The Bunker Blog

Tiffany Lynn Boatwright allegedly took her 10-month-old daughter shoplifting on Wednesday at her local Walmart. According to police reports, she shoplifted over $300.00 worth of merchandise, including perfume, diapers, and some new undies. Then when she attempted to exit the store and was approached by store loss prevention, she put her baby at risk by fighting with the LP folks. Anybody want to nominate Tiffany for Mom of the year?

Link to the news story, complete with video, below:

Source: Ocala.com

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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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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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Justin Giordano, of Harrisonburg, VA, was arrested on December 22rd after shoplifting a large amount of merchandise from a local Barnes and Noble and then running from loss prevention. On January 5th, Giordano was additionally charged with two counts of grand larceny, one count of obtaining money by false pretenses and five counts of larceny or theft.

A female suspect, 20-year-old Brittaney Strausbaugh was charged with receiving stolen goods in connection with Giordano’s theft activities.

Police have verified at least $12,000.00 in thefts by Giordano since July 2009, but he claims the amount is much more than that. Giordano claims to have stolen close to $230,000.00 from local retailers such as Barnes And Noble, Walmart, Ross, TJ Maxx, Kohl’s, and others. Police say he sold or pawned the stolen merchandise, and they are continuing the investigation.

I bet Justin’s estimate is closer to fact than what the police have verified. How about you?

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As I was doing my usual daily search of the web for all things LP related, I came across several interesting stories today. As I read and made my notes, I realized that there was a very clear theme to what I was seeing. In case you didn’t know it, Loss Prevention is a dangerous job. I am pretty sure that everybody I know in the loss prevention industry who has ever worked in a retail store has at least one “close call” story. We have all had those apprehensions that went bad; where we were either threatened or even injured by a shoplifter who decided to fight.

Most times, the shoplifter who fights is just trying to get away, and it all begins with a simple threat, showing a weapon, or maybe a push. But today in a Colorado Springs Walmart, we got reminded that some shoplifters carry firearms, and sometimes those firearms get used. Thank goodness nobody got hurt. Police are searching for the two suspects in that case.

Then in Oshawa, Ontario, at another Walmart, a shoplifter broke away from LP in the parking lot and jumped into a waiting vehicle, driven by a second suspect. The two then led police on a high speed chase that was stopped by police for safety reasons. The two suspects were both arrested a short time later in an apartment complex nearby.

In Atlanta, GA, a bold shoplifter has been blatantly stealing from a local Target. On one occasion when he was approached by loss prevention personnel, he pulled out an ASP baton and threatened LP. He then proceeded to take the merchandise and leave in a vehicle.

These are just a few examples of what shoplifters are capable of. We’ve written here many times about shoplifters who have used violence to escape and have injured store employees or loss prevention personnel. The question comes to mind whether it is a growing problem. I think it may be, but I wonder if the current economy or maybe the general impression of the state of the economy is driving people to justify stealing as a means to support themselves.

I mean, when a 62-year-old woman from West Linn, Oregon can net $215,000.00 in 2 years stealing high end merchandise and selling it on eBay, there is obviously a financial incentive to steal. When this incentive outweighs the risk, people will be more likely to take the chance.

So what are your thoughts? Do you think these incidents are the exception to the rule? Or, is this just another day in the life of the LP Professional? Comments below, please.

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