Tough Economy Fuels Crime, Shoplifting

CBS Evening News: From Burglaries To Package Thefts, Tough Times See Boom In Desperate Acts

(CBS)  In suburban Dallas, Sims White was on the lookout for a Grinch who seemed determined to steal his Christmas - a package left on his porch by the mailman. And, he got it all on tape, CBS News correspondent Randall Pinkston reports.

"She just took advantage of the situation. She saw a box on the porch and decided she would pick it up," White said.

And it's not just snatching presents from porches. There's car thefts and house burglaries - and while law-enforcement officials know that holiday crime is as common as Christmas trees, this year's economic downturn appears to be driving the numbers way up.

Almost 50 percent of police agencies across the country report an increase in burglaries - and more than 40 percent, an increase in thefts - this year.

In Fairlawn, N.J., Police Chief Erik Rose's officers helped the county prosecutor haul in four people accused of burglarizing 11 homes in northern New Jersey's wealthiest county.

He says the season and the economy will help keep police busy.

"There are people that may have jobs and when they have jobs aren't predisposed towards crime. But when they don't have jobs, nothing justifies crime, but they may decide that's an alternative," Rose said.

For retailers, it means more shoplifters hurting the bottom line. There's been a 10- to 20-percent uptick in stealing from stores.

In fact, one industry organization puts shoplifting losses at $35 million a day - and that's about one in 11 Americans stealing.

In Staten Island, N.Y., a novel counter-attack - pictures of frequent shoplifters posted with commercials - on video screens.