Product loss due to theft costs Houston business owners millions each holiday season. To reduce their risks, they hire extra security staff and install additional surveillance technology. Because of that, the odds of being accused and arrested for shoplifting in Houston increase greatly during the holidays. Whether you’re innocent or guilty, being arrested and charged […]
Is Retail/Return Fraud a Crime in Houston?
Returning an item under the false pretense that it was lawfully purchased in an attempt to receive cash or store credit is a crime known as retail/return fraud. In Texas, this is considered to be a form of theft. Common types of retail/return fraud include: “Return” of stolen merchandise for cash or store credit Employees […]
Shoplifting Prevention Technology Mistakes
Shoplifting causes shrink for companies that is difficult to contend with financially. According to the National Retail Security Survey, U.S. retailers lost an estimated $46.8 billion to theft in 2017 alone. Businesses are increasingly using theft prevention technology to boost profits. Some of these new shoplifting prevention technologies use computers, software and machines to detect […]
What Can Store Security Guards Do If They Suspect Shoplifting?
Stores selling consumer goods take shoplifting seriously. Each time an item “walks” out of the door without payment, the store loses money and gains a reputation for criminal activity. A variety of high-tech theft prevention devices, like cameras and RFID detectors, have reduced the regularity of shoplifting. These advances have helped, but many stores still […]
The Risks of Accepting Stolen Property
Theft is a criminal act that conjures images of a person intentionally stealing someone’s property and fleeing the crime scene, slipping away before police can arrive. Many fail to realize that accepting stolen property is also a serious offense that actually carries the same penalties as ordinary theft. There are many defenses that can be […]
Getting a Theft Case Dismissed in Houston
Making a mistake and being hit with a theft charge like burglary or workplace theft can be an embarrassing lapse in judgment. However, a theft charge does not automatically mean a court trial or plea deal. Getting a theft case dismissed in Houston can occur for a few reasons, including: Lack of Probable Cause Illegal […]
How Can I Clear My Record Of A Shoplifting Charge in Houston?
Shoplifting is defined as deliberately taking items from a store with the intention of not paying for the item. This includes taking an article of clothing and leaving the store, or switching price tags with a lower priced item. Paying for the lower priced item at checkout is still considered shoplifting. Punishment generally depends on […]
The Holiday Season and Shoplifting Charges
The holiday season is a big time for brick-and-mortar retailers across the Houston area, with business skyrocketing as shoppers search for the perfect gifts for loved ones. As business increases during this time of year, so do shoplifting charges. Shoplifting and employee theft in Houston are crimes that affect the entire community, from the companies that […]
What To Expect From A Theft Case
From the report of a crime to the final appeal, find out what you can expect from the process of a theft case. Reporting of the Theft Theft is often reported by the victim, or what is commonly called the “complaining witness” or “complainant.” The complaining witness can be an individual or a business, depending on the […]
What To Do If You’re Accused Of Shoplifting In Houston
Based on the value of the merchandise that has been stolen, a shoplifting charge can be handled several different ways. It could result in a mere citation or a misdemeanor charge, but it could also be classified as a felony if the value of stolen goods exceeds a certain amount. If you were accused of […]
