'Tis the season to shoplift; police report increase

By Megan Baldino (mbaldino@wsbt.com)

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Police say increased holiday shopping could lead to increased crime. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Dec 3, 2008 at 5:49 AM EST

Story Updated: Dec 8, 2008 at 11:33 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — A weak economy could make holiday crime more popular. Police say shoplifting always increases around the holidays, and could be even worse this year.

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"The economy is hurting, the holidays are coming up, obviously people want things for the holidays, " said Sgt. Lee Ross, head of the Crime Prevention Unit for South Bend police.

Ross says electronics are always a hot item.

"DVD players, TV players, GPS, things like that."

On Black Friday at Best Buy, the store brought in extra security and tried to maintain order as part of its loss prevention effort.

"It's always a concern for us, regardless of the holidays or not. But this year when you have more command and control things go a lot more smoothly, and someone might say 'Hey, these people got it together,' and they might not try anything," said Kevin Klodzinski, Best Buy loss prevention specialist.

Police say store employees are the first defense against shoplifting. Ross says greeting customers and making eye contact sends a signal that you're being watched.

He says if you see a shoplifter, call 911.

"Be safe, don't grab anyone, because you never know if they have weapons," said Ross. "And get a good description."

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