A new retail patrol initiative hopes to limit further incidents of shoplifting while helping those caught in the act who may be suffering from a drug addiction.
GLOUCESTER TWP. -- The Gloucester Township Police Department (GTPD) isn't shy about distributing images of suspected shoplifters via social media. In fact, they think it's helped cut down on the overall percentage of shoplifting incidents this year.
The Gloucester Township Police Department announced a new retail patrol initiative on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015. (Photo provided) However, a new retail patrol initiative announced earlier this week hopes to limit further incidents of shoplifting while helping those caught in the act who may be suffering from a drug addiction.
"Our policing model has consistently been that arrest alone will not solve crime. The suppression of crime through arrest must be an integral part of our response, but it must not be our only response," GTPD Chief Harry Earle said during Tuesday's announcement.
GTPD Detective Anthony Massi was selected to fill the newly-created retail patrol officer role as part of the operations division. Massi's duties will include patrols, building business relationships, recognizing frequent shoplifters and working with the department's SAVE (Substance Abuse Victimization Effort) advocate to guide those in need into drug treatment.
MORE: Gloucester Township shoplifting suspect sought
"Our approach to retail theft and shoplifting includes much more than just arrest. We strongly believe in practicing prevention," Earle said, noting the multi-faceted approach that will build bridges to businesses.
According to figures provided by the GTPD, officers have responded to a total of 145 shoplifting incidents thus far in 2015. At this rate, police expect a decrease of 29 percent when compared to last year's total of 210.
However, it's more than boots in the aisles, the chief said.
"We know that many of those committing shoplifting cannot stop because of their drug addiction. Det. Massi works very closely with our SAVE advocate who is in our municipal court to help those suffering from addiction enter into treatment," Earle said.
Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer, who also spokes at the news conference at the Shoppes at Cross Keys, said the program is about "putting pieces of the puzzle together" to connect offenders with those who might be able to help them.
"Even we can connect those individuals with individuals who can help, then we're going to make a difference," Mayer said.
Earle said Detective Massi will engage in additional conversation with shoplifting offenders to offer routes to recovery. Citing an Oct. 28 arrest, Earle said a shoplifter was arrested and later confessed to the crime and being addicted to heroin. The 31-year-old took police up on the SAVE offer about a week later.
"This man contacted the SAVE advocate as a result of Detective Massi's engagement with him. This is community policing at work and it is the type of policing necessary for police to be effective today," Earle said.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
