Back in 2005, the Director of Asset Protection for the Target Corporation testified for the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security about Organized Retail Theft. According to his testimony, he said that professional shoplifting is a growing problem throughout the United States affecting many sectors of the retail community from supermarkets, and chain drug stores to mass merchandisers and specialty stores. The FBI’s interstate task force also stated that shoplifting accounts for up to $30 billion annually in losses for many retail stores.

These organized professional shoplifter theft rings are highly mobile. They move from community to community, and across state lines stealing large amounts of merchandise from retail stores. They typically target everyday household products that are easily sold through fencing operations, flea markets, over the Internet, swap meets and shady storefront operations. Some items frequently targeted are infant formula and OTC medications. Other items that are in high demand by these professional shoplifting rings include razor blades, camera film, batteries, DVDs, CDs, and smoking cessation products and high-end items including designer clothes and electronics.

Recently a Fargo man admitted helping his former girlfriend run an Internet shoplifting ring. David Soldier, of Moorhead, Minnesota was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to sell stolen goods from three states on the online auction site eBay. His accomplice, Michelle Kartes of Moorhead, was sentenced to two years in prison.

Authorities said Soldier and Kartes sold between $200,000 and $400,000 worth of stolen goods on eBay by shoplifting stores in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.

You can stop this type of crime by making sure the items you are buying are from a reputable dealer. If the price is too good to pass up it may be because it is stolen. Consumer beware.