‘It got a lot of attention’: SJPD speaks out on shoplifting at North Shoppes
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)--The St. Joseph Police Department continues to crack down on shoplifting at the North Shoppes, following an incident last weekend which put an officer at risk.
A woman who was shopping at the North Shoppes was caught stealing from a store, and shortly after was approached by police to address her actions.
A video that has since gone viral- recorded and shared by a local resident- captures the moment a woman accelerated to drive away, as law enforcement officers clung to her vehicle before eventually letting go.
Video Courtesy of St. Joseph resident:
Sgt. Jeremy Peters of the St. Joseph Police Department addressed the incident and credited the citizen who recorded it, helping build a stronger case against the individual, who was ultimately arrested.
"Obviously, that one got a lot of attention when it happened," Peters said. "We’re glad to see situations like this get attention because any time an individual tries to flee by vehicle, it poses a big risk for officers and the public. An officer can be struck, run over or the driver could even crash into another citizen and that’s something we have to take into consideration when we’re responding to these types of calls."
SJPD said the case has been submitted to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office for handling, but in the meantime, SJPD is increasing patrols at the North Shoppes and other surrounding shopping centers where they said theft tends to happen more often.
"People are opportunistic," said Peters. "They try this more at bigger stores where they know there's more employees staff have to keep an eye on and they'll try and work different angles while they're inside the store."
Residents who frequent the North Shoppes shared their opinions on shoplifting, with some saying it's best not to interfere, while others expressed a desire to hold the suspect accountable.
"I try to stay low key, and it’s not something I've really noticed or looked for, but I don’t think I'd approach them," said resident Sondra Allen. "People are just too crazy nowadays, but I might mention it to a staff member if they’re nearby."
Residents Jenna Williamson and Lori, who didn’t want to be identified by last name, stated that they will always speak out if they witness someone committing theft.
"I'd tell them I saw what they did,”"Williamson said.
"I'm going to always try and be careful when approaching someone, but I'd say something to them," Lori said.
The SJPD said it appreciates when the community helps with their work, but their main priority is ensuring public safety. If interference seems risky, it should be avoided and left to the authorities.
"We have our property crimes detectives that focus on these reports as they're coming in," said Peters. "If our officers aren't able to intervene while it's in progress, It'll get kicked over to our property crimes detectives and their full time job Monday through Friday is following up on these cases, trying to recover property for victims and making arrests and, submitting cases to the prosecutor, as often as possible."
