Civil Suits Against the Thieves
In addition to the criminal prosecution, a merchant may decide to file a civil action against the shoplifter.
Under Missouri law, the merchant may sue the shoplifter for both the actual damages for the items stolen, plus a civil penalty of between $100 and $250. In addition, the judge is allowed to order that the shoplifter pay for the attorney’s fees of the merchant.
In some instances, the merchant may decide that it is not worth the time and trouble to file the civil suit against the shoplifter, particularly if the thief is going to prison, anyway, and does not have any money to pay off a civil judgement.
On the other hand, the merchant may at times find it profitable to sue the thief, not only for the money, but also to build a reputation as a store that will sue you civilly if you steal from them. A merchant may want to talk with a civil attorney about the policy it wants to follow.
The Missouri statute regarding civil suits against shoplifters may be read in its entirety below.