Shoplifting in Zanesville Linked to Drug Dependency

The Zanesville Police Department said shoplifting continues to plague Zanesville area businesses.

In 2015, 269 shoplifting cases were reported and 255 arrests were made. Captain Tony Coury said theft is often motivated by drug dependency. Drug use is an ever growing problem in Muskingum County according to Muskingum Behavioral Health CEO Steve Carrel. Coury said those seeking money to buy drugs often steal in order to sell products for the cash they need.

"All cities probably have a problem with the theft and it all goes back to drugs and alcohol problems and dependency for drugs and alcohol," said Coury. "The dependency outweighs the ability to do what’s right and they’re going to do whatever means they can to afford that drug or that alcohol problem. "

Coury said law enforcement works closely with business owners to make arrests in connection to shoplifting incidents and new video technology helps to identify shoplifters.

"We know the loss prevention people by name. Our officers are there," said Coury. "They’re in some of these stores multiple times day, multiple times a week and with the camera systems such as wal mart, they have such nice video that we also get their cars and license plate numbers. We just track you down and arrest you when we find you. "

Coury said the Zanesville Police Department will continue to fight the shoplifting problem in the area.