City merchants received advice on dealing with shoplifters at a Chamber University seminar this week.
Greenwood Mayor Sheriel Perkins said a step-by-step method of dealing with shoplifters could not be provided due to legal reasons. Also, every case is different, city officials said.
Perkins, city attorneys David Holly and James Littleton, municipal judge W.M. Sanders and Police Chief Henry Harris were on the Wednesday panel.
Sanders told proprietors they could reasonably detain a shoplifting suspect but never touch them. She said suspects should be questioned in private with their consent.
"When an officer arrives, they are looking for probable cause to make an arrest," Harris said.
The panel said video camera footage is an excellent tool in prosecuting a shoplifter.
"This is as good as catching them in the act," Harris said. "If we can identify, the police can prosecute."
Beth Stevens, chamber executive vice president, said merchants could use the chamber's mass e-mail list to warn each other of shoplifters in their areas.
Chamber past-president Floyd Melton III also suggested that merchants set up a mass text messaging system in their cell phones.
Some helpful hints are:
Obtain contact information of witnesses.
Ask investigating police officers to prepare an affidavit.
Remain in contact with the municipal court and prosecuting attorney.
Preserve all evidence at the time of shoplifting.
Ask municipal clerk to request that you be first on the court docket if several employees must testify.
Make sure the prosecuting attorney is aware of evidence and witnesses so witnesses can be subpoenaed to be in court.
If a suspect is a repeat offender, make sure the court and prosecutor are informed of previous offenses.
Let surrounding businesses know of the identity and location of known shoplifters.
Memorize the police department's phone number or keep it on hand.
