Official says shoplifters ‘acting with impunity,’ blames limits on felony charges
Posted 6:04 PM, November 14, 2019, by Julian Crews,
CHICAGO — A spike in pickpocketing and shoplifting is nothing new during the holiday season, but police and officials said a rash of organized shoplifting in places like Lincoln Park and Michigan Avenue is taking things to a new level.
“We’re seeing store security guards being pepper sprayed, maced and physically attacked,” said Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward).
Hopkins said he’s concerned about what he describes as aggressive shoplifting, like a Nov. 9 incident on State Street, where a shopper got punched and sprayed in the face. One day later, according to police, five shoplifters at an H&M store caused a distraction and swiped merchandise in the process.
“So they have no fear and they’re acting with impunity; that needs to change,” Hopkins said.
Even when police catch the culprits, Hopkins criticizes how they're handled by State's Attorney Kim Foxx. According to Hopkins, there are no consequences for juveniles and those caught stealing less than $1,000 in merchandise, because they're usually looking at a misdemeanor offense.
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