Forces Combine Against Thieves
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday November 23, 1999
In a first for the Illawarra, police and shop managers have joined forces to crack down on stealing.
With retailers in the region losing millions of dollars each year, managers, security guards and police officers have decided to work together to curb the problem.
Kmart's NSW loss prevention manager Mike Gurnett said businesses were competitive about sales, but cooperative about security.
``It's important that we work together because we all have the same goals," he said at a meeting at Westfield Warrawong yesterday.
``Having the police involved is great. It opens communication lines and increases support for each other."
Lake Illawarra's Sergeant John Klepczarek said the lead-up to Christmas was always a busy time for thieves.
``Stealings are on the increase so we're forming partnerships with local retailers to find away to stop it," Sgt Klepczarek said.
``Shops in the Illawarra lose millions of dollars each year, forcing them to raise prices.
``The police do things to stop stealing, shops do things to stop it, but in the past we haven't done those things together.
``We hope this meetings and others like it will encourage a free flow of ideas so everyone is aware of what is being done."
© 1999 Illawarra Mercury