Cherry Hill police conducted one of what is expected to be multiple operations to curtail retail theft over two days last month that netted 38 arrests, including of several suspects believed to be involved with organized retail theft rings.
With help from more than 20 local merchants who reported shoplifting, police recovered tens of thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise. Some of those retailers, according to township Police Chief Robert Kempf, had already combined forces with his department for what is now the Cherry Hill Retail Theft Initiative.
The idea was presented to Kempf in November when he started a dialogue with merchants and businesses beleaguered by theft. They agreed with police to run periodic details such as the May operation, with store security personnel and management focusing on surveillance inside stores and plainclothes detectives and officers stationed nearby.
“Plain and simple, it’s teamwork,” said veteran Det. Robert Daniello, who heads the initiative, about its success so far. “When you have everyone on the same page working together, it makes our job that much easier.”
Kempf was quick to point out that the township is no different than other areas of the country now facing an epidemic of retail theft.
“What is different is our police approach and our unwavering commitment to solving community-based problems,” he explained of the theft initiative. “Instead of the police and the retailers pointing the finger at one another, we met, talked things out and developed a plan to work together to be proactive in dealing with this issue.”
Kempf also acknowledged the support of township officials and Mayor David Fleisher.
“The (Cherry Hill Retail Theft Initiative) is a great example of taking a collaborative approach to tackling a complex issue,” Fleisher said.
Anyone who witnesses a theft or other suspicious activity should dial 911 or call the police non-emergency line at (856) 665-1200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by email at [email protected] or by clicking on https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/7196358. Texts can also go to TIP CHERRYHILLPD, followed by a message to 888777.
