'Tis the season for shoplifters

Raleigh, N.C. — Authorities in Wake County and across the country report an increase of shoplifting case during the holiday season.

Some retailers believe the economy is partly to blame.

“It’s part of the game when you run a retail business and I suppose during times like this people are more desperate,” Schoolkids Records’ manager Brad Cook.

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Local retailers deal with shoplifters

Cook said the Raleigh music store, located at 2712 Hillsborough Street, triples its normal business during the holidays, but they have experienced shoplifters cutting open products to steal what’s inside.

Staff members usually find the evidence after the merchandise is stolen, Cook said.

“If you own a business, you feel personally violated,” said Jim Fairchild, who runs The Globetrotter store in Cameron Village with his family.

Fairchild said his policy of deterring shoplifting incidents goes back to basic customer service.

“We welcome them. We make sure they know that we know they’re here,” Fairchild said.

Many retailers, including Cook, said they prefer to force shoplifters to leave, as opposed to calling the police. Shoplifting is a misdemeanor with usually no jail time, but it does create a criminal record.

Some small businesses are finding it difficult to have enough workers to monitor customers and merchandise.

In light of the weakening economy, many small businesses have also been forced to cut staff.

“Because we’re a small business, we can’t afford to have three or four people on at a time,” Cook said.

In light of the weakening economy, many small businesses have also been forced to cut staff.