West Virginia lawmakers are attempting to curb “boosting”, the growing practice of shoplifting from stores with the intention of reselling the goods, often as a part of an organized crime ring. The move recognizes the increased toll that shoplifting has been taking on retail businesses and consumers in recent years.
Maryland Security Professionals offers a full range of security services to keep retail stores and other businesses in West Virginia secure. Security cameras are an effective solution for businesses looking to reduce the risk of inventory shrinkage, whether through boosting, smaller scale shoplifting or dishonest employees.
West Virginia bill would criminalize shoplifting for resale
In March, the West Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill that would make boosting a crime. The bill is intended to target large-scale shoplifting that the authorities believe may be instigated by crime rings or even by some re-sellers like pawn shops. It is estimated that boosting costs West Virginia retailers and consumers tens of millions of dollars each year.
The bill would penalize anyone who shoplifts merchandise totaling at least $1,500 two times within 90 days with the intention of reselling it.
Critics point out that the bill may be unnecessary because each element of the proposed boosting crime is already illegal. Despite this, the bill generally has the support of the retail industry.
Rise of boosting and shoplifting
Boosting is a part of the larger problem of shoplifting, which itself is a growing issue. According to the 2016 National Retail Security Survey, released by the National Retail Federation, shrinkage – shoplifting and employee theft – cost retailers more than $45 billion in 2015.
Until two years ago, employee theft had made up the greater portion of the shrinkage reported, but for both 2015 and 2016, shoplifting has accounted for more than half of stolen inventory.
Security cameras and shoplifting
When placed in high visibility locations, security cameras are an effective deterrent for would-be thieves. If an incident does occur, the captured footage is valuable evidence that may help bring the culprit to justice. For businesses like construction work sites, where valuable equipment is left unattended overnight and on weekends, mobile security camera options offer flexible solutions that can be tailored to suit the needs of any unique site.
More and more businesses are also finding value in placing cameras where they can monitor employee actions. For example, covert cameras placed near cash drawers and loading docks allow business owners to ensure employees are acting honestly.
The technological advances of recent years mean that businesses have a variety of effective options for customizing a commercial security system. Business owners can choose surveillance options that specifically address the points of weakness in their operations.
Protect your West Virginia business with custom surveillance
Shoplifting is on the rise, with boosting gaining the attention of lawmakers in West Virginia. The result is increasing costs for the business targeted by the theft as well as for the customers who see a price increase as a result. Maryland Security Professionals offers cost-effective, practical commercial security services in West Virginia, including customized surveillance camera systems to deter shoplifting. Call us today to speak with one of our professionals about how we can help safeguard your WV retail store or other business.
Additional “West Virginia commercial security” resources:
- Jack L. Hayes International, Inc., Annual Retail Theft Survey Press Release June 2016, http://hayesinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/28th-Annual-Retail-Theft-Survey-PR-Stats-Thoughts1.pdf
- National Retail Federation, The 2016 National Retail Security Survey, Jack L. Hayes International, Inc., Annual Retail Theft Survey Press Release June 2016, https://nrf.com/system/tdf/Documents/retail%20library/NRF_2016_NRSS_restricted-rev.pdf?file=1&title=National%20Retail%20Security%20Survey%202016