Shoplifting On The Rise At This Time Of Year
GLENDALE, Colo. (CBS4) - The holiday shopping season isn't over -- it's time for the post-Christmas sales. It's also a prime time for shoplifters.
It's estimated one in 11 Americans shoplift.
During the four weeks leading up to Christmas an estimated $1.84 billion in merchandise was shoplifted this year, according to the Global Retail Theft Barometer. That's up about 6 percent from last year.
Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson told CBS4 it's a crime of opportunity.
"Because there are so many people out, there's so much activity and people are distracted," he said.
The most shoplifted items, according to the Center for Retail Research, are as follows:
- Alcohol
- Cosmetics
- Perfume
- Makeup
- Razors
- Shaving items
- Clothing accessories
- Coffee
The following are two recent store theft cases CBS4 reported on:
Last week at a Best Buy in Centennial shoplifters grabbed four laptop computers that were still in their boxes and left the store. (Full Story)
Last month in Glendale at a Sports Authority a 12-year-old had her Ugg boots stolen while shopping with her mom. (Full Story)
Robinson said that in the battle against shoplifting law enforcement and prosecutors are getting a boost from ever-improving surveillance technology.
"We're making more and more good criminal cases against people who victimize our community because of video surveillance," Robinson said.
Investigators say that in addition to shoplifting being on the rise during the holidays, property crimes like thefts from cars and homes are also more common.
RELATED: More Reports By 4 On Your Side Consumer Investigator Jodi Brooks
