"There is a number of rings out there working, stealing alcohol," said King County sheriff's office spokesperson Cindi West. "It's a quick way to make a buck and easy to get rid of". In the past several months, Seattle police have noticed a growing trend of brazen liquor thefts. The shoplifting has become so rampant that some say it's practically an epidemic since privatizing liquor sales in the state. King County sheriff's detectives have been clobbered with liquor theft investigations since June, when the state's new law privatizing liquor sales took effect. Every major retailer selling spirits is being targeted. Representatives from Safeway, Albertsons, Fred Meyer and QFC all declined to be interviewed, but admitted that booze-theft prevention is a priority. Many stores have started to lock up the high-end liquor, and most have added removable safety caps. "In speaking with loss prevention officers, they told me that violence has actually increased," she said. "The people who steal liquor versus those who steal diapers or sandwiches are much more confrontational and getting violent with them." On Thursday, the Northwest Grocery Association, which represents 400 grocers statewide, said the bulk of the thefts are due to organized retail crime rings. (Source komonews.com)

Local shoplifting could be part of ring in Boone, NC Four arrests were made in Blowing Rock Tuesday evening in connection with a shoplifting ring operating in the area. Operating at Tanger Outlet Shoppes a number of incidents have occurred. Blowing Rock officers also recovered merchandise from other stores outside of the Blowing Rock area. It is believed that the group has been operating an organized shoplifting ring in North Carolina. The investigation is continuing. All four suspects were held at the Watauga County Jail on secured bonds. (Source wataugademocrat.com)

Suspects arrested for felony burglary at Home Depot in Downers Grove, IL. The man and woman who had been identified by Home Depot as being involved in numerous thefts over a two-year period were charged with felony burglary at the store Oct. 24. Police charged Romas P. Dargis, 59, and Lucia M. Zupo, 50, both of Channahon, with felony burglary. Downers Grove Police were called to the Home Depot Store in regards to suspicious activity. A search warrant executed by Downers Grove investigators linked the two suspects to additional stolen merchandise and sales of that merchandise on an online auction site. The suspects are believed to have stolen $150,000 in merchandise over a two-year period. (Source patch.com)