Why You Should Be Suspicious of Someone Taking Pictures and Video in Kentucky Stores
Smartphones have changed our lives in so many ways. They allow us to be available nearly 24 hours a day, seven days a week in case someone needs to get ahold of us for whatever reason, plus they give us the ability to look up the answer to any question we have at any time. They also help keep us entertained when we're waiting somewhere or on a long road trip, and thanks to the continuously improving technology, let us take high-quality pictures and videos comparable to high-quality cameras used by professionals. But, like with anything else, there are people who will use that technology for the wrong reasons.
Kentucky Police Department Warns Business Owners of Suspicious Picture-Takers
The Madisonville, Kentucky Police Department (MPD) recently issued an advisory to business owners on its Facebook page after receiving an increased number of reports of people taking pictures of videos inside their establishments. While you may think that's harmless, and more times than not it probably is, the Department believes some of these individuals are taking the pictures and videos for the purpose of "casing the joint." Meaning, they may be using them to plan a future theft of the business.
I think it's highly unlikely a couple of teenagers taking selfies near the clothing racks while trying on sunglasses (teenagers do that, right?) are part of some massive theft ring and are going to use those pictures for something other than posting them to their Instagram stories. But, if someone appears to be trying to take a picture or video discreetly and are looking around to make sure no one is watching, then the idea that they may be planning on taking that item without paying for it somewhere down the road isn't out of the realm of possibility.
Not Just a Madisonville or Kentucky Issue
In its Facebook post, the Madisonville Police Department said the alleged suspicious activity isn't solely an issue in Madisonville or the state of Kentucky. Reports of similar activity have been submitted from around the region. If you're a business owner or employee and you notice something that doesn't seem quite right, the MPD suggests you report it by calling Hopkins County Central Dispatch or the central dispatch of whatever county you're in.
[Source: Madisonville Police Department on Facebook]