Brief Bandits: Drug-Related Underwear Thefts On The Rise

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Virginia authorities say they have noticed a rise in people trying to steal underwear in order to earn money to buy drugs.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that criminals are lured to the underwear because the clothing is easy to conceal and it can be re-sold for a good price.

In July, authorities say Dorene D. Rainey and an accomplice got away with more than $1,500 in underwear from a western Henrico County Macy's. Rainey was sentenced to three years in prison, with all but six months suspended, plus restitution.

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Robert J. Windle says he has seen five or more similar cases of underwear shoplifting in the past few years. He says the thefts were all drug-related and the thieves have tended to be heroin addicts.