COLUMBUS, Ohio -- City prosecutors said it's not just the time of year to buy, but also the time of year to steal.
Officials said that shoplifting numbers are skyrocketing, NBC 4's Lauren Diedrich reported.
While shoppers pack up their cars with presents.
Employees at an area Target store said they're keeping an eye on those who may be looking to steal, by using a new Assets Protection Mobile to patrol parking lots and monitor would-be criminals.
Columbus Assistant City Prosecutor Bill Hedrick said he's keeping an eye on shoplifters, as well. This year, he has filed more than 2,400 shoplifting charges -- double what he saw in 2007.
"Over half the people caught for shoplifting are first-time offenders," Hedrick said.
That's no surprise to the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants.
"I think the entire state of Ohio has seen an upswing in shoplifting in organized retail crime, given the current economic environment we're in," said Gordon Gough, of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants.
The bottom line? In increase in shoplifting generally means an increase in prices for shoppers.
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