Holidays are Marred by Shoplifting, Robberies, and Thefts

The holidays are not very merry on the Virginia Peninsula at the moment. Retailers report that there are still a few shoplifting days left until Christmas. Joining in that concern are private citizens are also experiencing a surge in thefts and robberies.

The City of Hampton reports 55 shoplifting reports and 22 arrests since the beginning of November. The City of Newport News had 71 shoplifting reports in the month of November and another 11 in the first few days of December. A representative from the police department also says that robberies are up; mainly because people are shopping with a lot of cash. Combined with construction issues that are effecting security lighting at Coliseum Mall in Hampton, Virginia, make shoppers an easier target than usual.

Robberies are also up this time of year with a record number of household break-ins. Bold thieves are taking the time to unwrap Christmas presents to determine what they want to take. The items most in demand are high tech electronics, video games, and, of course, jewelry. Most are entering through unlocked windows, doors and garages. Patio and French doors are easy targets; often providing burglars with a "view" of what is available to steal. Police report that a lot of the burglaries might have been avoided had homeowners locked up properly and actually used their security systems.