Same Time Next Week

July 1, 2014 by Leave a Comment

theft (5)Shoplifters are surprisingly creatures of habit. My initial assessment was that a shoplifter, who is desperately trying not to get caught, would work hard to vary the times and days that they would come into a store to steal. I thought they would want to take a surprise approach to their thieving ways. I was actually quite wrong in my assessment.

The truth is most shoplifters want to find a comfort zone to steal in. They are looking for a tried and true way to get in and out of a store undetected. That is why if they steal something and get away with it on the first try, they will continue to use those same methods and manners in their subsequent thefts.

Luckily for us, when a shoplifter develops a pattern, it makes it easier for us to catch them and put a stop to the shrink losses they are creating. By identifying the pattern they created, we can be one step ahead of them and can be waiting to catch them, just like this shoplifter.

I was working for a home improvement store. We started loosing large rolls of electrical wire worth several thousands of dollars. Since these were large, heavy items that were not frequently shuffled around, we set up a camera to see if we could find out where they were going. After a few weeks of watching, we saw that every Friday around noon a man came in, loaded a roll onto a cart and then switched the price tag out for a less expensive one. The cashier charged him for the roll of wire based on this lower priced tag.

Since we found his pattern, we waited until the following Friday. Sure enough he was just like clockwork. Noon came and so did he to walk off with another one of our rolls. This time, we were there to intercept the transaction and have him arrested.

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Shoplifting Videos And Incidents

June 25, 2014 by Leave a Comment

theft (12)The retail industry losses are approximately $13 billion dollars a year. Some of the preventing security devices they most rely on are closed circuit television installed in their stores that are visible by the employees and customers alike. Hidden security cameras are also employed, although a bit less than the visible cameras. Still, the retail loses are great with all the security devices, and employee security they provide for their stores.

Read more about the shoplifting in the retail industry by following the links below.

Kelly’s Stupid Criminals of the week!

Featuring this week a drunken, shirtless Maryland man was busted trying to steal candy from a Subway restaurant in Prince Frederick. He was wearing only shorts and a pair of white socks when Calvert County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived to investigate reports of a suspicious person. One of the deputies spotted tipsy suspect trying to slip some candy into his pocket, authorities said.

And a woman is facing charges for attacking a teenager who flew a quadcopter drone over the beach in Hammonasset Beach State Park, CT. Andrea Mears, 23, is accused of assaulting Austin Haughwout, 17, on May 12 after she noticed a flying drone with a camera attached on it flying over the Middle Beach at Hammonasset. She was charged with third degree assault and second degree breach of peace, police said. Mears told ABC News that she had called the police complaining about “a little remote-operated plane flying over the beach.” Before the police arrived, Mears tracked down Austin Haughwout, pilot of the drone, and confronted him at the park.

Dumbest thief ever logs into Facebook on victim’s computer during burglary, forgets to log out

The world is full of truly stupid would-be criminals but one Minnesota man might have just taken the crown for the title of World’s Stupidest Thief. CBS Minnesota reports that police arrested 26-year-old Nicholas Wig for allegedly burglarizing a home in South St. Paul on June 19th after his victim discovered that Wig had used his computer to log into his Facebook page and never logged out before leaving. When police arrived to arrest Wig, they also found that he was wearing his victim’s wrist watch, which obviously won’t help with any potential defense.

Parents Sue Walmart, Police Over Livonia Shoplifting Stop

The parents of a mentally disabled woman are suing Walmart and police after she was stopped for suspected shoplifting at a Detroit-area store.

Wendy Kozma of Novi tells the Detroit Free Press her 25-year-old daughter, Jodi, who has the mental capacity of an 8-year-old, now is terrified of police after being handcuffed and questioned at a Walmart in Livonia. Records show she didn’t steal anything.

Wendy and John Kozma want an apology along with unspecified financial damages and assurance that police and store security follow proper procedures when dealing with disabled people. They filed a complaint with police in August 2012, when their daughter was stopped, and recently sued.

Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart says it believes its associates acted appropriately. Livonia police sent a letter to the Kozmas denying wrongdoing.

Annapolis beauty shop employee pepper-sprayed during shoplifting incident

An Annapolis-area beauty shop employee was pepper-sprayed Saturday while attempting to stop a suspected shoplifter.

When Anne Arundel County police responded to the Ulta Beauty store in Annapolis Harbour Center shortly after 3:30 p.m., an employee told them that a woman had put about $1,000 worth of perfume into a bag and attempted to leave without paying.

An employee approached the woman and attempted to grab the bag, but a second woman waiting in front of the store pepper-sprayed the employee in the face, police said.

The suspects fled in a newer model white four-door car with the rear license plate covered by a plastic bag, police said. Officers searched the area but were unable to find the suspects or the car.

The employee who was pepper-sprayed was treated by Fire Department personnel at the scene and transported to a local hospital for further treatment, police said. The store manager also was exposed to the pepper spray, but declined medical treatment.

Police said the suspect who took the merchandise is a heavyset black woman, possibly in her 20s, and she was wearing a gray T-shirt and black pants. The suspect who used the pepper spray is black, possibly in her 20s, and she was wearing a black shirt and white shorts.

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Is Your Store Protected From Shoplifters?

May 27, 2014 by Leave a Comment

theft (12)According to a post by New York magazine 70% of retail stores in the United States have visible CCTV in their stores compared to 40% of stores that have them hidden.  Only 33% of retail stores have a plain clothes store detective; that means that for small business owners hiring a full time security guard for their store is just not feasible. Although security devices have come a long way now, many stores owners seek other options for the security of their stores.  Do you think your store is protected? Read some of the stories about shoplifting below.

Shoplifting suspects sought after bite attack on Madison store manager

Two women suspected of shoplifting from Burlington Coat Factory in Madison and biting a manager who tried to stop them remained at large Monday.

A manager at the store, 6905 Odana Road, told police she tried to stop two women who were stealing clothes Saturday evening when one of the women became violent, biting her arm and punching her face, according to an incident report.

The women fled in a car. Madison police said Monday they have tentatively identified the primary suspect, but both she and the other suspect remain at large.

Walmart employee charged with stealing from register

Decatur police said a Walmart employee was charged with theft after she stole cash from the register.

On Sunday, Walmart reported to police that one of its employees, identified as 18-year-old Danielle Hyderia Marie Gill, had stolen cash. During the investigation, police said they learned that over a week, Gill stole more than $500 from a register.

Police said that Gill was transported to their department for further investigation later that day. Gill was charged with one count of theft of property in the second degree.

Gill was processed into Decatur City Jail and transferred to Morgan County Jail on a $2,500 bond.

Vacaville man arrested on suspicion of theft of $400,000 worth of wine

AMERICAN CANYON Following the loss of about 350 cases of wine at a local warehouse, Napa Sheriff detectives Tuesday arrested a warehouse employee at his Vacaville apartment, authorities said.

The theft was discovered about 11:40 a.m. Friday when American Canyon police responded to a report of theft at a wine storage facility in the 600 block of Hanna Drive in the industrial area.

The warehouse reported that about 350 cases of wine, worth more than $400,000, was missing and had been, possibly, stolen, according to a Napa Sheriff s press release.

Officers found no signs of forced entry. That, combined with the large volume of wine missing, led law enforcement to suspect an employee might be responsible for the missing wine.

Criminal Prosecution for Employee’s Theft of Employer’s Documents May Proceed, New Jersey Court Rules

An employee who removes or copies her employer’s documents for use in her whistleblower or discrimination case may be prosecuted criminally for stealing, a New Jersey state court has ruled. State v. Saavedra, No. A-1449-12T4 (App. Div. Dec. 24, 2013). The employee had taken highly confidential original documents owned by her employer, contending that she did so to support her employment discrimination suit. The Court’s decision could have serious implications on whistleblower claims in the state.

Facts

The North Bergen Board of Education employed Ivonne Saavedra as a clerk. In November 2009, Saavedra filed a complaint against the Board, her supervisor, an office manager, and a North Bergen Township Commissioner alleging claims of employment discrimination, hostile work environment, and retaliatory discharge in violation of the New Jersey’s whistleblower law, the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (“CEPA”), and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (“NJLAD”). During pre-trial discovery, the employer learned that Saavedra had possession of hundreds of documents owned by the Board, including 69 originals, a number of which contained highly sensitive information, which she evidently had removed or copied without permission.

Grand Jury

The Board’s general counsel notified the Hudson County prosecutor that Saavedra had the Board’s documents. The prosecutor determined the matter should be presented to a grand jury for possible criminal action.

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Discourage Shoplifters With Good Customer Service!

April 22, 2014 by Leave a Comment

theft (5)When shoplifters steal items from a store, it is not only a loss of the capital used to buy the item but the potential earnings from the sale of said item are lost as well. In addition to the hassle caused, the lost income can force business owners to increase prices all around if the problem becomes rampant; the money needs to be made up somewhere and usually it is passed on to the customers in the end. Luckily, there are easy ways to prevent shoplifting when everyone who works at the store is on the same page.

A shoplifter’s worst nightmare is being recognizable. That is why they usually try to stay under the radar and remain out of the way of store clerks and salespeople. Therefore, one of the best ways to deter potential shoplifters is through stellar customer service; by being visible to all customers, you will give the impression that you know what is going on in your surroundings. By promptly greeting each and every customer that enters your store, you will make it known that you are aware of their presence.

However, it is important not to hover over customers as to make them feel like you are overly suspicious; innocent customers will be annoyed whilst seasoned shoplifters may be provoked to find a way to steal just in spite of you. The best way to go about this is to just be friendly and offer your assistance to everyone; let the customers know you are available and ready to help as soon as you are needed. An added benefit to this method is that real customers will feel even more welcomed in your store and thus are more likely to make a purchase.

Every clerk in the store should prescribe to using great customer service in order for this method to be effective. Seasoned shoplifters often stake out their targets before making a move and so they will wait for a “weak link” among the staff to be working; if everyone delivers the same great service, there will be no weak spot for them to take advantage of.

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Shoplifting News Across The United States

April 17, 2014 by Leave a Comment

theft (1)The pre-conceived notion that people shoplift because they cannot afford the items they steal, has been proven to be wrong.  Many people that shoplift are able to buy the items they steal without resorting into the dangerous crime of shoplifting. One of the best known reasons of why people steal is because they suffer from depression or have a mental disorder. Although some of the people that shoplift do it for profit and because they cannot afford the items, many shoplifters are battling a mental illness or give in to peer pressure.

Read some of the news about this by following the links below.

Police: Mom abandons child after being caught shoplifting

A warrant has been issued for a woman who left her 10-year-old boy behind after she was caught shoplifting from an area Walmart, police said.

Jennifer Lynn Freedman, 35, entered the store in Manor on Tuesday with a man and her child and began stealing items, police say. Loss prevention employees at the store began watching the group and confronted them.

Freedman and the man then fled the store with some of the merchandise, leaving the child behind, police say.

Manor police officers were able to contact Freedman by phone, but she was reportedly not cooperative. She told officers she would not come back for her son because she did not want to be arrested, according to police.

Child Protective Services were called to take the boy. He was later released to a family friend.

Freedman is wanted on charges of abandoning or endangering a child without intent to return, a third-degree felony. Bond was set at $25,000.

Police: Man Pulled Out Gun During Shoplifting Incident

Police are asking for help locating two shoplifting suspects after one of them allegedly pulled out a gun when his partner got caught.

It happened March 21 at the J.C. Penney located at the Citadel Mall in Colorado Springs.

Police say the pair was walking out of the store with merchandise they had not paid for when store employees stopped the female half of the couple.

That’s when the man reportedly pulled out a gun and demanded she be released. The pair got away in what police believe is a silver Chrysler sedan.

The woman is described as being between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-9 with a medium build. She is in her 20s.

The man is also described as being in his 20s. He is about 5-foot-8 with a thin build.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 634-STOP. Reporting parties do not have to give their name and could earn a cash reward.

Milton man faces shoplifting charges

ROCHESTER — Police charged a 47-year-old Milton man in the early hours of Thursday morning in connection with shoplifting at Walmart in December.
Police arrested Keith McConnell of 149 Governors Road, Milton at 12:31 a.m. McConnell was charged with two misdemeanor level offenses of willful concealment.

McConnell was also charged with one misdemeanor count of criminal mischief related to the same incident. The alleged incident actually took place on Dec. 21.

McConnell was bailed and released on $3,500 personal recognizance, pending his arraignment. McConnell will be arraigned on May 19 at 8 a.m. in the 7th Circuit District Division Rochester Court.

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How To Identify A Shoplifter

April 9, 2014 by Leave a Comment

theft (9)When you suspect shoplifting theft issues in your store, you have to be able to identify the problems before you can start to find a solution. Because there are different styles of shoplifters, understanding how and why they steal will help you develop a better anti shoplifting program to target the shoplifters that affect you the most.

There are three categories of shoplifter: the Amateur, the opportunist, and the Professional. Each one has it’s own defining characteristics and ways to identify the shoplifting in progress. Let’s take a look at how the Amateur Shoplifter operates.

The Amateur is the basic level of shoplifter. They are typically inexperienced but may escalate their shoplifting if they got away easily in the past. They are the people who come into a store and intend to steal rather than buying their products. They can steal for economic reasons (need based), for personal gain, or perhaps emotional reasons like peer pressure or boredom.

The Amateur shoplifter probably has a basic knowledge of retail anti theft devices, and knows to avoid them instead of trying to disable them. Because of this, anti shoplifting devices greatly reduce the losses incurred by the amateur. They will target a store that does not have the devices, versus one that does.

When an amateur shoplifter enters a store, there are a few red flags they might exhibit. They can be nervous or seem on edge. Often these shoplifters will go out of their way to avoid any employee interaction. Customer service is a highly effective deterrent.

Sometimes Amateurs will try to better enable their shoplifting. They may bring large bags or purses that appear unusually empty for their size. They may be planning on concealing merchandise in the bag. They might also come in wearing a bulky or oversized coat, even when it is warm outside. Again, the thought is to conceal the merchandise without being seen.

Lastly, when you watch a shoplifter, notice how they look at your product. Are they more concerned with anti shoplifting devices than they are with the actual product? Do they pick up items quickly and then go to a remote corner of the store. Are they watching you and your employees instead of paying attention to what they are doing? If you can answer yes, then it is more possible that they are shoplifting.

The best deterrents will be customer service and anti theft devices. Since the amateur is more likely to be deterred by the thought of getting caught and arrested, anything that might draw attention to their actions is a powerful deterrent.

Call us today at 1-770-426-0547.
Sell More, Lose Less!

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When Opportunity Strikes; Your Losses Are Their Gain

April 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment

theft (12)The Opportunist Shoplifter is a trick shoplifter to figure out. At their core, the opportunist shoplifter is not a person who came into a store with the intention to steal. Rather they are a generally honest customer who was presented with an opportunity to cause a loss to the store. They let that opportunity get the best of their normally honest judgment.

A common example of opportunistic theft is clothing losses in a fitting room. A customer goes into a fitting room to try on some clothes. There are extra clothes in there from the last customer that the store’s employees did not clean out. While the customer is trying on their clothes they realize that no one is paying any attention to the fitting rooms. They decide to steal one of the left over pieces of clothing because they know no one will notice.

When I train employees, I give another example. It might not be theft, per se, but it still causes a loss to your business. A customer comes to the cash register to buy some items and a cashier makes a mistake while ringing them up. They erroneously bag an item without charging for it. An honest customer who notices the error in the store will speak up to correct the error. If that same customer does not realize the mistake until after they get home, they may or may not go out of their way to return the item back to the store.

Opportunistic theft can also be as simple as a customer who is looking at a small item. When they realize that no one is watching, they pocket the item instead of paying for it. I once saw a customer who was standing in a very long checkout line finally get frustrated at the wait. He screamed how ridiculous it was, and left the store- with his entire cart full of product he hadn’t paid for.

In each of these scenarios, the root cause is a breakdown of operating procedures. The fitting rooms should be cleaned after each customer. The cashier’s should be diligent in ringing up every item. The store employees should provide excellent and attentive service to all customers regardless of where they are in the shopping process. By reducing the opportunities through operational accuracy and standard levels of execution, you reduce the amount of opportunities that are presented within your store.
Call us today at 1-770-426-0547.

Sell More, Lose Less!

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Shoplifters: To Prosecute or Not, That is the Question!

April 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment

law-3Many Retailers struggle with this question. The decision can be fraught with indecision and even fear. “What if I am wrong?”, “Is this the right thing to do?”, “How will this impact my business?” These are all valid and important questions. Let me first say right up front that as a business owner, consultant and LP Executive, I firmly believe that you should prosecute each and every time. Let me give you some food for thought. After dealing with shoplifters for the last 35 plus years, I see four areas that you should consider when trying to decide whether or not to prosecute.

1             Legal – Every U.S. State has different laws in dealing with shoplifters. However, most of the laws are similar. Most States have what is commonly referred to as “Merchant Laws”. These laws generally protect the Merchant from criminal or civil liability if they follow the law in that State. That means in most cases that as long as you treat the shoplifting suspect fairly, you are free to investigate, if they stole from you or not. If you conclude that they have, then you should call the Police. When you do call the Police, you should never accuse anyone. Let the Police make their decisions based on the evidence presented. This way you are letting the Police do their jobs and it is the State, County or City that is prosecuting. If you are not sure about the laws in your state, go to your States Sectary of State website and search for shoplifting or theft laws.

2             Precedent – If you do not prosecute, word spreads quickly that you are an easy mark and this will actually attract more shoplifters to your store. This happens because shoplifters do talk to each other. If they know the worst that will happen is a warning from you, then the flood gates are open.

3             Prevention – Although similar to precedent, prevention is more about how you and your company deal with shoplifting overall. Our goal is to stop the shoplifter before they even try to steal. We do this with a variety of techniques. To begin with the physical store layout, customer service techniques your staff uses and the Anti-shoplifting equipment such as a Checkpoint System all combined create your stores prevention environment. This environment gives you more ability to prosecute in a business-like manner. This tells the Police, Prosecutor and the Courts that you have a defined way to not only discourage shoplifting but to detect and handle it. I cannot stress prevention enough. More prevention equals less shoplifting equals less prosecution.

4             Emotion – Whether we admit it or not emotion comes into the decision to prosecute. Anyone that steals from our stores is essentially stealing from our pockets. This applies equally to owners, managers and store staff in some form or another. They have taken something from us that has cost us. This may mean the difference in staying in business, if we make a profit, sales numbers or even have a job. Getting angry at the individual shoplifter is counterproductive. Do not “attack” the shoplifter either verbally or physically. Rather treat this as any other business problem and solve it with business solutions not emotion. Prosecution is part of this. By the way, I believe that you should also always prosecute under age and elderly offenders. If you do not get law enforcement involved and simply issue a stern warning, you open yourself up to false accusations. Let the Police deal with this. They are equipped for it.

Overall keep this in mind that your shoplifting problem is not some insurmountable issue that you have to tolerate. Do not bury your head in the sand. Tackle it head on and you will find that your frustration will go down, profits will go up and the shoplifters will go elsewhere.

Loss Prevention Systems is here to help you! We have an all-inclusive anti-shoplifting program that consists of policy and procedure, Checkpoint and Alpha High Theft solutions equipment and shoplifting prevention training that will allow you to then focus on your core business. Call us today at 1-770-426-0547.

Sell More, Lose Less!

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Is Your Store Protected From The Shoplifter?

March 25, 2014 by Leave a Comment

theft (8)There are many security devices that retail store owners invest to protect themselves from shoplifting theft, among them are security bars and security guards.  Some small businesses that cannot afford to hire a full time security guard for their store relay in security bars to protect their merchandise.  Although some experts agree that security bars is not the best way to protect their merchandise, small business owners have to device a way to protect themselves from the shoplifter.
Read more about this by following the links.

Employees help thwart shoplifting attempts

A trio of would-be shoplifters had their plans foiled by police and store employees over the weekend.

Chad Burk, 40, was arrested late Friday after witnesses said he left a Safeway store on North Market Street without paying for his alcohol. A clerk watched Burk grab a $13 bottle of vodka and a can of beer, walk to the frozen foods section and place the can of beer inside. Burk pocketed the vodka in his jacket and walked out without paying, according to the store clerk.

The employee followed Burk outside and a scuffle ensued, during which Burk allegedly threw some punches and the bottle of vodka into the street, where it shattered. He was booked into Spokane County Jail on a first-degree robbery charge but was released without bond this weekend.

Heather Duncan, 32, was arrested outside the NorthTown Mall on Sunday afternoon, where she was accused of stealing clothing worth roughly $110. When a store employee approached Duncan outside the store with the merchandise, she used pepper spray in an attempt to get away, according to court documents.

Shoplifting suspect flees scene, leaving purse, dog behind

STOCKTON – A shoplifting suspect fleeing an east Stockton shopping district this morning left behind some interesting evidence – her purse containing her identification and a small dog, police reported.

The 39-year-old woman was in a gray Kia when she was approached by security guards around 11:13 a.m. in the 600 block of North Wilson Way between Oak and Park streets. She used her vehicle to intimidate the store employees who had planned on making a citizen’s arrest, according to police.

In her hurry, she dropped her purse and fled the scene, according to a report, leaving behind identification and the dog.

Shoplifters cited for stealing makeup, chocolate

A woman was recently cited for shoplifting from a local department store after reportedly concealing nearly $270 worth of makeup in her purse.

Officer Robert King’s report states he was dispatched to Walmart on Wednesday.

Once there, loss prevention personnel informed him they witnessed Emily M. Birdwell, of Nashville Highway, Baxter, “conceal makeup in her purse and on her person.”

She was cited in lieu of continued custody for shoplifting.

She was also banned from the store.

In another shoplifting incident, a woman was caught concealing store items at Walgreens on South Willow Avenue early this morning.

Officer David Harris’ report states he arrived on the scene and the store manager said there was a woman in the bathroom they believed had taken merchandise without paying.

Harris waited for the woman to leave the restroom, who was identified as Bobbie A. Randolph of Buffalo Valley Road, Cookeville, and spoke with her.

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Shoplifting Prevention And Technology

March 20, 2014 by Leave a Comment

theft (3)There are countless instances about people shoplifting; we see them in the news daily. According to the National Association for Shoplifting prevention 1 out of 3 shoplifters are “at risk” of shoplifting again even after getting caught.  And although the association declares that shoplifters are individuals struggling with personal conflicts and needs, we rarely see those issues being addressed by authorities.  Regardless, shoplifting prevention is a matter of extreme importance in the retail industry, and businesses have to address the issues and the consequences shoplifting causes.

Read more about this topic by following the links below.

The Future of Retail: 6 Ways the Cloud Will Reinvent the Sales Floor

The scope of change in the retail industry is stunning. New web-based, cloud-hosted software-as-a-service solutions are making data available in real time and are poised to unite the digital and physical retail environments, disrupting the retail landscape. Here’s how the needle is moving:

1. Real-time data from the sales floor. Real-time data is available across all channels and will fuel decision-making throughout the retail enterprise — from the C-Suite to the sales floor. Retail management teams can see sales trends develop as they are developing. They can see traffic patterns in real time and be able to see conversion rates at the product level. For example, for apparel retailers — imagine how powerful it would be to know which products are being brought into fitting rooms and then which are converted to sales.

2. Real time data on the sales floor. Perhaps the most powerful impact will be on the sales floor. Retail sales is a difficult job, and it can become tedious and boring. Sales associates can become disengaged, feel isolated and disinterested. As a result, customer service suffers. Making real-time data available on the store floor can change the game.

Shoplifting suspect rescued after falling down ravine

ELYRIA — A suspected shoplifter who led police on a chase Saturday night fell down a steep Ford Road ravine and had to be rescued by firefighters.

The man, arrested by police after being lifted about 200 feet up the steep hill in a Stokes basket, suffered a possible broken ankle, said Assistant Elyria Fire Chief James Cawley.

“We splinted him, but he was conscious and talking,” Cawley said.

The suspect, whose name was not available at press time, reportedly took items from the Radio Shack store in the Midway Crossings shopping area off West River Road, said Elyria police Capt. Chris Costantino.

After leaving the store about 7:30 p.m. without paying for merchandise, the man ran toward Ford Road, where he apparently fell down a hillside while being chased by police, Lorain County Metro Parks rangers and Lorain County sheriff’s deputies, Costantino said.

Jim Ziemnik, executive director of metro parks, said rangers told him the man jumped a fence near a mattress store where Midway Boulevard and Ford Road come together.

“He went down the incline,” Ziemnik said. “That’s a steep hill.”

This woman received life in prison for shoplifting

What do you think is a fair punishment for someone who has been caught shoplifting 29 times?  Community service, jail time, hands cut off, forcing them to do all their shoplifting at Old Navy?

I ask because the Oklahoma woman pictured above – Cecilia Rodriguez – was sentenced to life in prison for shoplifting. She was caught doing the act 29 times. Her appeal of the sentence was recently denied by the U.S. Supreme Court. That really sucks for her… and for us as taxpayers. We now have to spend $18,000 per year to imprison her because she’s a bad thief. Hopefully she’ll get some thieving tips from fellow inmates while in jail.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Monday to review the case of an Oklahoma City woman who received a life sentence in 2009 for shoplifting.

Without comment, the court rejected the appeal of Cecilia Cathleen Rodriguez, whose life sentence was imposed by an Oklahoma County judge because of a long list of previous convictions.

 

 

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