Criminal Crackdown in Camden After Shoplifting Cases Spike
By: Josh Berry
Updated: December 6, 2012
Authorities across the state are working to stop shoplifting during the holiday season.
Shoplifting on average jumps about 20% in November and December compared to months in the middle of the year like June and July.
From June and July to November and December, every year since 2009, authorities across the state are seeing on average 350 more shoplifting cases during the holiday season.
One city in particular is now taking a unique and tough approach to stop thieves in their tracks. Criminals could now face more than just a slap on the wrist.
Jerry Rowland runs a privately owned men's retail store in Camden. When it's hard enough to make ends meet, a shoplifter can put a real wrinkle in Rowland's day.
He said, "I really take it personal when a person comes in and tries to steal from ya."
He's seen everything under the sun: from swiping cologne to wadding shirts up and stuffing them in pants or coats.
He says it can be hard to tell just how much someone would be able to leave with. Now however, if you get caught walking out his door, you may find yourself in an orange jumpsuit, locked up.
"We're trying to cut down on the shoplifters," explained Camden Police Department Captain, Scott Rosson.
Lately shoplifting in Camden is landing more people behind bars.
Camden is actually above the state average this year. Police say they've had enough of the shoplifters after they've gone from just 25 theft related crimes in October to November, to already 50 in November and December.
Captain Rosson and the Department has enforced a "Zero Tolerance Policy".
Rosson explained, "We hope it will get the thieves attention."
If a thief is arrested and can't post a cash bond they'll have to sit in county jail for 2 days until they see a judge.
Ouachita County Sheriff David Norwood supports the program 100% saying with their recent add on to the detention center, they'll house the thief's as quick as police arrest them.
A new addition in to the County Detention Center allows for 60 new beds providing the space to house these sometimes repeat offenders.
"It's not going to stop it but we hope it's a deterrent," Rosson said.
For a store manager trying to keep the wrinkles smoothed out on his operation, he appreciates help ironing out the crooks.
Rowland added, "He might think again before he comes back in and does it."
Shoplifting on average jumps about 20% in November and December compared to months in the middle of the year like June and July.
From June and July to November and December, every year since 2009, authorities across the state are seeing on average 350 more shoplifting cases during the holiday season.
One city in particular is now taking a unique and tough approach to stop thieves in their tracks. Criminals could now face more than just a slap on the wrist.
Jerry Rowland runs a privately owned men's retail store in Camden. When it's hard enough to make ends meet, a shoplifter can put a real wrinkle in Rowland's day.
He said, "I really take it personal when a person comes in and tries to steal from ya."
He's seen everything under the sun: from swiping cologne to wadding shirts up and stuffing them in pants or coats.
He says it can be hard to tell just how much someone would be able to leave with. Now however, if you get caught walking out his door, you may find yourself in an orange jumpsuit, locked up.
"We're trying to cut down on the shoplifters," explained Camden Police Department Captain, Scott Rosson.
Lately shoplifting in Camden is landing more people behind bars.
Camden is actually above the state average this year. Police say they've had enough of the shoplifters after they've gone from just 25 theft related crimes in October to November, to already 50 in November and December.
Captain Rosson and the Department has enforced a "Zero Tolerance Policy".
Rosson explained, "We hope it will get the thieves attention."
If a thief is arrested and can't post a cash bond they'll have to sit in county jail for 2 days until they see a judge.
Ouachita County Sheriff David Norwood supports the program 100% saying with their recent add on to the detention center, they'll house the thief's as quick as police arrest them.
A new addition in to the County Detention Center allows for 60 new beds providing the space to house these sometimes repeat offenders.
"It's not going to stop it but we hope it's a deterrent," Rosson said.
For a store manager trying to keep the wrinkles smoothed out on his operation, he appreciates help ironing out the crooks.
Rowland added, "He might think again before he comes back in and does it."
