SHOPLIFTING

Apr 09 2026CRIME

When Hunger Meets a Paying Job

Two years after a nighttime shoplifting incident in southwest Portland, the shoplifter has filed a lawsuit against the grocery clerk who chased him. At the time, Joshua Merkel said he took more than $100 worth of food without paying because he was hungry—and claimed the clerk’s response left him wit

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Feb 24 2026CRIME

Chocolate Swipes: The Sweet Theft Crisis in UK Stores

In recent weeks, shoppers in the UK have noticed a new sight: Cadbury chocolate bars wrapped in clear plastic shields. Major supermarkets such as Sainsbury's, Tesco and the Co‑op are adopting these anti‑theft measures after a surge in chocolate pilfering. Police and retailers claim that the sugary t

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Jan 09 2026CRIME

A Man's Struggle: Police Use Excessive Force on Diabetic Man

In a disturbing incident, a 62-year-old homeless man named Rodney Harmon found himself in a violent altercation with police officers after a shoplifting accusation. It all started when Harmon, who was suffering from a diabetic episode, left a store with unpaid items and claimed he owned the place. H

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Dec 22 2025CRIME

Gun Pulled in Walmart Shoplifting Arrest

In Canton, Ohio, a tense situation unfolded when a shoplifting stop led to a shocking moment. Two people, Shane Newman and Katerina Jeffrey, were caught taking items from a Walmart. Newman, 21, and Jeffrey, 23, were taken to the store's loss prevention office for questioning. Jeffrey seemed worried

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Oct 21 2025CRIME

Boston's Shoplifting Problem: Progress, But Not Perfect

Boston's retail areas are still dealing with a lot of shoplifting. But, there's some good news. The city has started new plans to fight this problem. Police and business leaders talked about this at a recent meeting. The main issue is that stealing hurts everyone. It's bad for small shops, people l

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Jul 13 2025CRIME

NYC's Shoplifting Spree: A System in Need of a Fix

In New York City, shoplifting has become a major headache. The numbers are shocking. Over 27, 000 shoplifting incidents have happened this year alone. That's a huge jump from just a few years ago. Some people keep doing it over and over. Take Anthony White, for example. He's been arrested 254 times

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Dec 20 2024CRIME

The Retreat of NYC Drugstores: Crime, Shifting Habits, and Empty Spaces

New York City's drugstore landscape has seen a significant shrinkage over the past decade, with about 40% fewer stores compared to ten years ago. This year alone saw a 10% drop, attributed largely to rising shoplifting and crime rates. Major pharmacy chains like Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid have bee

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Nov 07 2024CRIME

Shoplifting and Drug Crimes Get Tougher Penalties in CA

Let's talk about what's happening in California. Voters there just agreed on Proposition 36, which means repeat shoplifters and drug offenders could face tougher penalties. This changes a law from 2014 that made nonviolent crimes less severe. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco saw shoplifting

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Aug 27 2024POLITICS

Target's Prosperity: A Double-Edged Sword Amidst Rising Retail Crime?

Target's recent sales surge, following the shutdown of several crime-ridden stores, has sparked conversations among retailers and policymakers. The retail titan's COO, Michael Fiddelke, credits the improvement to diminished 'inventory shrink,' a term that refers to losses resulting from shoplifting

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