Earlier this week we told you about Lansing Police arresting 21 people suspected of shoplifting. While stores aren't exactly eager to talk about theft, it is a big problem for them.
There's a lot of work that goes into preparing for the shopping season, including security.
"You know we prepared for this two weeks out. Really kind of look at the layout of the store. Where are these items going to be? Putting these lines for our customers," said Ron Colson, Meijer East Lansing Store Director.
For security reasons, Meijer did not disclose its policy on increasing police. But several stores usually have expensive small items locked up, with extra employees around and some even have undercover security officers.
To make sure extra items don't leave the store without being purchased, retail stores go the extra mile and add extra security restrains. Stores like Okemos' Best Buy even have extra eyes from above.
"There's a lot of people in the store. We want to make sure it's a safe environment throughout the store strategically placed on ladders as well as in the store to make sure everyone is having a good time and that everything is going well," said Jeremiah Hernandez, Okemos Best Buy General Manager.
With months of preparation, the store is ready.
"We actually do a dry run. We put everybody in there places for this day and this weekend and we practice some of those responses and how to deal with it and who to involve," said Hernandez.
Along with security cameras they hired more employees.
"We have an outstanding assets protection team. We have a number of employees in the store that their sole mission is to make sure our customers are safe and we protect our assets in the store," Hernandez said.
Extra pair of eyes watching to make sure things go as planned.
The shoplifting sting Lansing Police told us about earlier this week was done with the help of six store chains. The department plans to have extra officers on the streets.
