FREQUENT shoplifting in a US city has forced local police to take action.
Retail stores are locking up costly articles and clamping security tags on clothing items.
Chino, California has experienced a 55 percent increase in retail theft this year with Chino Spectrum Marketplace attracting the highest numbers.
Thefts at the shopping center’s Target, have doubled within a year according to Chief Kevin Mensen of the Chino Police Department.
Last November, the Chino Police Department and California Highway Patrol’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force joined efforts to combat the shoplifting.
Through their partnership, three arrests were made earlier this month at Walmart and TJ Maxx both located on Grand Ave.
The Chino Valley Champion reported that 26 arrests were made and $15,000 of merchandise was recovered across five operations conducted last year around the same time.
Local businesses have also been looking to work with the police department.
Police observation devices have been added to the shoe retailer WSS to prevent theft.
Two Stater Bros. locations that have experienced high volumes of theft came to an agreement with the department to have quarterly meetings to discuss the issue.
On Wednesday, the police department conducted an undercover operation at both locations to catch shoplifters.
Chino’s ongoing struggle with retail theft has been hard to control as multiple thefts typically occur at the same time.
Some incidents can require up to five detectives.
Chief Mensen believes that the Chino Police Department needs a team of detectives dedicated to retail theft.
Mensen recommends that residents park in well-lit areas, keep their purses close and zipped up, and avoid leaving valuables in the car.
Additional officers will be present at retail centers this holiday season.
https://www.the-sun.com/news/9664107/antitheft-measures-us-city-plagued-by-shoplifting/