Shoplifters are stepping up their game, and outsmarting detectors, by lining their shopping bags with aluminum foil. Yes, the technique beloved by high school kleptomaniacs of the ’90s is experiencing a revival by theft gangs.
Police explain that the bag has a normal exterior, but the inside foil lining allows them to drop items in the bag, and walk out without paying. Sounds like a sweet deal.
Thieves are taking advantage of newly launched Selangor laws, that prevent the use of plastic carrier bags, and bringing their own “special” sacks.
Two malls have reported being hit by the foil gang. Sunway Pyramid says that it has seen three separate incidents, and not just bags being lined.
“Some line their jackets and jeans pockets with aluminum foil so they can shoplift undetected,” said Sunway CFO Kevin Tan.
During peak-tourist season, syndicated from as far as South America flock to Malaysia, and will hit multiple malls during their stay here. As soon as one gets caught, the others will disperse.
Previous kleptomaniacs used to DIY their foil bags; however, now the bags are mass produced in Vietnam. They’re pretty fancy now, and mall security has to rely on shifty behavior of punters to bust thieves.
With over 350 CCTVs in the average mall, it’s either go big, and go home, or lose everything, go to jail, and get your picture on the shop wall as a warning.
