead may result in price increases.[1] Therefore, shoplifting is thought to ultimately harm paying consumers, some of whom may be shopping at places such as Wal-Mart because they are poor and have few other options.
A common slang term for shoplifting in Australia and the United States is "five-finger discount". The "five-finger" aspect of the term refers to fact there are five fingers on the hand which is used to grab the stolen merchandise. In the U.S., it is often referred to as "jacking" or "racking" and in the UK as "nicking or chaving". Professional shoplifters or organized shoplifting groups are often referred to as "boosters

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoplifting