text: i would like to know the charges on attempted retail theft?   laws vary by jurisdiction. usually shoplifting will be charged as petit theft or petit larceny, depending on the value of the goods that were stolen. if the event a large value of goods were stolen, then the charge would likely be grand theft or grand larceny. if an attempt to steal was foiled by arrest, then the charge would likely be attempted petit or grand theft or larceny.