With retailers ramping up security due to theft concerns, how big is the problem really? Join us for our live KNX News Town Hall, Smash and Grab, Stealing the Season, on Dec. 12.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has made 89 arrests related to retail theft in recent weeks, recovering $370,000 worth of stolen merchandise.
Meanwhile, some merchants are taking matters into their own hands, creating their own countermeasures to battle back theft.
Michael de Leon, the general manager at Citadel Outlets, told KNX News’ Pete Demetriou that while the mall itself will continue to take a low-key approach to security, store owners say they’ll take a more aggressive course.
“There is definitely a move towards enhancing their internal security within each individual store,” he said. “I definitely see probably a 50% increase versus what was done last year.”
De Leon said many of the mall’s shops are making physical changes to make shoplifting or flash mob-style robberies more difficult.
A recent survey by the National Retail Federation found that 45% of retailers nationwide have reduced store hours to deter crime, and nearly 30% have changed their product selection because of theft. However, the survey also found that despite store owners’ concerns about organized retail crime, losses from theft actually aren’t increasing by a significant margin.
According to LAPD statistics, property crimes and robberies have actually decreased in the past year. UCLA professor Jorja Leap told KNX News the perception of an increase in flash mob robberies is mainly due to media coverage and viral videos.
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