LW2 really shouldn't be hanging around with someone like Nicole. Not only is this a disgusting person but the LW may start noticing things missing since this person has no morals about stealing or teaching her kids to steal. And chances are the stores are watching this friend, so she may get Nicole's reputation. It may appear that her close friend is getting away with these things now, but they will eventually catch up with her. Even if the stores never confront her or she somehow manages to avoid her spending spree debts (unlikely), she is a scuzzy person and who can't be trusted any more than she can be picked up. Someday she'll be wondering why it is her kids are being picked up for shoplifting or why the store security guards won't leave her alone. And LW is right. People like this drive up prices for all of us.