The Bunker Blog

A couple of weeks ago, we did a short article about the dangers of working in loss prevention. In that article, I noted several recent incidents of violence against LP personnel by shoplifters. Then, just a few days later, Greg Wainio was dragged to death by shoplifters Samantha Lomasny and James Woodworth while they tried to escape after shoplifting from a Kmart in Waterford Township, MI. Today, there are more incidents to report.

In Detroit, MI, Felicia Annette Roberson allegedly bit a Sears loss prevention agent twice after she tried to steal a $500 home entertainment center from the store. When the LP Agent confronted her, she fought and ended up biting the agent twice before being subdued. The agent was treated for the bite wounds.

In Columbia, MO, Kimberly L. Brown fought with Macy’s LP agents when she was confronted for stealing 2 pairs of jeans. Brown was charged with 2nd Degree Robbery. The story indicates this was the second incident in a week where shoplifters fought with Macy’s LP.

In Rockdale, GA, Charles E. Blanton, 48, of 65 Eleanor Drive was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and theft by shoplifting after he pulled a box knife on a Walmart LP agent and escaped after being detained for stealing two pillowcases, one measuring spoon, a bra and a package of dress socks, valued at $49.

So, does this represent an increase in violent activity directed toward loss prevention agents? I don’t know. I haven’t done any scientific studies to determine this, but it would be interesting to see one. Working in loss prevention as long as I have, I also know that there are many incidents where shoplifters fight LP that don’t even make the news.

If violent shoplifters are on the rise, what are the causes? Is it the economic pressures put on people causing them to behave more desperately? Are retailers properly training and supporting LP agents to make good decisions when offenders turn violent? Are LP agents being given the tools to conduct follow up investigations and work with police and prosecutors to successfully prosecute shoplifters who “get away”.  Do laws need to be more strict, or at least more strictly enforced when it comes to shoplifters who turn violent? It’s probably a combination, but I’d love to hear what you think. Write your comments below so we can explore this issue.

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I wish I had more details about this case, but sadly, I haven’t been able to find much. What I have found is that a 22-year-old man attempted to steal a 6-pack of beer from a local market in Bremerton, WA, by concealing the beer into a baby stroller that also contained his 2-month-old baby girl.

When the shoplifter attempted to exit, he was challenged by a manager, who then proceeded to struggle with the man by holding onto the baby stroller, presumably in an attempt to recover the beer. During the struggle, the stroller was turned on its side. Reportedly, the baby was not injured.

At this point the man started to run away, but then quickly returned and punched the manager in the face. After a brief struggle, the shoplifter was restrained by the manager. Two other men, obviously acquaintances of the shoplifter, ran up to the men, grabbed the baby, and drove away.

The shoplifter was held until police arrived, when he was arrested. The report states that the men took the baby to her mother immediately following the incident, and that the shoplifter may be charged with second degree robbery.

Okay, I don’t know about you, but I have several problems with this whole situation. You all know that I share these stories with you a lot. It is a common theme here, unfortunately. This idiot goes shoplifting with his kid in a stroller, he hides his beer in the stroller with his daughter, and tries to walk out. He’s a thief and a poor excuse for a dad.

The manager put himself, other customers, and the baby at risk by holding onto the stroller to try to recover the beer and/or hold the shoplifter there. Allowing the stroller to overturn with a baby inside was both their faults. The two jerks who ran up and snatched up the baby should be charged for something, even if it’s first degree stupidity for their part in this mess.

My first reaction to this is to wonder was anybody, including the father, the least bit concerned with the safety of the baby? It sure doesn’t seem like it to me.

Does anybody want to weigh in on this? Use the comment box below to have your say. Anybody have more information? If so, please share below.

Source: The Kitsap Sun

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Two unidentified Ohio women were charged with multiple counts, including Armed Robbery, Reckless Driving, Child Neglect, and Fleeing and Eluding after they shoplifted from JC Penney in the Green Oak Village Place mall in Green Oak, MI on January 30th.

One of the subjects attempted to escape in a vehicle, and hit two other vehicles in the process. She was located by Green Oak Township police after she attempted to flee on foot after crashing into a parked car.

The other subject fled on foot from the store, leaving behind her 7-year-old son. She was apprehended shortly afterward nearby. The boy was cared for by police and store employees until the boy’s grandmother took custody of him.

Here we go again, gang. These losers stole from JC Penney, then endangered innocent bystanders and damaged others’ personal property while trying to save their own cowardly skins. What’s worse, this so-called mom ran away to save her own hide, leaving her own 7-year-old son behind in the store to fend for himself.

Now, I’m sure the boy is probably accustomed to taking care of himself with a mom like that, but this is just ridiculous. I find it unbelievable that this child was not taken out of this home.

This is definitely a story we’ll keep our eye on and update you as we get more information. If you have further info on this case, please contact me.

Sources: WHMI Radio 93.5 | Ann Arbor.com

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Dorina Williams, of Mullins, SC died at the hospital on January 15th after she was involved in a fight with loss prevention personnel at the Conway, SC Walmart. The coroner’s office says Williams died of natural causes, but further test results are pending. According to at least one report, Williams was being physically restrained by store loss prevention personnel when she collapsed.

Williams was being apprehended for shoplifting at the time of the incident. She was allegedly observed by store loss prevention personnel shoplifting merchandise along with a juvenile suspect. It is still unclear how the fight started, but police confirmed that a juvenile was arrested and charged with shoplifting and assault and battery following the incident.

Williams had an extensive criminal record, dating back to 1994, when she was charged by the Mullins County Sheriff’s Office with resisting arrest, assault on an officer and giving false information. In all, Williams had 26 charges, including at least 2 felony shoplifting charges. Williams’ sentences included suspended sentences and active jail time.

Apparently, the juvenile, who may have been Williams’ daughter, was involved in both the shoplifting and the fight.

Understandably, the family of Dorina Williams is looking for answers in this case. Anyone with information should contact Conway, SC Police Department.

So, what do you think? Was this excessive force? Was it an unfortunate accident? Let your voice be heard in the comments below.

Source: The Sun News | WMBF News (NBC)

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Don’t shoplift from a sex shop. But, if you must, don’t get caught. 33-year-old Melody Sanders of Fort Walton Beach, FL, was caught shoplifting several kinky items, including a Triple Indulgence Personal Massager, a Spartacus Leather Thong Whip, Climax Tingling Lube, and Sex Tarts Lemonade Lube from an Intimate Treasures retail store back in late December.

When the car she was a passenger in was pulled over by police, guess what else they found. You guessed it, 3 rocks of cocaine and a glass tube. Three guesses what ole Melody was planning.

Source: The Weekly Vice

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