THOMASVILLE — Shoplifters are active year-round, but they become particularly prolific during the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season. Shoplifters are joined by thieves bent on making their holidays merrier at the expense of others.

Local misdemeanor courts ban convicted shoplifter offenders from stores where they repeatedly steal merchandise. A misdemeanor shoplifting conviction for items priced below $500 carries a $547 fine, probation and attendance at a class designed to rehabilitate shoplifters. Merchandise valued at more than $500 is a felony and disposed of in Superior Court.

In 2016, Thomasville police investigated 126 shoplifting cases, with 19 of the incidents taking place in December. To date this year, police have responded to 115 shoplifting incidents.

Clothing, particularly baby clothing, and electronics are popular items among shoplifters, said Maj. Eric Hampton, Thomasville Police Department public information officer.

Several large stores have loss prevention personnel who might appear to be shoppers mingling among customers, but are actually store security employees on the lookout for shoplifters, Hampton said.

“That has really helped decrease shoplifting over the years,” he said.

The officer said most stores prosecute shoplifters. A store representative is required to be in court when a shoplifting case is being heard.

“The prosecution rate is very high,” Hampton said.

Police officers in uniform are posted inside and outside businesses in downtown Thomasville and other shopping areas during the holiday shopping season.

Holiday shoppers are targets of thieves, Hampton said, adding that women should take precautions with their purses, which should not be left unattended in shopping carts.

Hampton pointed out that thieves know holiday shoppers have money and credit cards in their purses.

Valuables should not be left in plain view in vehicles. 

“Citizens should remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times,” Hampton said.

Shoppers are urged to call 911 or 226-2101 to report suspicious activity in stores or parking lots.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820