IN November 2002, Reality Bites and Age of Innocence star Winona Ryder was found guilty of walking out of Saks Fifth Avenue in December 2001 with shopping bags stuffed with designer tops, handbags, glittery rhinestone hair bows and socks worth US$5,500 (RM19,800).

The 37-year-old was spared jail time but was ordered by a Beverly Hills judge to serve three years' probation and undergo counselling to come to grips with a guilt she refused to admit.

Actress Bai Ling was arrested on Feb 13 on suspicion of shoplifting at Los Angeles International Airport after a gift shop employee accused her of stealing magazines and a pack of batteries worth a total of US$16 .

She was fined US$200 after pleading guilty to disturbing the peace.

The 37-year-old actress, who has appeared in such films as The Crow, Anna and the King and Red Corner, was also ordered by a judge to pay several hundred dollars in fees, including court costs.
In 2005, 84-year-old war hero Reginald Donovan faced his 47th charge of shoplifting.

The New Zealander won the Military Medal for gallantry during World War 2 but became a problem for store owners in Christchurch because of a shoplifting habit, said to be the result of an old head injury, psychological illness and alcoholism.