During these hard economic times, theft crimes have become more common, especially in parts of Miami. Theft can take many forms: grand theft, car theft, burglary, robbery, and shoplifting are among the kinds of cases Miami judges see on a day-to-day basis. Brad Brekke, a former agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation who now works in the assets protection unit for Target, believes that the economy significantly impacts the type and amount of theft crimes that occur. "There is definitely economic pressure generating more activity across the board - fraud, theft, cyber crime. The intensity has gone up as the economy has gone down," he said of the rise in thefts.
The National Retail Federation surveyed its members recently, ultimately concluding that retailers are experiencing more thefts and shoplifting, but that the stores are also fighting back harder. Major stores are now sharing information about shoplifting suspects, including which items they are taking, in a database accessible to all. The competing stores believe it is in their overall best interest to work together to stop theft, especially organized shoplifting rings. Florida law enforcement agencies cracked an organized ring last year after finding large quantities of stolen powdered baby formula in a traffic stop. According to investigators, men waited outside retail chains in getaway vehicles, while female "shoppers" went inside and slipped containers of baby formula into a purse, then walked out of the store. Each container of infant formula was valued at about $25.
Retailers also want to avoid alienating regular consumers just to reduce shoplifting. Some proposed solutions including putting high-theft items in locked display cases. Unfortunately, retailers have found that consumers are less likely to purchase items if they are locked up. Another solution is to train retail workers to speak to customers throughout the store. When shoplifters have the sense that employees are watching them or might engage them in conversation, they are less likely to proceed with the theft crime. The theft law is Florida Statute 812.014.
The original report is available here.
