Holiday shoplifting on the rise

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The holidays are here and unfortunately, that means an increase in shoplifting.

According to the Centre for Retail Research, U.S. businesses will lose $9 billion during the holiday season due to shoplifting, a 4 percent increase from last year.

That lost revenue could add $98 to your family's holiday tab, as businesses seek to recoup their losses.

Terre Haute Police Chief John Plasse says the department receives one to two shoplifting-related calls a day.

He says, if you witness a shoplifter in your store, know your store policy.

He's not against stepping in and saying something. However, if it goes beyond that, leave it up to authorities.

"If they're going to comply, they will. If they're going to run, they're probably going to run. I would suggest getting a good description and hopefully we can catch them that way but if you start chasing them there's a risk of someone getting hurt, if they've got a weapon, it's just not worth it," Chief Plasse said.

News 10 spoke with several businesses around town.

They say shoplifting is a big problem, especially for stores that are privately owned.

Some have been working throughout the year, coming up with ways to prevent it.