Wegmans Walk Through By Bucks D.A. Aimed At Combating Rise In Theft

WARRINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — With organized retail crime on the rise, a leadership team from the Bucks County District Attorney's Office took a walk through a Bucks County grocery store on Thursday.

The walk through was held in conjunction with National Store Walk Month and took place at the Wegmans store at the Shops at Valley Square on Route 611 in Warrington.

National Store Walk Month promotes collaboration between store security and law enforcement in the fight against organized retail crime and habitual theft.

The day began with Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub, First Assistant District Attorney Jen Schorn, Chief Detective Martin McDonough, and Deputy Chief Jack Slattery meeting with Wegmans Asset Protection Manager Wade A. Hess and Asset Protection Associate Danielle Terinoni.

Hess and Terinoni explained some of the trends they have witnessed at their stores, which are seeing an uptick in organized retail crimes just like much of the country. They also explained the strategies they apply and the technology they use to combat retail theft at the supermarket
chain.

During the walk through, Hess pointed out specific items that are at high risk for theft, items that include over-the-counter cough medicine, expensive beauty products, electronics, and alcohol.

Wegmans Asset Protection Manager Wade A. Hess points out items at high risk for theft to Bucks County DA Matt Weintraub and First Assistant District Attorney Jen Schorn. (Contributed)

In recent weeks, the Warrington Township Police Department has tracked down and made several arrests of shoplifters at the store.

Last week, a 24-year-old man was charged with stealing nearly $160 in merchandise from Wegmans and in September, Warrington police charged at least four others with retail theft and receiving stolen property after they were caught stealing from the Wegmans, including one
woman who stole more than $327 worth of goods.

"The Bucks District Attorney’s Office takes these crimes seriously and will hold those who commit retail theft accountable," said Weintraub. "Retail theft affects everyone from consumers to store employees."

“This has a community impact, a people impact and a national impact,” Hess said in agreement.

National Store Walk Month was created by the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) and is designed to create a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges at hand and cultivate a united, efficient response to combat them.