SPOKANE, Wash – 22 alleged shoplifters were arrested in just seven hours on Black Friday during Spokane Police Department’s (SPD) shoplifting emphasis patrol, but Corporal Nick Briggs tells us there certainly could’ve been a lot more arrests if more officers were on duty.
“There is no shortage of people that are willing to engage in this criminal conduct,” Cpl. Briggs said.
Lots of crooks on the run this holiday season.
“People are stealing items that they can profit from one way or another and resell in order to obtain funds,” Cpl. Briggs said.
But you’ll hear it from the shoplifters themselves – these funds aren’t for Christmas shopping.
“I got to stop having drug habits. That’s what I got to do,” one alleged shoplifter said in a video SPD recently released.
“It’s an opportune time for thieves to capitalize on the increased traffic, the chaos that is shopping during the seasons,” Cpl. Briggs said.
Which, in return, is an opportune time for police to crack down on some of this Grinch-like behavior.
A store we spoke to, who wants to remain anonymous, says they have seen 500 thefts since March. In total, over a $1 million stolen since the end of the pandemic.
“We’re going to continue to be out there because these types of criminal acts really do impact everyone. Obviously, it hurts the stores and their ability to thrive,” Cpl. Briggs said.
And it also hurts the customers – the shoppers who actually purchase these items. A lot of thieves breaking into cars during the holidays.
“Hide any valuables. The trunk is the most secure, the back area. Make sure nothing is visible outside of the car,” Cpl. Briggs said.
And, of course, be certain to lock your doors. Cpl. Briggs says if you actively see someone stealing, don’t engage. You should document what that thief looks like.
“Catalog in your mind what you are seeing. So a description of the person, what did you see them take? Did you see them put it in their right pocket or their left pocket,” Cpl. Briggs said.
