Common Items Targeted By Shoplifters In Louisiana

(KTDY) - Times are tough, and it seems like each and every day, we are hearing about someone being caught stealing from a store.

Sadly, so many retailers are having to address theft now, and I recently overheard an employee explaining to someone why they don't allow people to park up against the curb in front of their store.

He was telling a customer that police are giving tickets to those who park up against the curb because some are doing so as an easy getaway after they steal from stores. That's the world we are in.

So, recently, I decided to look up what people are stealing most in Louisiana stores, and a few of the items may actually surprise you, while others may not.

Commonly Stolen Items From Stores

One of the most commonly stolen items in stores, according to Business Insider, is packaged meat. And yes, we've all seen videos on social media of someone trying to walk out of the store with meat stuffed down their pants.

Premium cuts of meat are often targeted by would-be thieves, and recently, I actually saw a store with its meat selection under lock and key.

raw meat in clear plastic pack — Photo by Mariia Ioffe on Unsplash

Next, another item that thieves seem to be taking from stores is health and beauty products. There's one beauty store in Acadiana, which we won't mention here, that often posts photos of thieves in their store.

I assume some want to look good, but don't have the money to do so; that is why they steal the products.

three makeup brushes on top of compact powders — Photo by Rosa Rafael on Unsplash

Then there are those who need medicine and can't afford it, so they steal it. Also making the list of the most commonly stolen items in Louisiana stores is over-the-counter medication. That may include pain or sinus medication, and now some stores are even locking these up.

Other popular items making the list of things stolen in stores include home improvement items, footwear, and electronics. I'll never forget the day that I saw someone trying to steal a CD from Walmart, and when she saw me, you could have sworn that she saw a ghost.

Thieves are becoming more and more brazen these days, and don't be shocked when you see more and more items under lock and key in stores. Retailers can only lose so much before they have to lock the doors permanently.

Penalties for Stealing in Louisiana

Theft penalties are based on the dollar value of the stolen property.

According to the Louisiana Legislature, theft under $1,000 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. From there, if the stolen property is more than $1,000 and up to $4,999, it becomes a felony and up to 5 years of imprisonment, with or without hard labor, a fine of up to $3,000, or both.

If someone steals more than $5,000 in products and up to $24,999, they could face up to 10 years of prison, with or without hard labor, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

Theft of $25,000 or more is a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison.

The Six Biggest Names to Ever Walk Through Doors of The Cajundome

The Cajundome in Lafayette has been the home to so many great events through the years, and so many famous people have walked through the doors of the dome nestled in the heart of Acadiana.

We once got into a conversation at the station about the many events hosted at the Cajundome, and then it shifted to all of us highlighting the famous people who've walked through its doors.

So, let's take a look back at the SIX most famous people to ever walk through the doors of the Cajundome in Lafayette

Gallery Credit: Chris Reed

Source: Most Commonly Stolen Items From Stores in Louisiana