Jill's Journal: South Dakota’s Valentine’s Day honesty
When it comes to love, I’m happy to report that South Dakotans have a reputation for being honest.
At least, that’s what a new study showed in a press release that popped up in my email last week, and the topic just so happened pique my interest.
The study, conducted by criminal defense lawyers at Los Angeles-based Simmrin Law Group, apparently analyzed FBI data for February shoplifting trends between 2020 and 2023 for each state. The incidents were calculated per 100,000 residents and ranked to reveal the top 10 states most prone to shoplifting during Valentine’s.
South Dakota was nowhere close to a top 10 ranking. In fact, the Mount Rushmore State wasn’t even mentioned.
The study revealed that fifth-place South Carolina sees 33.47 incidents per 100,000 residents, putting it about 68 percent above the national average of 19.95. The Palmetto State’s February average stands at 1,755.25 between 2020 and 2023, peaking at 2,232 reported thefts in 2020.
Looking at the study, a spokesperson from Simmrin Law commented:
“In South Carolina, February brings a busy shopping season as people prepare for Valentine’s Day. Cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville experience increased retail traffic, which, combined with areas of poverty, can lead to a rise in theft cases. Crowded stores and high demand for gifts provide opportunities for individuals or groups to commit theft, reflecting the economic challenges they may face during this time.
“Hence, shop owners are advised to position high-value or frequently stolen items along central aisles or near the checkout counter where they are easily monitored.”
In my opinion, nothing says “Happy Valentine’s Day” better than candy, flowerw or a frilly pair of panties that were tucked in a coat pocket. I guess one could consider that method as truly a “hand-picked” gift. And there’s surely nothing “sweet about that.”
In case you’re curious, here are the Top 10 states with the highest shoplifting incidents:
• New Mexico – 43.48 shoplifting incidents per 100,000 residents;
• Delaware – 40.51;
• Tennessee – 35.19;
• Oregon – 34.90;
• South Carolina – 33.47;
• Washington – 30.51;
• Montana – 30.27;
• Virginia – 28.24;
• North Carolina – 27.63;
• Colorado – 27.37
