MISSOULA — Dealing with stolen merchandise can be costly for business owners, and in Missoula, shoplifting incidents are on the rise.
Shoplifting cases in Missoula have nearly doubled in the past four years, prompting business owners to seek solutions in collaboration with the city and county to mitigate the negative effects.
The Montana Board of Crime Control gathers data from the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office and the Missoula Police Department on various property crimes reported, including theft from vehicles, buildings, and shoplifting.
While the data includes both city and county figures, most shoplifting crimes occur within the city limits, according to Missoula County Attorney Matt Jennings.
Recent data from the Board of Crime Control indicates 600 shoplifting reports in Missoula in 2020 and 1185 reports in 2023.
Jennings suggests that the increase might be attributed to changes in shoplifting charge policies.
Any shoplifting incident under $1,500 is considered a misdemeanor, usually resulting in fines. The removal of jail time for misdemeanor offenses by the Montana State Legislature and the elimination of misdemeanor probation by the City of Missoula post-COVID-19 could be contributing factors to the surge in shoplifting incidents.
Jennings notes that without the ability to charge a perpetrator with a felony, there is minimal incentive for them to cease criminal activities.
Addressing the root cause of the issue is crucial, as punishment alone may not deter repeat offenders from committing future crimes. Jennings emphasizes the importance of holding individuals accountable while providing resources to address underlying issues.
Claire Peterson
Continued vigilance and collaboration are necessary to address the growing property crime rates in Missoula. Business owners like Brandon Bretz have witnessed a significant increase in theft at their establishments, leading to financial losses.
Claire Peterson
Efforts are being made to address these challenges, with the Missoula Chamber of Commerce facilitating discussions to explore potential solutions.
Claire Peterson
By fostering collaboration and exploring comprehensive solutions, the community aims to combat property crimes effectively and create a safer environment for all.
