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Pocono News Section
Extra Police Added in Stores to Stop Black Friday Shoplifting
Extra Police Added in Stores to Stop Black Friday Shoplifting - Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at 4:45PM EST
Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Wednesday, Nov 26, 2008 @ 04:45pm EST
MT. POCONO, MONROE COUNTY- As economic times get tougher - shoplifting crimes usually go up. Police in the Poconos say they've seen more people stealing and they're taking everything from clothes to food. And the big crowds on Black Friday could mean shoplifting is even more of a problem than usual.
Michelle Rosado is a Black Friday shopper who likely won't even notice the shoplifters around her in the holiday frenzy. "The strategy is just to get in and get what they want and get out as fast as possible," she says.
While Michelle and other shoppers plan to buy gifts, shoplifters will steal gifts. Pocono Mountain Regional Police Officer Daniel Smelas said, "As the holiday season has approached, retail thefts are on the rise."
Smelas tells us on any given day one to three people try to steal from the Wal-Mart in Mt. Pocono. "Security is very busy at these stores and they're catching the people - but for everybody they catch there's more people out there getting away with it," he adds.
To make sure no one gets away with it on Black Friday, the Pocono Mountain Regional Police will post two extra officers there. "We're going to provide the protection that is required," he says.
While officers will be watching here. They say shoppers also need to pay attention. Especially ladies. The officers say you shouldn't keep your purse in your cart, you should always keep it on yourself. "That I know just from growing up. You don't leave your purse anywhere. It's like a child. You just keep one eye on it at all times," says Rosado.
Or you could skip the purse altogether, like Mary Mancini. "I keep my money in my pants, my cards in my pants and if they've got to take anything they have to take me," she says.
You also want to make sure no one tries to take advantage of your children. "Because we are finding incidents where there are suspicious people in stores and they try to violate the kids," said Smelas.
After Michelle heard all the police told us - she said she'll be more watchful on Black Friday. Police say if you notice anyone suspicious on Black Friday, you should contact a store manager right away.
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