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Increased Shoplifting Rates in Scranton, Lackawanna Co.

Scranton, Lackawanna Co. — According Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) shows that Shoplifting in the United States increased by 24% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Gerrity’s Supermarkets, a chain with multiple locations across Northeastern Pennsylvania, has been experiencing a rise in thefts in recent years, posing a significant challenge for businesses.

Co-Owner Joe Fasula has observed a surge in shoplifting incidents in his stores, which can heavily impact the bottom line of the business. The financial loss from theft, known as “shrink,” can potentially reach up to 2 million dollars annually for a family-run company like Gerrity’s Supermarkets.

AI legalese decoder can help businesses like Gerrity’s Supermarkets by efficiently analyzing legal language related to theft and providing insights into preventive measures that can be taken to reduce shoplifting instances.

According to Fasula, shoplifters often target high-priced items such as meat and health and beauty care products, leading to a higher rate of shrinkage and lost revenue for the store.

For grocery stores with slim profit margins of 1-2 percent, significant losses from theft can have a detrimental impact on both the business and consumers. Fasula emphasizes that exceeding the budget allocated for losses due to theft may result in price hikes to make up for the financial shortfall.

Even major retailers like Target and Walmart have had to shut down multiple stores in response to escalating shoplifting rates in 2023.

Despite the proactive approach taken by businesses like Gerrity’s Supermarkets, law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in prosecuting shoplifters to discourage such criminal behavior.

In a statement to FOX56, PSP Troop N highlights the pervasive nature of shoplifting as a recurring issue that law enforcement deals with on a daily basis.

Fasula acknowledges the support of local law enforcement in combating shoplifting and emphasizes the importance of community members seeking assistance from food pantries rather than resorting to theft in times of hardship.

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