Westlake police says an alert citizen played a critical role in the arrest of four suspects in connection with a shoplifting case at the H&M store at Crocker Park.
Captain Guy Turner told News 5 police were able to arrest Laterell Ivory, 19, Tanika Neal, 19, and two others after Bradley Evans used his SUV to block their escape.
He said the four suspects were trying to steal nearly $1,000 in clothing. They are facing theft and complicity charges.
Turner partly blames an increase in shoplifting on some major retailers not cooperating with local police, and he said ultimately consumers are paying the price.
"The pathetic thing is it means you and I end up paying for it," he said. "That stolen merchandise wasn't given away, somebody paid for it."
Dr. Richard Klein, professor of urban studies at Cleveland State University, pointed to studies showing the average shoplifting case has gone from $60 to $377 in just three years.
Klein said retailers must be more involved.
"I have seen anywhere from 3 to 5% mark-ups on most items based on the fact that they may, in fact, be stolen," he said. "More policing is needed whether it be formal or informal. You need to also put in machines that are more sensitive to things going on around them."
