Theft cases increase as the holiday season approaches

In the segment, he tells how organized retail groups often scout locations in advance and arrive with “shopping lists,” allowing them to steal large amounts of merchandise within minutes and resell it through fencing operations ranging from flea markets to online platforms.

Langhorst noted that individual shoplifting also spikes this time of year. He said retailers rely on increased security and surveillance, but locking up merchandise remains the most effective — though sometimes inconvenient — deterrent.

He also warned about porch piracy, recommending that consumers schedule deliveries when they can be received in person or have packages sent to a secure location. Shoppers should avoid leaving visible bags in their vehicles, he added.

Langhorst teaches a course in loss prevention at UC's School of Criminal Justice and works in asset protection for several large corporations across the country.

Watch the Fox 19 segment.

Featured image at top courtesy of iStock Photo/Samuil_Levich.