Fab pointed me this amazingly interesting resource about shoplifting research and best practices. It seems that they did not find anything so far. But they do have great ambitions: "A list of Best Practices for Theft Offenders is being established. It should be concluded by the end of January 2004.". There is also a non-profit organization that "provide counseling / classes for theft offenders, in person or over the internet!"
[Weird] About shoplifting best practices
in Weird