Missouri retailers lose an estimated $1.44 billion annually to theft

Retailers in Missouri lose an estimated 1.44-billion dollars in annual revenue to theft. 

It’s an ongoing problem that Dave Overfelt, president of the Missouri Retailers Association, says prosecutors and judges need to hand down stiffer penalties… 

“When there’s no consequences, then you’re going to have more of this type of activity. The thieves know not much is going to be done under a misdemeanor. They have to be convicted a couple of times before they can possibly get a felony on the third time. They know what they’re doing.” 

It’s not just big box stores- Overfelt says that if thieves spot an opportunity for a five-finger discount, they’ll take it, regardless of what it is and where it’s at.

He adds that, due to liability reasons, retailers will not stop a thief from taking merchandise out of protection for staff and customers. 

The Missouri Retailers Association says the state’s retail theft per capita is nearly 12-percent higher than the national average.