Stockton’s business community is taking a stand against the pervasive issue of retail theft with the launch of the Stockton Taking Action Against Retail Theft (STAART) program. In collaboration with the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s office and the city’s Chamber of Commerce, STAART held its first workshop on April 24, 2024, aimed at empowering local business owners.
The workshop, hosted at San Joaquin County WorkNet, focused on teaching participants effective strategies to be vigilant and report theft incidents accurately. Deputy District Attorney Jeffery Derman, Officer Robert Johnson of the Stockton Police Department, and Lawrence Borgens, owner of Delta Protective Services, led the session, which drew considerable interest from the local business community.
During the event, attendees were introduced to a new form designed to help witnesses and employees quickly and efficiently report details of theft incidents to law enforcement. This initiative is part of STAART’s broader effort to streamline the process of reporting and prosecuting retail crimes. "We're trying to make the smartest decisions possible when prosecuting by getting a fuller picture of the suspect involved," said Deputy District Attorney Kibbe Day.
Moreover, STAART plans to enhance this reporting process with a mobile application that will allow business employees to report incidents directly from their smartphones. “This app will enable us to use the information to prosecute crimes effectively in our county,” Borgens explained. The app is expected to further facilitate cooperation between businesses and law enforcement.
Police emphasize the importance of immediate and safe reporting. Officer Robert Johnson advised, “When a theft happens, call 911 right away. Never try to stop a crime in progress as it could lead to injury.”
The next STAART meeting is scheduled for May 29, 2024, where community members will continue to discuss and refine strategies to combat retail theft effectively. This ongoing initiative represents a significant step towards safeguarding Stockton’s businesses and enhancing community safety.
