ATLANTA — During the pandemic, shoplifters and burglars have stolen billions of dollars from large retail stores like Home Depot, Walmart and Lowes. Now, thieves are targeting smaller independent neighborhood businesses.
Dionne Fraser-Carter is co-owner of Zinah Artistic Retail, an art gallery and creative design studio that burglars targeted early Tuesday morning on Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard in southwest Atlanta.
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“I feel violated more than anything. It’s disheartening,” said Fraser-Carter.
The thieves made off with more than $1,000 cash and merchandise. It’s one of three stores that criminals entered along a single block.
“When we get hit, it’s not just a direct hit to us. It’s a hit to the community,” said business co-owner Ginger Fortune.
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Atlanta police are also investigating a “flash mob” shoplifting attack on a small clothing store on Piedmont Road in Buckhead.
A group of six men, masked and dressed in black, entered Toussaint Nami on Feb. 15 and grabbed an estimated $25,000 in high-end hip hop attire and accessories. They cleaned out the store, and there was nothing clerks could do but watch. The theft was captured on security store cameras.
“That’s crazy. Big or small, that’s your business. It’s just sad to see things like that. It’s just sad,” said a person near the store.
Atlanta police are also asking for the public’s help in identifying three to four women who entered a designer store in Lenox Square Mall and made off with $2,500 in handbags and other merchandise earlier this month.
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Atlanta police say they will follow up and investigate when a retailer reports a shoplifting or burglary. Atlanta City Council and the Georgia General Assembly are considering legislation to curb an epidemic rise in retail theft.
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