Houston is on the list of cities with the highest number of retail thefts

HOUSTON – It was Valentine’s Day, the Monkees store in Houston was full of customers.

“It was very busy,” co-owner Lisa West said.

Surveillance video shared by West with KPRC 2’s Rilwan Balogun shows what appears to be two women stealing.

“They went on their tour and right before they left, they took two dresses off hangers, stole them and left,” West said. “They didn’t care at all.”

The National Retail Federation says Houston is among the top five cities with organized crime.

• LOS ANGELES

• SAN FRANCISCO/OAKLAND

• HOUSTON

• NEW YORK

• SEATTLE

“But let’s be honest, retail crime is happening everywhere and we need to look at it from a national perspective,” said David Johnston, vice president of asset protection and retail operations for the National Retail Federation during a 2023 security survey call. “The retail industry continues to face unprecedented levels of crime, theft and violence. These issues are affecting and impacting retailers of all sizes, segments and locations across the United States.”

West has worked in retail for years and agrees that armed robberies and thefts in general are on the rise.

“I think it’s already happening, but we didn’t see this much of it until the COVID-19 pandemic, where it happened massively in different neighborhoods in Houston,” West said. “Even in the most affluent neighborhoods in Houston, where people are coming in and out. I just don’t think they care anymore.”

“The types of products targeted by shoplifters may not be based solely on price. Products can range from high-priced, high-fashion items to everyday products that have rapid resale potential,” the NRF said in a 2023 press release. “While ORC groups have traditionally targeted specific items or types of goods, this list has expanded to include new categories such as outerwear, batteries, energy drinks, designer shoes and kitchen accessories.”

Houston police say they regularly work with businesses on loss prevention and assist other businesses when requested.