Loss prevention officers are common place in most large retail outlets.  Their presence provides a needed level of deterrence to help ensure all products leaving the store are properly paid for.  According to information and statistics provided by the National [...]

Procedures for a Non-Cooperative Suspect
1.  If the suspect is violent when you approach him/her, never initiate physical contact with the suspect first.  If the suspect becomes violent with you, use the necessary and reasonable amount of force for self-defense.  The police should be called IMMEDIATELY.  Do not use handcuffs or pepper spray on a suspect [...]

A shoplifter cannot be easily identified; sex, age, race, religion, personal appearance and even economic status will not help identify a shoplifter.  Shoplifting methods and tools used are limited only by the imagination of the shoplifter.  The shoplifter can be anyone.