Colorado Springs police warn shoppers and businesses not to engage with shoplifters

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- After a major retail theft bust, police are warning businesses and shoppers to avoid trying to stop shoplifters on their own.

Last week, the Colorado Springs Police Department arrested eight people after catching them shoplifting on the spot.

Two of the people arrested face felony-level charges for possession of Fentanyl. One of the suspects also had a stolen handgun with him when he was arrested.

While CSPD is urging shoppers and retail stores to be more aware and vigilant of their surroundings, people are advised against confronting a shoplifter.

"You don't know what that person has with them whether it is a knife or a gun or what they are willing to do with the stuff that they have stolen so you are better off just letting them go," said Robert Tornabene with Colorado Springs Police Department.

During a shoplifting in El Paso County on Sept. 29, right outside of city limits, a Big R employee was run over by a suspect fleeing the scene.

Crime data provided by CSPD identified hotspots for shoplifters, which include stores like Walmart, Target, and SCHEELS.

Police say their shoplifting deployment will continue until the end of the year.

"This is not something that is going to go away easily, but also if you have items that are high value for those thieves, put them in a Plexiglass or locked cabinet so they can't easily get those items," suggested Tornabene.