New study shows shoplifting increases in local stores around holidays

NORTHSTATE AREA, Calif. — A new study by Business.org shows more than half of small businesses in the country have had shoplifters in their stores this year.

The study explained during busy shopping seasons, especially around the holidays, 54% of small business owners report more shoplifting cases.

KRCR reached out to one local Redding business about their experience with shoplifting and what they do to try to keep it from happening.

David Hornbuckle from BJ Supermarket said thankfully they haven't had to deal with any customers shoplifting this year. But if the situation ever came up, they have strategies on how to identify that someone is trying to steal from them.

"It's mostly body language," Hornbuckle said. "If someone is being really weird about wanting to look you in the eyes, or like they're grabbing a bunch of stuff maybe, coming up to make a purchase to get a bag, then they go back and walk around," he said. "It's just...making sure that they know you're there and watching."

The study explained the most popular items stolen include: food and drinks, money, clothing, cosmetics, and electronics.

Hornbuckle explained, before he began working at BJ's Supermarket, the store was having some issues with theft and people shoplifting. However, with his background in loss prevention and asset protection, they haven't seen any shoplifting cases since.

"I think if you were to ask for advice, just have your employees know what to look for, invest in security measures and protect your property."

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