Why shoplifting is soaring across the US — and will only get worse Shoplifting no longer fits its traditional mold as a nonviolent crime perpetrated mostly by teens or substance-abusing adults. Nearly two-thirds of the retailers surveyed by the National Retail Federation said that violence associated with store thefts has risen, led by organized gangs that resell the goods they steal. Like retailers, top law-enforcement officials place some of the blame for the crime surge on a widespread lessening of penalties for shoplifting. “Without deterrents and accountability, communities will be victimized, and businesses terrorized,” said Laura Cooper, head of the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
Another gun crime,what a surprise.Tell republicans to stop blocking bills that get and keep guns off the street.
Serial thief with 167 busts nabbed for shoplifting at UES Rite Aid A Queens man with 167 arrests on his record was busted yet again this week for shoplifting from a Rite Aid on the Upper East Side, The Post has learned. Jamel Pringle, 39, was nabbed around 8:15 a.m. Monday for stealing 48 items worth close to $430 from the drug store on Second Avenue near East 96th Street, police and Manhattan prosecutors said Tuesday. As with most of his prior arrests, he was charged with petit larceny — a misdemeanor that is not bail-eligible under the state’s new criminal justice reform law. Police sources joked that the serial thief “gets frequent flier miles” cycling through the system each time he’s freed on supervised release, thanks to the controversial bail reform laws.
‘Professional’ thief with 96 prior arrests busted again at NYC Target A self-described “professional booster” with 96 arrests on her record was nabbed again this week for allegedly stealing from an Upper East Side Target — and then released at her arraignment on Thursday, The Post has learned. Michelle Mckelley, 42, allegedly boasted about her “hustle” at the store on Third Avenue near East 70th Street, telling cops, “I haven’t got caught in a long time,” after her latest bust Wednesday, prosecutors said in Manhattan Criminal Court. “I’m a professional booster. Y’all are stopping my hustle,” the serial shoplifter allegedly told officers. Speaking to The Post after her hearing, Mckelley unabashedly described how she “professionally obscures” items — including the red shirt she wore in court. “I have to get a new outfit … so I have to go work,” Mckelley said when asked if she’d continue. “I don’t call it stealing, I call it professional boosting,” she added matter-of-factly.