From visitors on a "thieving mission" at Dunedin shops to bored teenagers seeking a thrill, welcome to the dark world of shoplifting.
Last month, two Oamaru women were caught allegedly shoplifting from the Meridian mall by security staff, and police later found their car full of stolen merchandise from other Dunedin retailers.
"It was a thieving mission per se," mall manager Michael Porter said.
The mall employed a dedicated security team, operated dozens of cameras, and liaised with police and other retailers over known shoplifters.
Women's apparel remained among the more coveted items. The mall recorded a spike in reported shoplifting incidents during school holidays, from "bored teenagers after a quick thrill".
Mr Porter said he always recommended shop staff greet each customer, as it was known to help reduce the incidence of shoplifting.
Golden Centre manager Simon Eddy said the mall operated a zero tolerance policy when it came to shoplifters, banning offenders and assisting police when it came to arrests.
Offenders ranged from repeat shoplifters to teenagers trying it as a one-off. Shops were assisted by police providing an annual photo gallery of known offenders.
Senior Constable Niall Shepherd said shoplifting was no worse than in previous years. Police were able to assist and advise retailers on security measures, he said.
While Dunedin retailers spoken to by the Otago Daily Times said shoplifting was no worse than in previous years, Mosgiel Community Constable Jacqui Ballam said there had been a rise in shoplifting in the town.
"It can only just take one kid to say such and such is an easy target."
After losing more than $10,000 in stock to shoplifters over an 18 month period, Mosgiel Paper Plus owner-operator John MacDonell is fighting back.
"I have been surprised what we have been losing here ... some people appear to be stealing to order."
Calculators were a target and the business had spent $16,000 on cameras and security wands.
"This is my own business and they are stealing directly from me."
