Video: Police, Retailers Deal With Shoplifters During Christmas Shopping Season

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) — Christmas shopping season is in full swing and that means big crowds looking for the perfect gift. It is also prime time for shoplifters.

This video from the Columbus Lowe’s Home Improvement Store catches a shoplifter in action. From the moment he walks in with a basket, to the time he loads up several big ticket items, and goes out the same door, putting the stolen goods into his car.

Tupelo Police Chief Bart Aguirre says criminals are busier this time of year.

“We’re going to see quite a bit more shoplifting then we normally do,” Chief Aguirre said.

Police are contacted whenever a shoplifter strikes. Chief Aguirre says high quality surveillance video is a big crimefighting tool. He also says store personnel can play a major role, even though they can’t enforce the laws.

“They’re not law enforcement officers, but they can sign an affidavit with the municipal court and once that is signed we can get a warrant and we can arrest that individual,” Aguirre said.

Rob Wolfe is the store manager for the Sears in the Mall at Barnes Crossing. He acknowledges that shoplifting, also known as shrinkage, is a part of the retail world.

However, he says there are safeguards in place, such as video cameras, and other measures he can’t disclose. Bottom line, Wolfe says the best defense against shoplifting comes down to the personal touch.

“What we have done, since the day I came into the store, is to provide outstanding customer service when anybody walks in that door. We go up and speak to them, ask them what they need, again, return to them, if they need anything additional and I think with the potential shoplifters, recognize that,” Wolfe said.

Wolfe says if a potential shoplifter knows they won’t be left alone long enough to commit a crime, they will go somewhere else.

Police say stores regularly prosecute shoplifters. And any theft of merchandise above one thousand dollars is a felony.