Michigan Criminal Attorneys Blog
The Somerset Collection (which is also often referred to as Somerset Mall) in Troy, Michigan is known for its assortment of high end stores and is a popular destination for many shoppers. One of the issues that the mall and its individual stores face everyday is retail fraud (also known as shoplifting). The Somerset Collection and its individual retailers combat this issue by employing trained security/loss prevention workers, closed circuit television (CCTV), and theft detection devices to identify, and aid in the apprehension and prosecution of suspected shoplifters. One of the strategies to address the retail theft issue is aggressive prosecution by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office and the Troy City Attorney to act as a deterrence to others and to try and prevent repeat offenders.
A conviction for Retail Fraud (also known as shoplifting) can have serious implications on an individual’s reputation, employment or career, ability to get school loans or attend school, and immigration status (for persons that are not citizens). There is the potential for incarceration, probation with conditions, community service, drug testing, economic crimes classes, counseling, fines, cost, and restitution for an individual who is convicted of retail fraud.
Retail Fraud always involves an allegation of a theft from a store which is open to the public for business at the time of the offense. It can occur by either physically moving or concealing merchandise with the intent to steal, or altering or removing a price tag with the intent to defraud.