Sign of the times: Shoplifting in ABC stores in Hampton Roads is on the rise. The thefts are creating such a strain on the resources of local law enforcement that Virginia Beach’s police chief is calling for the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority’s Bureau of Law Enforcement to take over primary responsibility for investigating liquor thefts.

Reports The Virginian-Pilot:

Roughly 31,000 bottles of alcohol worth more than $1.6 million have been stolen from Virginia ABC stores so far this year, according to data provided by the authority from Jan. 1 through Oct. 16. In the Hampton Roads region, Norfolk has had the most thefts to date with 6,199 bottles of booze stolen at a total value of more than $233,000.

The Pilot did not say how much thefts increased statewide compared to the previous year, but it did note that shoplifting from ABC stores in the City of Chesapeake rose by 90% from 2022 to 2023.

The worst theft problems at ABC stores have been by organized crime groups in Northern Virginia, said Tom Kirby, ABC chief operations officer. Thieves have such a predilection for Cognac that the Authority is considering putting bottles in clear lock boxes on the shelves. — JAB