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  • February 18, 2025
Retail Theft Task Force wants to reduce the number of shoplifting incidents in Rapid City

Retail Theft Task Force wants to reduce the number of shoplifting incidents in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, SD (KOTA) – The holidays mark the busiest shopping season of the year, with thieves also looking for merchandise.

The Retail Theft Task Force was established in December 2023, following an increase in shoplifting the year before. Since its inception, local law enforcement has also seen an increase in reported shoplifting after streamlining communications with businesses.

The Rapid City Police Department and Pennington County Sheriff’s Office receive more than 2,000 reports of shoplifting annually, with an increase during the holidays.

“We are obviously seeing an increase in traffic to stores. At the same time, we are also seeing an increase in shoplifting,” said RCPD Detective Lee Kolbeck.

Since last year, police have not noticed any similarities in the types of merchandise targeted.

“It’s everything, we see it in all aspects from the small merchandise to the big big ticket items,” Kolbeck added.

He said there’s a reason the task force was created last year and not five or 10 years ago.

“It was when they could actually analyze and see the numbers. We’ve had better statistics, people who could actually see this development. Companies were also able to start communicating with us,” Kolbeck said.

The creation of the task force has resulted in increased resources for both departments.

“Staff, equipment that was needed. It takes a lot of time to go through, like we said, over 2,000 reports,” Kolbeck explained.

The team works with the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office and works with local retailers to strengthen theft prevention efforts.

Anyone who witnesses or is a victim of theft can call RCPD’s non-emergency line at 605-394-4131.

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