Greenwood merchants will watch for sticky fingers during the holiday season.
Derrick Simpson, manager of the Greenwood Market Place, said shoplifting seems to increase. "We don't plan on anything happening. But things tend to arise," he said.
The goal of the Market Place is to deter crime before it happens. Simpson said the grocery store has had a security officer for the past 12 years.
Christmas time brings heavier traffic, which is harder to monitor, according to Simpson.
Sgt. Dennis Mitchell said the Greenwood Police Department will be bolstering its patrols starting Friday.
Police officers will be monitoring downtown, Park Avenue and the Wal-Mart parking lot.
Melisa Fincher, owner of Fincher's Gifts on Howard Street, said the extra security comforts her.
Last week, her store was one of three hit by a shoplifter. The other two were Smith and Co. and Bargain Town.
Fincher said it was the first time anything like that had happened.
"We're just keeping a watchful eye," she said.
Mitchell suggests holiday shoppers leave their purchases in the trunks of their cars. That eases the temptation on anyone peeking in the window, he said.
Howard Smith, owner of Smith and Co., said it's difficult to monitor everyone shopping in his store. When it comes to shoplifters, "you catch one, you miss five," he said.
The store will hire seasonal staff to accommodate the added traffic. Smith said they are coached on common shoplifting methods.
Mitchell said first-time shoplifters could pay up to $750 in fines, and spend up to 30 days in jail. A third conviction within seven years constitutes a felony, with a possible five years in prison.
