The
Cop Column
August,
2005
Sgt.
Okaloosa
County
Five Myths about Shoplifting
Most shopkeepers know: if ten
customers walk through your door, at least one is a potential shoplifter. Some
of that ten percent will change their mind for fear of getting caught… and a
few will get caught. Of those who get
caught, the fortunate ones will be arrested and prosecuted.
The
shoplifters who get arrested are fortunate, you ask? In my opinion, yes, they are… which brings us
to Shoplifting Myths:
Myth #1:
You are doing a shoplifter a favor by giving him or her a “second
chance.” Some stores actually have a policy to not prosecute shoplifters
who pay for the merchandise or return it after they get caught. Sometimes, a
store manager decides not to press charges. In either case, the thief’s
behavior is being rewarded. The thief is being taught, “If you don’t get
caught, you get away it… if you do get caught, you still get away with
it.” Besides, Mr. or Ms. Shopkeeper, how
do you know you’re not the tenth merchant to give this person a “second
chance?”
Myth #2:
Shoplifting isn’t my problem. Most experts believe retail theft
losses add about seven percent to the price you pay at the cash register for
clothing, groceries, and everything else you purchase. In other words,
eliminating shoplifting would be like repealing the sales tax.
Myth
#3: Kids shoplift, their parents don’t. Shoplifters come in all sizes,
shapes, colors, and ages. Teenagers tend to be thrill-seekers who may steal on
a dare, or for peer acceptance. A significant percentage of shoplifters,
however, are professionals. Shoplifting is sometimes a family business, with
mom and dad using the kids to either distract store employees, or to actually
steal and conceal merchandise. In fact, savvy merchants are alert for baby
strollers, which are commonly used to conceal and transport stolen items.
Myth #4: I’ve never seen a shoplifter in
action. Sure, you have. If you’ve been shopping, you’ve been side-by-side
with shoplifters. You’ve also seen
“shoplifting tracks,” evidence of where shoplifters have been at work: empty
hangars in fitting rooms, discarded price tags, empty boxes on shelves,
shrink-wrap and other packaging material on the floor.
Myth #5: There’s nothing I can do about the
problem. Nothing could be farther
from the truth. Business owners and operators should consider becoming part of
the Okaloosa County Loss Prevention Coalition. Contact the Okaloosa County
Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit at (850) 609-2005 for more information.
As a shopper, alert a store manager or employee immediately if you observe
suspicious activity such as customers concealing merchandise, removing price
tags, or carrying several items at one time into a dressing room. It’s a good
idea to not dispose of receipts for just-purchased items on your way out of the
store. Thieves love to find them son they can walk in the store and either walk
out with stolen merchandise or make a fraudulent “return.” The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Crime
Prevention Unit has plenty more helpful advice. Give them a call at (850)
609-2005.
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