Crime is contagious. This is not just opinion, but fact backed up by statistics compiled by law enforcement officials. Larceny and theft comprise the largest crime category in most cities. In Lancaster, larceny and theft account for 47 percent of all Part 1 Crimes – and shoplifting comprises nearly one in four of all larcenies committed. Now, one might be tempted to think of the individuals who commit these crimes as “only shoplifters,” but in reality there is a high probability they likely commit more severe crimes as well, such as burglary, robbery and grand theft. Some retailers do not consider the extended severity of other offenses by shoplifters. However, as mayor, I am not willing to overlook anything when it comes to the safety of Lancaster. My intentions are simple and direct. I plan to change the equation for those large retailers who deem it “less of a hassle” to just let shoplifters go free without due justice. If these retailers think the cost of apprehending and prosecuting shoplifters outweighs the ever-increasing losses they are experiencing, they will be singing a different tune once their names and inadequate shoplifting policies are publicized for the public and criminals to take note. Large retailers have the right to set their own policies for loss prevention and theft. By the same token, the public has the right to know the impacts of those policies on their families and communities. Public safety is not a game of “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil,” nor is it a catch and release sport. The city of Lancaster and the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station are committed to apprehending and prosecuting criminals to the fullest extent of the law. That strategy has served our city well, with a crime reduction of over 42 percent between 2007 and 2011. Letting any criminal go free is the equivalent of setting precedence for future crimes. We need to catch the bad guys when they make themselves easy targets, and subsequently ensure they are not endangering the community on a greater scale later on. What we are talking about here is not the five-dollar candy thief. Do not belittle crime with a tunnel view of the context in which it is committed. We are going after criminals who prey upon our businesses and our families. And we are doing so by enlisting the assistance of large retailers who have the resources necessary to protect their businesses, their employees and their integrity. Business owners know there are inherent costs of doing business, including keeping themselves, their customers and the community safe. It really shouldn’t be that complicated – conduct your business in a manner responsible to the communities you serve. To accomplish a crackdown on shoplifters, I have directed the city’s Criminal Justice Commission to determine which large city retailers are not prosecuting shoplifters, and return its findings to the City Council within 90 days. I chose this route of investigation because it is the Criminal Justice Commission, with the Sheriff’s Department, that has worked diligently with numerous retailers throughout the year to ramp up loss prevention, minimize shoplifting and set a responsible example of the right way to do business. They know best the benefits of improved policies and lawful compliance versus negligent business practices. I am confident they will succeed at targeting those retailers still not convinced that prosecuting shoplifters is the right thing to do. The city of Lancaster and the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station will continue to make it exceedingly clear to all criminals their behavior will not be tolerated, not in this city. Apprehension and prosecution is a certainty, and we will enforce this objective with all of our resources and influence. Every retailer must make the conscientious decision to once and for all be a part of the solution, and not a willing victim and enabler to a problem which hurts us as a community, both socially and economically. I am asking Lancaster businesses to work to protect the thousands of shoppers who frequent Lancaster’s commercial centers and must know that their welfare always comes first. Take note from the numerous retailers throughout our city who have already done the right thing by prosecuting those who have broken the law. Don’t be the one who let the bad guy get away. If you do, I guarantee your business and our community will be poorer for your neglect. R. Rex Parris is a personal injury attorney and mayor of Lancaster.
Meting Out High Desert Justice
