Huggies theft may be linked to recession

A couple allegedly shoplifted $18 worth of diapers from a Spokane Safeway last weekend, possibly part of a growing trend of desperation crimes triggered by the recession.

Shoplifting arrests have increased by nearly 80 percent from 2007 to 2008 in Kootenai County, according to the Sheriff’s Office. In Spokane County, authorities have seen an increase in property crimes that exceeds any level in the past 10 years, according to a crime analyst at the Spokane Police Department.

Richard Rosenfeld, a professor of criminology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, told The Spokesman-Review last month that an economic downturn leads to more crimes committed to meet necessities.

On Saturday, a security guard stopped the couple walking out of Safeway on Francis Avenue at North Monroe Street about 5:30 p.m. with Huggies in their cart, authorities said. The man yelled, “Sorry,” then punched the security guard, leaving a mark on the guard’s cheek, according to a Spokane County Sheriff’s Office press release.

The security guard grabbed the man’s shirt to stop his escape, but the shirt ripped off, Sgt. Dave Reagan said. The man ran from the area.

Meanwhile, the woman continued to a silver SUV with the diapers, Reagan said. After the security guard ordered her to stop, the woman got into the passenger side, then slid into the driver’s seat and drove away. Police were trying to locate the couple. The Washington plate on the vehicle was similar to 546YBG, Reagan said.

Police ask anyone with information about the couple to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.