Who would have thought shoplifting was such a big problem in Tasmania. When I was a kid the only thing I knew about this small locale was it was home to Taz – Looney Tunes’ Tasmanian Devil.

But there is ever-so-much-more to Tasmania – including a very bad shoplifting problem. Financial stress has triggered a surge in shoplifting in Tasmania, with thieves pilfering more than $155 million from the state's retailers in the past year. As reported in www.themercury.com.au.

The economic downturn meant the most common items being stolen were everyday goods including baby food. Other commonly shoplifted items include razor blades, cosmetics, batteries and gasoline . The Tasmanian losses of $155.4 million were part of the $7.5 billion lost nationally last year to shoplifting.

The recent economic downturn has prompted more than just a surge in retail shoplifting. It also has led to a rise in anti-social behavior generally. Employees are complaining of abuse both verbal and physical, including a rash of customers spitting on them.

The shoplifters are totally brazen. Not only are they unconcerned about the cameras capturing their theft behavior but also abuse employees who confront them. What barbarism!

Tasmania should implement mandatory stop theft and shoplifting classes for all their youth. From my research Tasmania could use a national stop theft class. If so, I have one to recommend!