CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) – One Heartland business has been fighting against a growing problem of shoplifting, especially during the holiday season.

For over a year, Annie Laurie’s, an antique store in Cape Girardeau, has struggled with shoplifting incidents. With the holiday season upon us, the business has decided to turn the situation around and make shopping easier and safer for customers.

From missing jewelry to ripped tags in dressing rooms and empty hangers, shopping lifting harmed the business. To decrease this issue, Annie Laurie’s implemented a “no big bags or backpacks” policy.

While the new rule was aimed at stopping shoplifters Ashley Sweet, with Annie Laurie’s, said the bag policy came with its own set of challenges.

“So first, we started by checking bags behind the counter, and we would make sure there was always somebody that was working,” said Sweet. “One of the associates was behind the counter and kept an eye on it, but that just didn’t always make customers feel comfortable, and so we were trying to think of a way that keeps everyone safe.”

In response to these concerns, Annie Laurie’s devised a new idea: a customer locker system. The new locker system gives customers a secure place to store their personal items.

After locking up their bags, shoppers are given a key to take with them while they continue to shop, hands-free and without worrying about their belongings.

“For the most part, everyone understands and gets it. I think this is definitely something you’re saying a lot more in bigger cities where they’re not allowing you to have the big book bags and big large purses and we don’t see it as much here in Cape Girardeau yet,” said Sweet. “You know, there is a little feedback or a little pushback on it, but for the most part, people are understanding.”

Sweet said the new locker system has been well-received by shoppers, especially during the holiday season when crowds are larger. Eight lockers are currently available to store bigger bags or backpacks. Belt bags and smaller purses do not have to be put away.

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