Organized shoplifters causing concern for local businesses

Holly Sow/ Arizona Silver Belt Downtown businesses have experienced a string of shoplifting incidents by a group or groups that exemplify organized coordination and methodical execution of plans.

Second in a two-part investigative series

Globe — In a small community built upon the foundation of small retail businesses, retail theft can leave a lasting impact, not just financially but also emotionally. Whether it is a result of warmer temperatures, hard economic times, or just plain lack of respect, shoplifters have been out and about these past few months, looking to make a “steal,” literally. The Silver Belt spoke with a number of downtown business owners who wished to remain anonymous, but told a similar story. Some discovered they had been robbed, while others were potential victims of the same thieves. All agreed that when a shoplifter gets away with stolen merchandise, the victim is left with a feeling of being violated.

“They come in a group and tend to bring a small child as a decoy,” noted one shop owner. Three other shop owners vouched to having been victims of this same organized group. Two young women (in their 20s) enter a store together with a baby. Sometimes the “lead girl” will come with her “boyfriend” and the baby. They always go to places where there is one person manning the store, a feature of most downtown shops. While one member of the group distracts the shop owner/clerk, the other makes his or her rounds, taking items and stashing them.

“They are well-trained, they know how to manipulate, and they know how to hit up shops,” another business owner explained. Two more shop owners observed the same pattern. The group, which works together in numbers, will scope out a store, making sure only one person is in the store. Then two or three will enter. Others may wait outside. While various people have been seen in the group, at least two have been spotted with the child and stroller in various stores acting suspiciously. Two store owners report having noticed items missing immediately after the “lead girl” with the stroller had left the scene of the crime.

Nonetheless, downtown store owners have been reluctant to report the shoplifting incidents to law authorities. This is a must, however, explained Globe Police Chief Lee Kinnard, not only to apprehend the shoplifters, but also make them responsible for the multiple crimes they have committed. “These people prey on those they know won’t do anything,” he noted.

He went on to explain that if suspects are caught and face a judge, the case against them can only be based on what has been reported to authorities. If a person commits 10 crimes, but only one is on record, the judge will view the case as a single incident.

Moreover, Kinnard emphasized that by not reporting every incident, it adds to a thief’s confidence and willingness to steal again.

For the complete article see the 07-11-2012 issue.

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