If you've ever wondered why the teeth whitening kit or mach-3 razors are behind a locked case?
They are items thieves like to steal. And now, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association says one in seven retail crime incidents involve violence. Rob Karr, President and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, told KMOX about another disturbing fact. "That's up 7% from last year. Most common objects used are firearms followed by knives and blades."
KMOX's Maria Keena asked if these are primarily young people committing these acts of violence.
"It's everybody across the board," Karr responded. "Young people to older people...whoever's in their way. These groups are very aggressive and are after what they're after."
And what are they after?
"Sometimes they literally have shopping lists. So it might be high-end items but it could also be teeth whitening items, it could be certain make-ups, it just depends on what's hot and trendy at the moment. What they could easily resell. And then use those funds to fund other illicit programs such as human trafficking, drugs, guns..."
1 in 7 Retail Crime Incidents Involve Violence, Increase Largely Driven by Repeat Offenders
1 in 7 Retail Crime Incidents Involve Violence, Increase Largely Driven by Repeat Offenders
