Video: Operation Counterfeit And Shoplifter

MACON, Miss. (WCBI) – In times past ‘the grapevine’ helped keep small town businesses abreast of what was going on. In Macon, the old grapevine is getting a technology makeover.

Operation Counterfeit and Shoplifter is the new crime alert system that’s working to better the relationship between local businesses and the police.

The communication operation works by sending a simple message.

“What it is, is to be a little more proactive with our business owners here in town, and like I said earlier you know, we’re a small town, and being a small town kind of has its advantages when it comes to community and spreading the word,” says Macon Police Chief Lucious Mason.

A group text created by the Macon Police Department is giving business owners an electronic ‘heads up.’

“I think it’s a better way of us alerting our business owners to crimes when crimes happen, and for them to you know, look out for them,” says Mason.

Businesses knowing what to look for will help them crack down on bad customers.

“If counterfeit money is passed off, after they alert the police or called 911, we would send out a text message or email, which ever they prefer, as to this money, counterfeit money being passed off and to be on the lookout, it would go the same, it doesn’t just apply to counterfeit money, it would go the same with shoplifters,” says Mason.

Around 20 to 30 businesses filled out the form to join the operation, and The Junction District Manager Monica Broaden thinks it will help businesses save money.

“By them sending out text messages, and the name of the shoplifter, I think that will give us a better insight, and we will be well aware, more alert of the shoplifter that may come in and out of the store.”

The business name, number, owner or manager of store, and email were questions on the forms handed out personally to businesses by police officers.