A shoplifting suspect, who has repeatedly been caught in the act at a Sarnia grocery store on Murphy Road, was back behind bars this week.
City police said a 47-year-old man with three warrants, a probation order, and a judicial release for shoplifting at Real Canadian Superstore was arrested for the same crime on Tuesday.
Police recovered electric shavers, a baby monitor, and meat from the suspect, a man of no fixed address with an extensive criminal record.
Deputy Chief Julie Craddock discussed what employees should do when witnessing a theft. She said confronting a shoplifter always carries with it the potential risk of an unpredictable outcome.
"The safety of the loss prevention officer, employees and customers is far more important than the retail cost of goods," Craddock said in an email to Sarnia News Today.
Craddock also had some tips for employees and store owners to deter shoplifting.
-Greet customers as they enter the store and provide them with the best customer service possible, as shoplifters often shun attention.
-Take note of people who frequently enter the store without making any purchases.
-Watch for people who appear nervous, are wandering around, and possibly picking up items with little interest.
-Watch for people carrying large purses, shopping bags, strollers, umbrellas, or bulky clothing. Note that thieves concealing items may walk with short or unnatural steps.
-Be mindful of distractions. Professionals work in pairs - one distracts while the other shoplifts.
-Only show one valuable at a time to a customer.
-Lock display cases.
-Limit and know the number of clothing articles a person has with them in a dressing room at any given time.
-Remove empty hangers from clothing racks so that the presence of one could more easily indicate a shoplifter is at work.
-Watch for label switching, short-changing cashiers, and phony returns.
Craddock said removing opportunity is focusing on prevention.