An International Organization Of Law Enforcement Professionals: Established in 1986

MERCHANT'S ALERT

STORE DIVERSION THEFTS

Merchants who have had the misfortune to live through both tornadoes and Gypsy store diversion thefts say the two are much alike.  Both arrive unexpectedly, last but a few minutes and leave chaos in their wake.  Fortunately, store diversion thefts don't maim or kill as tornadoes sometimes do, otherwise the store diversion thefts can be as costly as the tornadoes.

If you own or manage a business that is open to the public, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from these Gypsy-perfected store diversion thefts.  The first--and most important--step is learning how these crimes are committed.

The term "store diversion theft" aptly describes all the elements of this particular crime, as well as the order in which it occurs.

STORE

These thieves have in the past entered convenience markets, department stores, drug stores, grocery stores, and just about every other type of store in existence. Once a store is selected, a group of five to as many as twenty males and females will quickly enter and then strategically position themselves throughout the store.

DIVERSION

While filing into the store, various members of the group will immediately use various methods to divert the staff's attention.  These methods range from an open attempt to feign shoplifting, to having one of the Gypsy females expose her breasts. In all cases, this activity is intended to draw attention away from the store's safe, cash register, main office, or other locations containing the daily cash supply. 

THEFTS

After the diversion is created, one member of the team will quickly locate and steal the store's money. Through use of a prearranged signal the suspects will leave the store en masse and enter several getaway cars, all of which leave in separate directions.

Unlike a tornado, these Gypsy-related thefts can be stopped by following these two simple rules of thumb:

	Always secure money in a safe, and then keep it locked. Not on day-lock; wherein, one need only turn the dial once to the right to open the safe.  These thieves are aware of this bad habit and use it to their full advantage.
	Do not let these thieves take control of your store.  Tell your employees about this form of theft before it occurs, and then instruct them on what to do if it does occur.  The best advice would be to remain at their assigned register and call the police.

CAUTION:  DO NOT try to lock these people in the store while awaiting the arrival of the police.  Although these criminal groups usually avoid violence, they will do whatever is necessary to get away.

If you do fall victim to this type of theft, please keep in mind that it is not your employee's fault.  The criminal groups who commit these crimes are highly skilled and have generations of experience behind them.  Then, too, don't assume these thieves can't be brought to justice.  PACC, and other law enforcement agencies, are comprised of officers who are experts in identifying and locating the members of these particular crime families, but they can't investigate what hasn't been reported. So please report these crimes to your local police.

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