Shoplifters and Dishonest Employees Are Apprehended in Record Numbers by US Retailers According to 21st Annual Theft Survey by Jack L. Hayes International

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla.--(Business Wire)--
Shoplifters and dishonest employees stole over $6.0 billion in 2008 from just 22
major retailers, according to the 21st Annual Retail Theft Survey conducted by
Jack L. Hayes International, the leading loss prevention and inventory shrinkage
control consulting firm. These 22 surveyed retailers apprehended a record
904,226 shoplifters and dishonest employees in 2008 and recovered more than $182
million from these thieves.

"For the 3rd consecutive year, both the apprehensions and recovery dollars from
shoplifters and dishonest employees rose; up 7.26% and 21.64% respectively,"
said Mark R. Doyle, President of Jack L. Hayes International. "While shoplifter
and dishonest employee apprehensions increased 7.65% and 3.01% respectively, the
increase in recovery dollars from these apprehensions was up an amazing 30.24%
for shoplifting and almost 10% for dishonest employees. It should also be noted
that employee theft apprehensions and recovery dollars increased for the 5th
straight year." Mr. Doyle added, "With the downturn in the economy, we have seen
an increase in theft, which is having a detrimental impact on retailers`
bottom-line profits. These theft losses drive consumer prices higher and can
force unprofitable stores to close."

Highlights from this highly anticipated annual theft survey include:

. Participants: 22 large retail companies with 19,151 stores and over $570
billion in retail sales (2008).

. Apprehensions: 904,226 shoplifters and dishonest employees were apprehended in
2008, up 7.26% from 2007.

. Recovery Dollars: Over $182 million was recovered from apprehended shoplifters
and dishonest employees in 2008, up 21.64% from 2007.

. Shoplifter Apprehensions: 832,106 shoplifters were apprehended in 2008, up
7.65% from 2007.

. Shoplifter Recovery Dollars: Over $113 million was recovered from apprehended
shoplifters in 2008, an amazing 30.24% increase from 2007.

. Employee Apprehensions: 72,120 dishonest employees were apprehended in 2008,
up 3.01% from 2007.

. Employee Recovery Dollars: Over $69.8 million was recovered from employee
apprehensions in 2008, up 9.9% from 2007.

. One in every 30 employees was apprehended for theft from their employer in
2008. (Based on over 2.1 million employees.)

For full survey results visit our website at: www.hayesinternational.com

Mark R. Doyle, President, 813-991-5628
mrd@hayesinternational.com

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