Pilferers

Pilferers are individuals who steal things of relatively low value, often in a surreptitious manner. The act of pilfering typically involves taking small items without the knowledge or consent of the owner, differing from robbery or burglary which involves force or breaking and entering. Pilfering is often characterized by an element of stealth and is generally motivated by opportunistic gain rather than large-scale criminal intent. These individuals often lack a serious criminal record. They often take things for their own personal use or small profit. Such items may include office supplies, small amounts of food or other inexpensive items.

Pilferers meaning with examples

• The security guard noticed several of his colleagues being accused of becoming pilferers, discreetly slipping office supplies into their bags. The company, concerned about shrinking inventory, installed new surveillance cameras and increased bag checks to deter the pilfering activity. This was done so as to stop the illegal act of taking without authorization or any intention of returning the items.
• The old woman, a known shopkeeper, kept a watchful eye out for potential pilferers among her customers, knowing that petty theft was a frequent occurrence in the busy market. She had dealt with countless instances of stolen merchandise, and had learned the telltale signs of someone looking to take advantage. She implemented new security measures to stop the pilferers.
• During the festival, opportunistic pilferers exploited the crowded conditions and the distracted attendees, making off with wallets, phones, and other personal belongings. The police warned people to stay vigilant, urging them to safeguard their possessions to avoid becoming victims of these pilferers. They deployed additional patrols in the area. They arrested several suspects for stealing.
• The museum's reputation was nearly tarnished when a series of petty thefts revealed the presence of pilferers among its staff, discreetly removing small, non-valuable artifacts. The discovery of this kind of theft led to a full internal investigation, and the museum’s management promptly tightened security protocols to prevent any future issues and safeguard their property. This led to security upgrades.