Amid USA's shoplifting epidemic, TikTokers teach techniques to steal

Shoplifters are turning to TikTok to share strategies for stealing from stores and even using codewords like 'borrowing' to evade the platform's filters.

The hashtag 'borrow tip and tricks' has garnered 8.9 billion views on the social media platform and One user, going by the handle 'x_borrowing.tings_x', has been ranking stores based on their ease of theft.

These criminals are sharing tips, such as wearing loose clothing to conceal stolen items, avoiding eye contact with security cameras, and targeting larger businesses that are less likely to take immediate action. Some TikTok users have expressed gratitude for this advice and proudly shared their own successful theft experiences.

Police minister Chris Philp expressed shock that TikTok allowed such posts to remain on its platform and announced plans for an urgent meeting with the company's executives. This alarming content is not limited to TikTok and has surfaced on other social media platforms as well.

To counter this trend, major brands have had to invest substantial sums in expanding their CCTV networks and equipping staff with body cameras.

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