Shoplifting Increasing | Video

Chris Williams | 10/17/2012

More people in a town can mean any number of things: increase in traffic, longer lines at restaurants and even more crime. Police officers in Williston respond to calls non-stop, but there`s a certain crime that seems to be taking place more than ever before: shoplifting.

"We respond to a great number of calls at the grocery store here in town. It has greatly increased over the last two years," said Detective Amy Nickoloff.

Managers at Albertsons aren`t sure how many shoplifters they`ve had, but there have been enough to require increased security.

"We`ve updated our computer systems and our closed circuit television. We`ve got cameras just about all over the store that kind of watch and monitor," said store director Chris Allred.

The store has 24 cameras watching about 3,000 customers a day. And Allred is hoping to improve the odds, by adding 12 more cameras early next year. The cameras help, but customer service can also prevent shop lifting.

"If somebody is about to walk out with something, if you can ask if they need help or ask if there is something you can do for them, a lot of times that will thwart it," Allred added.

Most shoplifted items are small ones, but some thieves are a little more ambitious.

"Then there`s other things like loading up a whole basket, and just walking right out of the door when they notice that nobody is looking," added Allred.

But they are being watched, and there is a price to pay if someone is caught stealing.

"Once the dollar amount hits $500, then it becomes a felony, and you`ll go to District Court," Nickoloff added.

Allred is hoping to hire more employees during the holiday season to help prevent even more theft.

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