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From the incident between the cadets from West Point and the Navy’s mascot, are you familiar with the theft that had simmered into more than a rivalry?
Perhaps, as we explore further into this enigma, we can also dig into a better understanding of the root of theft and what drives people to steal. That said, what are the common reasons of theft? Not to worry because we will dive right into them in this article.
For a quick overview, we will delve into the six common reasons of theft, including Financial Gain, Revenge, Opportunity, Peer Pressure, Mental Health Issues, and Addiction.
The Commander in Chief’s Trophy: Second Edition, authored by Paul H. D’Anna, is a book following a robbery sparking an air assault. The author found inspiration in writing this masterpiece from the incident that ensued, depicting how the Naval Academy midshipmen stole West Point’s beloved mascots.
With regard to the theft that is being unveiled in this case, we often wonder: Different people encounter different experiences in life that may drive them to steal, but what are the common reasons for theft that predominate?
What Are the 6 Common Reasons of Theft
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Financial Gain
Among the common reasons of theft, is financial gain. Economic hardships such as poverty can be driving forces that lead to theft. Often, people who are facing immense financial crises are left with no choice but to steal or rob for survival. This is a reality that many face, including the harrowing burden of unemployment. When people have nothing, they become desperate to have something in order to thrive and survive in life.
Although theft is wrong and a criminal act, a struggling and suffering individual’s moral compass is sometimes challenged because of experience.
Revenge
Revenge is a frequent reason behind theft because individuals or groups may feel wronged and seek to retaliate by taking something valuable from the other party. This type of theft is driven by emotions like anger, resentment, or a desire to regain power over a situation. Ultimately, it can be seen in personal disputes, competitive rivalries, or historical traditions – such as military academy mascot heists, where one side seeks to outdo the other for past pranks.
Opportunity
Theft also occurs when there is an easy chance to take something without getting caught. There could be instances of unattended valuables where the person is both tempted and presented with an opportunity, so they take it. Another factor that ties in with opportunity is the lack of security and moments of temptation that can lead people to steal out of the blue, even if they don’t plan to.
Peer Pressure
The influence people, especially peers, have on young people is undeniably significant, and it can even lead to theft or other harmful and immoral behaviors. They may steal to fit in with the group, prove themselves, or avoid rejection. Even if they wouldn’t normally engage in such behavior, they would do anything to fit in and be a part of the group to gain a sense of acceptance and belongingness.
Mental Health Issues
There are also conditions such as Kleptomania, impulse control disorders, or emotional distress that can drive individuals to engage in theft. In these cases, theft is often compulsive and not motivated by financial need. The thing is, they steal even when they do not need the items taken.
Addiction
Substance abuse or gambling addiction can lead to theft when individuals feel desperate to support their habits. The need for money or valuable items to trade can push someone to steal, even from loved ones.
In addition, addiction, especially drug abuse, can sway the mind into the wrong path, enticing the addicted people to make bad decisions such as stealing or robbery.
The Bottom Line
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Stemming from the theft between West Point and the Navy’s mascot, the perpetrators viewed it as a prank, but these pranks are technically against the rules. Although they are often seen as part of the friendly (but fierce) rivalry between the two academies, it has grown into something far more serious.
Given this incident, this reason falls on revenge, a part of the common reasons of theft we just tackled.
If you want to delve further into the intense rivalry between the United States Military Academy at West Point and the US Naval Academy, a highly recommended read is certainly no other than The Commander In Chief’s Trophy: Second Edition by Paul H D’Anna. You may grab your own copy of the book through the author’s website at https://www.pauldannabooks.com/order/. Or you can purchase directly on Amazon.
While you’re at it, if you want to read another interesting and engaging article, delve into another topic about the school culture of West Point.
