Increase in Shoplifting Cases in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida

Have the number of shoplifting incidents really increased, or are retail establishment becoming more active in finding and pursuing shoplifting prosecutions during a recession?

Statistics published by the FBI and local law enforcement agencies show the number of arrests for shoplifting incidents had increased over the past two years. The City of Tampa Police Department reports that arrests for shoplifting in Tampa has increased approximately nine percent (9%) from 2006 to 2007, and another six percent (6%) from 2007 to 2008. Recession Feeds Bull Market For Shoplifting.

Before this downturn in the economy, other national statistics from 1996 to 2006 show the number of shoplifting cases remaining steady. Retail establishments report that the number of shoplifting or retail theft cases as a percentage of all retail sales has remained the same over the past ten years, although there has been a steady increase in organized retail theft, which includes shoplifting (estimated to be more than 32% of the total loss in 2006) and employee theft (estimated to be 47% of the total loss in 2006).

Shoplifting is a serious criminal charge with serious criminal consequences that can haunt an individual long after the case is closed. If you have been arrested for shoplifting, retail theft, or petit theft in the Tampa Bay Area, including Hillsborough County, Polk County, Pasco County or Pinellas County, contact an experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney to discuss your case. Shoplifting is considered a "crime of dishonesty" which can show up in even routine background checks when you apply for a job or are considered for a promotion. Hiring an attorney early in your case can increase your chances of successfully fighting the charge of shoplifting, retail theft, or petit theft in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bartow, New Port Richey or Dade City.