What is the difference between a pilferer and a professional thief?. Sociology

Pilferers generally do not think of themselves as thieves, before they get caught they believe that they are just stealing that is worth little value from a department store that is worth millions. They are not associated with other thieves and feel ashamed as soon as they get arrested and do not want their significant others to find out what they did. They have no support from other thieves.

The professional Thief puts on an act as soon as they arrest them. They try to get out of the situation once they capture them, threatening or violent. After a while, they accept what they have done, and resign to the fact that they will are going to jail and boosts to the other thieves on what has happened. They have a support network, and it is part of their lifestyle.