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By James Neely

In a recent study it was purportedly shown that in some cases kleptomania (stealing) is an addiction and should be regarded and treated as a disease not unlike alcoholism or drug addiction. A recent article stated, “Many of us, while accepting these addictions as diseases, continue to regard theft as a matter of personal responsibility. Should we rethink that distinction? If the same drug relieves both conditions (chemical dependency and kleptomania), should we take kleptomania more seriously as an illness?”

The debate about this topic will rage for years to come. But, which is better, prevention on the part of property owners or treatment and recovery of the person who is inflicted with this ailment? There may not be a completely conclusive answer to that question as it appears that progress must be made on both fronts.

Recovery and treatments are available to those who require it. But, if a person does not take advantage of these offerings, then the efforts must fall on the prevention side of the equation. This means an all-out effort in preventing thefts using whatever technology is available.

GPS tracking devices are on the cutting edge of providing ways to prevent theft and then if it does not help, recover stolen items quickly. These systems also help in maintaining a standard of no tolerance of theft activities by providing conclusive and solid evidence in support of prosecution of illegal activities.

When outfitted with a GPS tracking system, an item can be tracked to within a few feet of its actual location. This means location, time and place evidence. If the first step in the treatment of kleptomania is in confronting and admitting the ailment, then being caught in the act provides a crisis point to which one can bring to bear the need for assistance.

But GPS Tracking systems need not be so unforgiving. They can also be used as a deterrent. Just the knowledge of their existence must mean something, even to the worst afflicted kleptomaniac. So, while providing evidentiary support in the event of a theft, they can also remind those perpetrators that there are consequences for their actions.

This is not an easy topic to discuss, but it is important to help keep in mind that the ultimate victims of theft are not the perpetrators, but rather those upon who the theft has been committed. This means recognizing the need for effective theft deterrent systems like GPS Tracking units and their proper use.