Exposing shoplifters a good idea: Soyer July 8, 2014, midnight YOUNG people stealing energy drinks is one of the shoplifting trends causing problems for shopkeepers. Fourways IGA Supermarket owner John Soyer said he had banned a number of people for shoplifting from his store and had to put money, time and effort into countering the theft that affects profit. Mr Soyer said the store had experienced so many young people going for the energy drinks to steal and to counteract the trend a small fridge was placed behind the supermarket checkout. Since weve done that it has stopped people doing it, Mr Soyer said. Mr Soyer said his staff knew who some of the stores regular shoplifters were. Weve become far more vigilant about shoplifting, he said. Weve put extra cameras in. Mr Soyer said figuring out how to stop shoplifting was a big issue. The business owners contacted by The Advocate yesterday said they were in favour of a website called, Shoplifters of Devonport, which is dedicated to naming and shaming shoplifters. However, Western District commander Locky Avery said last week that the Facebook group was incriminating people based on no real evidence. Mr Soyer said what happens to the shoplifters who get caught was another issue. He said it was not the fault of police it was an issue for politicians. Mr Soyer said some shoplifting was partly because of the high cost of living and the regions high rate of unemployment. He said theres a greater divide between the haves and the have nots. Theres no easy solution; its a complex issue, he said. Mr Soyer said a shoplifting website exposing thieves was a good idea. Devonports BJs Pharmacy and Beauty Centre owner Janine Wilcyzynski said she printed photographs of store shoplifters to put in the staff room. Mrs Wilcyzynski said she did not mind the idea of naming and shaming shoplifters. Sadly there are people who think its their right to take from others, she said. I think shoplifting is getting worse. If people want it they take it, from toothpaste to fine fragrances. Mrs Wilcyzynski has security cameras throughout the store and signs letting people know they are caught on camera. We shouldnt have to accept it, Mrs Wilcyzynski said. Its general community values weve lost. She said a more positive approach to the problem came from a grandmother trying to teach her 10-year- old granddaughter a good lesson. When she realised that she had taken something she brought the little one back in and had her talk to me and give it back.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 23:48:46 +0000
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