Law enforcement prepares to fight holiday crime

By: Conan Gasque | SCNOW
Published: November 26, 2009

As an assistant manager at Family Dollar in Dillon, Cindy McKenzie says shoplifting is a regular concern.

But she says it's even more worrisome during the holidays.

"A lot of people are desperate, you know with the job situation and all," she said. "And a lot of people can't afford it, and so they decide to come and steal."

McKenzie isn't the only who has noticed the problem. Dillon County Sheriff's Office Captain Cliff Arnette says between Thanksgiving and Christmas, there's typically an increase in the number of breaking and entering, shoplifting, and theft cases. He says it's basically a crime of opportunity this time of year.

"(Thieves) just take advantage of all the hustle and bustle of the crowd and figure they can just take something very easily and get out and get away," he said.

He said they also target homes because they know that families will have an assortment of new items they bought as gifts.

But as criminals work hard this time of year, law enforcement does too.

"We just try to increase patrols more be more vigilant," Arnette said. "And of course we'd like to encourage our citizens to not get caught up in the excitement of the holidays, and of course be aware of their surroundings and their safety,"

McKenzie takes precaution year around to prevent shoplifting in her store. She closely watches customers who act suspiciously and keeps cameras running in the store. Still, preventing the problem isn't easy.

"We try to be very cautious of it," she said. "But a lot of them we can't catch."

But until the holidays are over, she knows she'll have to be extra cautious to make sure her store doesn't lose money.