BGPD and Kentucky Organized Retail Crime Association cracking down on shoplifting

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- Shoplifting is a constant battle fought by the Bowling Green Police Department, which is always doing what it can to crack down on this crime that has several negative impacts.

In a recent local shoplifting blitz operation, Bowling Green police say that more than $3,200 in stolen merchandise was recovered.

BGPD is partnering with the Kentucky Organized Retail Crime Association, an organization created to help catch people who commit organized crimes and limit many illegal operations that impact many people and businesses. 

Ronnie Ward, public information officer with the Bowling Green Police Department, shares a common misunderstanding people have about shoplifting.

He says, “A lot of people would say, well, it’s a victimless crime, and it’s or that it’s not that big of a deal, but it is a big deal, and stores have to focus a lot of resources and a lot of money is budgeted towards loss, and that’s kind of shocking.”

Authorities say that though shoplifting may seem like a problem that happens only during the holidays, the crime is a year-round occurrence. In partnership with the Kentucky Organized Retail Crime Association, BGPD is working to stop organized crime and protect local businesses. Operations and partnerships like these give officers and detectives more information on how to investigate counterfeit bills and catch people who are likely involved in other crimes before shoplifting.

For more details on the crimes committed, click here.