Shoplifting, or according to the Criminal Code, Theft, is something that hurts everyone in the community.

"For every dollar lost through shoplifting, that effects the bottom line of the store and that can't help but be passed on to the consumers through increased pricing down the road," says Inspector Rod Stafford with the Weyburn Police Service.

Shoplifting is an offence that is often unreported. Retail businesses often choose to deal with the situations themselves, without police assistance, in the interest of customer relations.

"It's probably very under-reported in terms of the retail establishments in the City," says Inspector Stafford. "We know from statistics nationwide that shoplifting is a considerable problem and a considerable loss to the retail community."

In the majority of reported cases, the store will apprehend the shoplifter and call Police. When an investigation is held with only security footage or witness statements the case can take much longer.

Inspector Stafford says that with shoplifting and other crimes, it's important to come forward as a witness to help the case.