Memphis Faces Rising Retail Theft as Holiday Season Approaches
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – As the festive spirit begins to fill the air in Memphis, there’s another pressing concern that’s catching the attention of both shoppers and store owners: increasing retail theft. With the holidays nearing, many local businesses are becoming wary of a rise in shoplifting incidents, threatening their bottom line and, in turn, impacting consumers’ wallets.
Imagine this: you’re strolling through a local grocery store when suddenly, you notice someone hastily loading baskets of groceries into a waiting car before speeding off. This is becoming all too familiar in Memphis, as brazen thieves are targeting businesses across the city.
Impact on Local Grocery Stores
One such local business is Stepherson’s Superlo Foods, owned by the Harris family, who operates nine grocery stores in the Memphis area. Vice President Ashley Harris expressed her frustration over the rising thefts, saying, “Our employees take it to heart, and they get very upset when they see basket after basket rolling out. With all other expenses going up like everybody else’s, we unfortunately have to increase our prices or may not have as much customer service as we would like.”
The financial burden of theft has become so significant that it now has to be factored into their yearly budgeting. “If we’re looking at a three, four, or five percent shrink just because of theft, we have to make that up,” Harris noted, pointing out that grocery stores typically operate on slim margins of just 1-2 percent profit.
Big Numbers Behind Theft
While exact figures haven’t been released about the losses incurred by Harris’s stores, it’s evident that retail theft is a major issue in the area. Lt. Kenny Roberson from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office highlighted that retail theft can be a multi-million dollar enterprise, stating, “Right now, we have people going to Home Depot and different places like that, stealing over $1 million a year worth of stuff.”
The SCSO has taken steps to combat this trend, forming a specialized unit called the Burglary, Robbery, and Auto Theft Unit, or the BRAT Unit, last year. This team is dedicated to tackling the rampant increase in theft incidents around the county.
Who’s Stealing?
Interestingly, the face of the typical thief is far more varied than one might expect. In fact, members of the BRAT Unit reported that they’ve seen “thieves as young as 14 and as old as 75.” The older folks tend to be more organized and frequent, often selling stolen goods through various means for profit. On the flip side, younger thieves are typically less organized and not stealing in mass quantities.
In 2023 alone, at least 23 people were arrested for participating in a series of smash-and-grab burglaries that mainly targeted liquor and clothing stores. The urgency to tackle the issue only grows as the holiday shopping season sets in, characterized by increased buying activity.
Operation Jingle Bells
To tackle the surge in theft during this bustling shopping season, law enforcement agencies have once again launched Operation Jingle Bells, which aims to bolster patrols in busy shopping districts, including the popular Wolfchase Mall.
As the holiday season approaches, it becomes crucial for both shoppers and local businesses to be mindful of their surroundings. With rising thefts making headlines, it’s a community effort to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festivities without the worry of being a victim of crime. So, as you head out for your holiday shopping, keep those eyes peeled and let’s work together to keep Memphis safe!
