Woodland market battles theft

Published 12:00 am Friday, December 1, 2006

WOODLAND – The proactive stance of a local business is quickly yielding results.

Thanks to the Woodland Supermarket adding additional cameras to their surveillance system, they are helping put an end to shoplifting in the store.

Woodland Police Chief Don Ryan said he made two shoplifting arrests Wednesday at the supermarket and credited the store’s additional security equipment as the main reason.

“The Woodland Supermarket has installed additional monitors that help with surveillance,” Chief Ryan said. “I think their efforts will help yield more arrests like these.”

The first arrest came Wednesday morning when Ryan was called to the supermarket in reference to a woman placing items in her purse.

“When I arrived, the woman had gotten in the car and I knocked on the window and asked her about the items,” Ryan said.

According to the chief, after being confronted, the person removed several items from her purse.

Shenika Long, 18, of Arrowhead Mobile Home Park was charged with shoplifting and placed under a $300 bond.

Hours later, Ryan was called again and came back to the supermarket. After confronting the suspect, she allegedly tried to resist arrest.

She was found to have concealed several items and was placed under arrest.

Sarea Phillips, 17, of Hart Swamp Road in Rich Square was charged with shoplifting and with resist, obstruct and delay of a law enforcement officer. She was placed under a $600 bond.