Carousel Center stores have noticed an increase in attempted thefts in recent weeks. Bigger department stores like Best Buy are feeling the same pinch that is affecting smaller outlets like Footaction.
Not the usual suspects
“We’ve been seeing more professionals,” Chris Depalma, Assest Protection Specialist at Best Buy said. “They come in and they use Boost Bags – which are bags lined with aluminum. They work in teams.”
Often, one person distracts a member of customer service or a loss prevention and the other steals the merchandise, Depalma said. Cell phone and iPod accessories are the most frequently lifted items. Even though the items aren’t expensive, the punishment isn’t simply a slap on the wrist.
“Yesterday, two people got arrested,” he said.
What were they trying to steal?
“Ear buds that were $10 each, he said. “You’d be amazed, people steal three dollar items. It’s not worth the risk.”
Different store, same result
On the other side of the mall Ozzie Mathis, store manager at Footaction sings a similar tune.
“Right now it’s about T-shirts, shorts and easy stuff that they can just sell to make a quick dollar,” Mathis said. “And we could get hit at any moment. From the time we open the gate, until we close it.”
Mathis has felt an increase in attempted theft. Shoplifters will enter his store with a large bag from another store and place it on the ground, act as thought they are attempting to find their size, and slip a peice of clothing into the bag. He is working with his staff to curtail the
problem.
“I teach all of my employees [not to] prejudge anyone,” he said. “We treat everyone like they could be potentially trying to steal.”
Footaction has even teamed with other stores in the mall to fight shoplifters. Now every store that sells shoes only displays the left shoe – something that slows down criminals but doesn’t stop them.
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