Two men from the US state of Colorado who had been convicted of felony theft for stealing over $2,000 worth of goods made a bold argument saying that their charge should be lessened since some of the items they stole were on sale.

<h2>‘KitchenAid Mixer Crew’</h2>

Michael Green (50) and Byron Bolden (37) were formally sentenced after being convicted of robbing a Kohl’s department store in a Colorado town named Parker.&nbsp;

The duo, according to the prosecutors, were dubbed the “KitchenAid Mixer Crew,” after they stole a number of branded shoes, clothing, and several high-end kitchen appliances, but also due to their alleged association with other retail thefts.

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Green and Bolden were identified and caught by the store’s surveillance footage and had initially pleaded not guilty.&nbsp;

But it was during their trial when defence lawyers for the two men “suggested to a jury that their clients should only face a lesser misdemeanour charge because some of the items they stole were being offered ‘on sale’,” according to the district attorney’s office.&nbsp;

“Just because an item is ‘on sale’ doesn’t mean it’s free to steal, and these defendants now get to think about this lesson in jail and prison,” said district attorney John Kellner presiding over the case, according to a press release.&nbsp;

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He added, “Retailers in our community are fed up with theft and my office will actively prosecute these offenders.” The jury ultimately convicted the pair of felony theft.

The US has reportedly witnessed a surge in retail theft. According to the data collected in the 2023 National Retail Security Survey found that total retail losses due to theft rose to $112.1 billion in 2022, up 19 per cent from 2021, but the reports are not always accurate.&nbsp;

In the US state of Colorado, theft under $2,000 is a misdemeanour while theft between $2,000 and $5,000 is a Class 6 felony. The so-called “KitchenAid Mixer Crew,” stole items worth $2,094.98 and were convicted of felony theft.&nbsp;

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<h2>Where are they now?</h2>

According to American media reports, Green was sentenced to 15 months in prison but is currently in the Department of Corrections on a separate conviction. Meanwhile, Bolden was sentenced to 90 days in jail with credit for time served as a condition of 18 months of probation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two men from the US state of Colorado who had been convicted of felony theft for stealing over $2,000 worth of goods made a bold argument saying that their charge should be lessened since some of the items they stole were on sale.

Two men from the US state of Colorado who had been convicted of felony theft for stealing over $2,000 worth of goods made a bold argument saying that their charge should be lessened since some of the items they stole were on sale. ‘KitchenAid Mixer Crew’ Michael Green (50) and Byron Bolden (37) were formally sentenced after being convicted of robbing a Kohl’s department store in a Colorado town named Parker. The duo, according to the prosecutors, were dubbed the “KitchenAid Mixer Crew,” after they stole a number of branded shoes, clothing, and several high-end kitchen appliances, but also due to their alleged association with other retail thefts. ALSO READ | Indian PM Modi's new social media strategy: Emojis, elections, 'Money Heist' Green and Bolden were identified and caught by the store’s surveillance footage and had initially pleaded not guilty. But it was during their trial when defence lawyers for the two men “suggested to a jury that their clients should only face a lesser misdemeanour charge because some of the items they stole were being offered ‘on sale’,” according to the district attorney’s office. “Just because an item is ‘on sale’ doesn’t mean it’s free to steal, and these defendants now get to think about this lesson in jail and prison,” said district attorney John Kellner presiding over the case, according to a press release. ALSO READ | Republican-led House authorises Biden impeachment inquiry; US prez calls it ‘baseless political stunt’ He added, “Retailers in our community are fed up with theft and my office will actively prosecute these offenders.” The jury ultimately convicted the pair of felony theft. The US has reportedly witnessed a surge in retail theft. According to the data collected in the 2023 National Retail Security Survey found that total retail losses due to theft rose to $112.1 billion in 2022, up 19 per cent from 2021, but the reports are not always accurate. In the US state of Colorado, theft under $2,000 is a misdemeanour while theft between $2,000 and $5,000 is a Class 6 felony. The so-called “KitchenAid Mixer Crew,” stole items worth $2,094.98 and were convicted of felony theft. ALSO READ | India: Who let the crocs out? Crocodile captured from Chennai road Where are they now? According to American media reports, Green was sentenced to 15 months in prison but is currently in the Department of Corrections on a separate conviction. Meanwhile, Bolden was sentenced to 90 days in jail with credit for time served as a condition of 18 months of probation. (With inputs from agencies)

Thieves steal from department store, then bargain for lesser charge saying items were on sale anyway

Retail theft in Australia has hit record levels, the government statistics show, putting pressure on grocery giants like Coles Group Ltd and Woolworths Group Ltd which are already struggling with rising supply costs and freight blockages.

Store theft in New South Wales rose by 23.7 per cent from 2021 to 2022, the official figures showed on Thursday, being the fastest year-on-year increase since records began in the year 1995, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Australia: Cost of living, interest rates surge | Global Inflation

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Australia's third-largest state, Queensland this January had the highest monthly rate of shop theft on record, the police data showed.&nbsp;

Analysts and social researchers are raising concerns that surging living costs, from grocery shelf prices to rising power bills to mortgages, will not only drive up crime in the country but&nbsp; also have an impact on profits at market giants&nbsp;Woolworths and Coles. These companies together account for two-thirds of Australia's grocery sales and noticed rising store theft in trading last month.

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A retail analyst Craig Woolford said, "we would see a risk that that continues to rise if and when we start to see an increase in unemployment and tougher economic conditions."

He added that supermarkets run on very thin or small profit margins and one only needs a small change in the stock loss to have an impact on the profitability.&nbsp;

Matt Swindells, Cole's Chief Operating Officer, said that since the company&nbsp;was experiencing "elevated theft," it is now investing in staff training and technology to counter it.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Retail theft in Australia has hit record levels, the government statistics show, putting pressure on grocery giants like Coles Group Ltd and Woolworths Group Ltd which are already struggling with rising supply costs and freight blockages.

Retail theft in Australia has hit record levels, the government statistics show, putting pressure on grocery giants like Coles Group Ltd and Woolworths Group Ltd which are already struggling with rising supply costs and freight blockages. Store theft in New South Wales rose by 23.7 per cent from 2021 to 2022, the official figures showed on Thursday, being the fastest year-on-year increase since records began in the year 1995, Reuters reported. Watch | Australia: Cost of living, interest rates surge | Global Inflation Australia's third-largest state, Queensland this January had the highest monthly rate of shop theft on record, the police data showed. Analysts and social researchers are raising concerns that surging living costs, from grocery shelf prices to rising power bills to mortgages, will not only drive up crime in the country but also have an impact on profits at market giants Woolworths and Coles. These companies together account for two-thirds of Australia's grocery sales and noticed rising store theft in trading last month. Also read | India's retail inflation shrinks to 5.72 per cent for December 2022 as food prices dip A retail analyst Craig Woolford said, "we would see a risk that that continues to rise if and when we start to see an increase in unemployment and tougher economic conditions." He added that supermarkets run on very thin or small profit margins and one only needs a small change in the stock loss to have an impact on the profitability. Matt Swindells, Cole's Chief Operating Officer, said that since the company was experiencing "elevated theft," it is now investing in staff training and technology to counter it. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Australia: Record retail theft puts pressure on supermarket giants

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