Increased shoplifting is another sign of bad times

[proud2BlibKansan]

By JOYCE SMITH
The Kansas City Star

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To be sure, this isn’t just the season for giving. Taking also is on the rise.

Shoplifters and employees who steal walked away with $34.8 billion in 2007, or an average of $350 per U.S. household, according to the National Retail Federation in Washington, D.C. The shoplifting portion is estimated at $12 billion.

As the economy has worsened in the last few months, some retailers say they are seeing that figure grow 5 to 20 percent.“People have lost their jobs. They’re paying more for gas. They are getting calls from bill collectors on their home or car. Everything seems to go wrong,” said Joseph LaRocca, vice president of loss prevention for the retail federation.

“But it’s not theft for need, but theft for greed. It’s not that they needed the Coach bag. They wanted it. They make a wrong decision, not unlike when the economy is good.”

A majority of the 116 senior retail executives responding to a recent federation survey said there was an increase in shoplifting and employee theft in the last year.

more . . . http://www.kansascity.com/637/story/945432.html

[lib2DaBone]

1. People are desperate..I'm not defending them....but

..the Republicans have destroyed all safety nets in our society.

Republicans have made torture a household word. They cut all social programs and enabled the worst things our society has to offer.

I'm very sad. Let's spread the word.."Peace on Earth Goodwill towards Man". We need some healing in this country.