Webb City hardware store changing strategy to combat shoplifting - KOAM TV 7

Store owners in Webb City, Missouri are pumping up their security to combat more cases of shop lifting.

The owners of Henkle's Hardware say shoplifting is worse now than in the past six years combined.

This year they will change their strategy and add high resolution cameras, a shoplifter wall of shame and keep a firearm at the location.

A post with the Henkle's new security plan is getting a lot of attention on their Facebook page with customers either supporting or questioning the new strategy.

While Webb City police says shoplifting is no worse this year than years past, police also say Henkle's new strategy is a good deterrent.

Owner John Henkle says his store is like his home and he is willing to do what ever it takes to protect his shop and bottom line.

"The other day a guy stuck a two foot pair of bolt cutters underneath his hoodie and one of the girls said something to him and the guy was like 'well, I wasn't going to steal it' - 'well, you've got a two foot long pair of bolt cutters sticking out of your hoodie, are you keeping them warm?'" says Henkle.

Henkle says the most stolen items are pad locks and flash lights, as well as things to make meth.

Henkle says he is putting them under lock and key, which he says is already helping cut down on crime.