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Hernando Today

'Tis The Season For Shoplifting

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By TONY HOLT

Published: December 26, 2007

SPRING HILL - SPRING HILL - In spite of increased police presence in front of all the major retail stores, there are some who still try to steal while no one is looking.

The problem for them is that people are always looking.

Deputies said James J. McQuilkin and Robert L. Wiley were among those who recently learned the hard way.

Both men were arrested during a traffic stop Saturday after two loss prevention associates for Wal-Mart advised authorities they had stolen $1,600 worth of electronics a few days earlier.

The men were seen inside the store at 13300 Cortez Blvd. again during the weekend. Employees notified authorities, who were on the lookout for a black Ford Bronco with two white males and one female.

Following a traffic stop near the Suncoast Parkway, Wiley, 25, admitted to stealing the merchandise on Dec. 19, and McQuilkin, 33, admitted he was with Wiley and "knew what was going on," according to an arrest affidavit.

Both men were charged with retail theft.

"We take a proactive stance and that's how we've been able to curb shoplifting," said Deputy Donna Black, a Hernando County Sheriff's spokeswoman.

Black said her department typically does not see a rise in shoplifting during the holidays, but because of the bigger crowds, deputies have a larger presence.

They are either on foot, on a bicycle or patrolling the parking lots in their vehicles, Black said.

Big Brother also has a presence in and out of the stores. Video cameras have regularly been useful in identifying shoplifters.

"We continually strive to continue to deter crime in our stores and parking lots (by) including the installation of additional security cameras to increasing parking lot lighting," said Kory Lundberg, a Wal-Mart spokesman.

"Our aggressive, proactive safety measures work," he continued. "They've helped us prevent and interrupt crimes. They've helped our associates and managers become more vigilant and aware of potential criminal activity in our stores all year long."

Deputies also arrested a woman Christmas Eve after she was confronted by two employees at the CVS store on Cortez Blvd.

Eileen Cusumano, 44, was observed stealing plastic cups and candy canes from the store, authorities said.

When confronted, Cusumano removed the plastic cups from her purse and swung them at one of the employees, striking her in the face, deputies said.

Cusumano was arrested at her home and charged with retail theft, resisting a merchant and misdemeanor battery.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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