Shoplifting increases with holiday season
By Chloe Morrisonchloem@thedailytimes.com
Originally published: November 27. 2009 3:01AM
Last modified: November 26. 2009 5:18PM
As swarms of shoppers seek sales on Black Friday, it is inevitable that shoplifters will be in the crowd, officials said.
"Typically, (the holiday season) is a time with an increased number of shoplifters," Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp said.
Last year retailers nationwide lost $12.9 billion to shoplifters, Senior Asset Protection Advisor with the National Retail Federation Joseph LaRocca said.
Locally, police document numerous cases of shoplifting -- many from area Wal-Mart stores.
For example, on Nov. 23 employees at the Wal-Mart in Alcoa called police after patrons allegedly attempted to take items without paying, according to police reports. On Nov. 17 at least two shoplifting incidents were reported by employees at Maryville's Wal-Mart, according to police reports.
"As we see more shoppers, we also see more shoplifters," LaRocca said. "We know people steal for personal use, but they also steal for family and friends."
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