Shoplifters point to high inflation, the economy as top reasons for stealing

High inflation has pushed up the cost of just about everything, including groceries, clothing and cars.

It may also have led to a spike in shoplifting, according to a new survey published by LendingTree.

Nearly one-quarter of Americans – about 23% – admitted to stealing from stores within the past year, according to the survey, which polled 2,000 U.S. consumers ages 18 to 78. 

Of those who confessed to shoplifting, about 90% blamed it on high inflation and the state of the economy.