Virginia ABC Stores Face Surge in Alcohol Theft: Over 14,000 Bottles Stolen in 2024

RICHMOND, Va. — New data obtained by 8News shows that thieves are frequently stealing bottles from state-run Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) stores.

Between January and June of 2024, more than 14,000 bottles of alcohol were stolen from ABC stores in Virginia, amounting to over $800,000 in losses. This is a 46.5% increase compared to the first half of the previous year.

Barbara Staib from the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention says that this shoplifting epidemic is partly due to a lack of enforcement and some misconceptions. She mentioned that society has sent a message that low-level shoplifting is either tolerated or not worth the effort to enforce.

Some stores are being targeted repeatedly. For example, a store in Norfolk was hit 113 times in the first half of 2024, losing over $15,000 worth of alcohol.

On June 13th, two notable thefts occurred. In one incident, thieves stole over $9,000 worth of alcohol from a store in Fairfax County. In another incident about 25 miles away in Manassas, 228 bottles of alcohol were stolen.

Staib emphasized the need for a collective effort, saying, “We want to see everyone, from retailers to police, prosecutors, and judges, work together. It takes a community.”

8News requested an interview with an ABC representative to discuss retail theft, but none were available. In a statement, the agency said they are continually reviewing and implementing changes at their stores to better deter and detect theft.

 

Leave a Comment