Midlands retailers tackle rising shoplifting rates

Retailers across the country are struggling with a surge in theft.

A recent National Retail Federation study, released at the end of 2024, found that shoplifting incidents increased by 26% from 2022 to 2023.

In Lexington, S.C., the data is reflected in local crime reports. Data from the Lexington Police Department shows that the monthly average of shoplifting cases climbed from 9.5 in 2022 to 13 in 2023 and 18.5 in 2024.

Those are just the ones they catch.

“I know that for the last several years, we’ve had more stores that are reporting crime,” Sgt. Cameron Mortenson of the Lexington Police Department said. “It’s hard for us to say if it’s happening more or less, or if there’s just more people that are reporting.”

Some shoplifters are first-time offenders, while many are part of organized retail crime rings. Those groups target high-value items like electronics and beauty products.

“They can turn around and resell them elsewhere, a lot of times online,” Mortenson said.

The crime rings operate strategically. But shoplifting isn’t always about profit.

“Some people steal for things that they need,” Mortenson said.

That still hurts businesses, especially small ones.

Law enforcement is collaborating with other entities to prevent theft before it happens.

“We have investigators that are a part of different coalitions, and investigator groups where they can try to share information, to try to identify people that are involved, especially when it comes to these organized crime rings,” Mortenson said.

On top of those efforts, businesses must balance deterrence with customer experience.

“When I train my staff, we impress upon everyone the importance of customer service,” said Jen McAllister, co-owner of Loose Lucy’s in Columbia’s Five Points. “You’re helping the 99% of your customers who are really just out shopping and are honest. … But it also is two birds with one stone, because a shoplifter doesn’t want your customer service.”

Some larger businesses may rely more heavily on technology to discourage shoplifters, such as security cameras and anti-theft tags. But for small businesses, such solutions can be costly.

Mark Friedlander, the communications director at the national Insurance Information Institute, recommends that all businesses, large or small, protect themselves financially.

“Making sure you have adequate financial protection through insurance,” he said. “That’s why it’s so important to have this specific coverage, which is called … Commercial Crime insurance. … It is really an important protection to have.”

Security measures can only do so much. Excessive security measures can sometimes make honest customers feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.

“The only thing we can do, really, is let people know that we know they come in and that we are aware that they’re here,” said Megan Yelton, the manager at Five Points’ Syd and Nancy. “But I don’t also want to wander behind you and make you feel uncomfortable.”

For some businesses, pressing charges helps prevent future crimes.

“We definitely press charges,” McAllister said. “If that person has not learned a lesson up to this point in his or her life, it’s up to me to teach them. But we want to let people know that this is not a victimless crime.”

Retail theft has financial consequences for both businesses and consumers.

“It causes, especially small businesses to have to raise their prices if it’s a big enough problem,” McAllister said. “It’s just something that we need to continue to educate people about.”