Pocono News Section

Crime on the Rise

Crime on the Rise - Friday, May 30, 2008 at 4:55PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Friday, May 30, 2008 @ 04:55pm EST
STROUD TOWNSHIP - Thieves have taken some of the fun out of Rock 'N' Willy's in the Stroud Mall lately. The owners said in the past few months they've caught more shoplifters than ever before.

Co-Owner Jane Parkinson said, "We don't recognize as many of our customers as we used to. So maybe it's just an influx of more people."

Police say that's one reason and the economy is another. Stroud Area Regional Police Captain Bill Parrish explained, "The worse the economy is, the more crime there usually is."

Parrish said his department has seen a major spike in petty thefts. "There's more stores bringing more people the opportunity," he added.

Parrish said in the past two years petty theft reports have increased by about 60%. And while they may technically be called "petty," they're a big deal to business owners.

"It's right out of our pocket. And out of our pockets is out of our employee's pockets and out of our customer's pockets 'cause you have to make adjustments in your profit margin," said Parkinson.

To cud down on some of the thefts, store owners moved items that get taken a lot up toward the front of the store, they've also started paying more attention to their security cameras.

Parkinson added, "We also prosecute everybody, no matter how small the item may be."

The state is also being aggressive. First time offenders get a $150 fine. If you shoplift twice, you'll get a misdemeanor, and three times gives you a felony.

"You're best off to not have it unless you can pay for it 'cause long term it will cost you a lot more," advised Parkinson.

Police said the stores that suffer the most from stealing in the Stroudsburg area are Sears, Kohls and Walmart.