A shoplifting occurred at Hattie Lee Boutique in Pell City on Thursday, Oct. 26.  

The Pell City Police Department arrested Haley Pruitt Wideman on Friday, October 27, for Theft Fourth Degree- Shoplifting. Wideman, 32, of Childersburg is charged with theft of a unique, reversible, tan and purple BedStu handbag valued at $250.  

Pell City Police Chief Paul Irwin stated, “Anytime someone commits a crime in our city, we will investigate it and prosecute with the assistance of the victim.  Additionally, I’d like to recognize Detective Chris Norris for the outstanding job he did in working this case.” 

According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, there are approximately 27 million shoplifters (or 1 in 11 people) in our nation today. More than 10 million people have been caught shoplifting in the last five years. 

“Shoplifting affects more than the offender. It overburdens the police and the courts, adds to a store’s security expenses, costs consumers more for goods, costs communities lost dollars in sales taxes and hurts children and families,” the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention states.  

Approximately 25 percent of shoplifters are kids, 75 percent are adults. 55 percent of adult shoplifters say they started shoplifting in their teens.* 

*Information and statistics provided by the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP) a nonprofit organization that shapes, promotes and supports comprehensive community action in shoplifting prevention efforts…because shoplifting steals from all of us.  Contact NASP at 800-848-9595 or visit www.shopliftingprevention.org.