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and may also be called malicious mischief or criminal damaging. Tobe guilty of vandalism, a person does not have to be the one who actuallydoes the damage; anyone who supports the crime of vandalism byacting as a “lookout” can also be charged.ShopliftingThe act of stealing goods from a store, called shoplifting , is aform of theft that costs American consumers billions of dollars eachyear. Shoplifting losses and the cost of extra security increase retailprices considerably. The severity of a shoplifting charge depends onthe value of the goods stolen. In some cases, a person can be chargedwith stealing before the act is completed. Many states have laws thatregard the concealment on one’s person of an article of merchandise tobe persuasive evidence of the intent to steal.ScienceDo you like solvingproblems? Do you findscience fascinating? Ifso, forensic sciencemight be a career possibilityfor you. Forensicscientists use highlytechnical skills andprocedures to uncoverevidence from a crimescene. They can findclues in blood, hair, andskin that often lead tothe arrest and convictionof criminals.Research ActivityInvestigate forensicscience. Research itshistory and the toolsand equipment used byforensic scientists. Thenfind out what educationis needed to become aforensic scientist. Isforensic science for you?PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCEShoplifting has become one of the mostwidespread crimes in America today. Whywould the law permit the mere concealmentof merchandise on your person to beprima facie evidence of shoplifting?Chapter 3: Criminal Law 69