Shoplifting task force shows results in Rhode Island
A collaboration between a Rhode Island police department and area merchants showed positive results with a dip in retail crime this month, according to an article in the Woonsocket Patch.
Woonsocket police, along with law enforcement officers from other parts of the state, worked closely with loss prevention specialists on specified dates to enforce shoplifting laws, identify organized retail crime and identify fencing operations. Retailers participating in the operation included Lowe’s, Sears, CVS Caremark, Walgreens, Rite Aid and Burlington Coat Factory, as well as the Ocean State Job Lot.
As part of the operation, nicknamed “Holiday Blitz,” loss prevention specialists patrolled the stores and detectives monitored the parking lots. If an arrest was made, detectives would interview the suspect immediately. As a result of the partnership there was a decrease in shoplifting compared with the same time last year. The initiative also fostered a continuing partnership with the Woonsocket Police Department and retail merchants.