WAGGA retailers say they have had to increase their security measures to combat what they say is a rise in shoplifting across the city.
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ISHKA manager Rebekah Kirby said that shoplifting was an everyday occurrence at her store that has impacted her budget.
"It does have a huge impact because we have to put on extra staff, especially on busy periods to keep an eye on it," she said.
Ms Kirby said they have security cameras installed but they have also taken other measures.
"We've also had to change things for security purposes, like putting hard tags on all our products and keeping our jewelry cabinet locked.
"I've never seen anything like it."
I've never seen anything like it.
- ISHKA manager Rebekah Kirby
Similarly, Eco Living and Gifts operator Chelsea Martin said she has installed two new security cameras in the past two weeks because of items going missing.
"The cameras are to make sure that every part of the shop is covered and that we have no blind spot," Ms Martin said.
"While we're only a small shop, it has affected us.
"The stuff that goes missing means we have to replace them ourselves and that costs money and our premiums go up.
"I don't think it'll ever stop.
"Retail is a hard one, especially being a smaller business because we rely on local people to shop in store.
"This [shoplifting] just makes it harder."
Both retailers' increased security measures and show of frustrations come around the same time Wagga police ramp up their crackdown on shoplifting.
Police conducted an operation last Thursday and Friday across shopping centres in Wagga.
Ten people were charged with various offences, including shoplifting after 31 people were searched.
Goods that police accused people of stealing include meat and cosmetics.
Speaking a media conference today, Inspector Peter McLay said there was one woman who had $1000 worth of cosmetics in her handbag.
He said there was also a 44-year-old male who tried to leave Sturt Mall while possessing a couple of rump steaks and a bar of chocolate.
"He was chased by police through the car park and over the fence into Tompson Street before he was apprehended," Inspector McLay said.
The man was issued a court attendance notice for shoplifting and resisting police arrest.
"Despite our attempts, there are still a lot of people who seek to take goods from stores without paying for them," Inspector McLay said.
"We'll continue to run similar operations down the track."