By Roger MoroneyA recent "stairdancing" incident in Napier has led police to issue a warning to business and shop employees to keep their belongings out of sight and secure. It was duly taken and cards from it were then used in a string of transactions from shops around Napier. In terms of taking on the imminent surge of pre-Christmas shoplifting, Eastern Police Region Sergeant Nigel Hurley said police had taken a proactive stance and last month staged a retailers theft awareness meeting. "We are acutely aware of the damage shoplifting can do to our retail community," Mr Hurley said. Shoplifting creates a major blow for retailing with estimates showing that it costs the industry across the country up to $750 million a year - nearly $2 million a day.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 04, 2016 19:30 UTC