WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Retail thefts are on the rise in Wichita. This is a nationwide problem, and one that has attracted attention in Kansas, where there is a movement calling for tougher penalties for organized retail theft.
The Kansas Legislature held hearings this month on: Senate Bill 415a bill that would recognize organized retail theft as a public crime and increase penalties.
“This is a huge problem, and oddly Kansas remains one of the top 10 states in terms of the value of stolen dollars,” said Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.
According to the Wichita Police Department, shoplifting is up about 20% compared to this time last year.
“This year we are seeing more sightings than last year. I have been doing this work for quite some time and over time the numbers are increasing and I think this increase should really stop immediately ” said Wichita Police Sgt. Trevor McDonald.
At R&J Discount Liquor near Douglas and Hillside, manager Dustin Herman and his staff reported witnessing more groups attempting theft than individuals.
“More often than ever before. It used to be people coming in from the street and swiping something. Now it's more and more groups of three or four people at a time,” Herman said. .
In Kansas, the House and Senate passed a bill that would officially make organized retail crime a felony. All that remains is for Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to sign the bill into law.
Herman said the change was made to protect his store.
“It helps protect our employees and protect our livelihoods,” he said. “It also protects all consumers. Higher costs mean higher operating costs because theft alone may have to raise prices to offset that. It helps us serve you better.”
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