WHSV compared reported incidents of shoplifting in Harrisonburg, Waynesboro and Staunton from January 1 through June 29 for 2008 and 2009.

- In Harrisonburg, reported shoplifting cases increased from 58 in 2008 to 97 in 2009.
- In Waynesboro, reported cases increased from 57 to 81.
- In Staunton, reported cases decreased from 84 to 67.

In Harrisonburg, along with a 67-percent increase in shoplifting cases, shoplifting arrests have risen by 181 percent.

Police officials think the recession is partly to blame.

"I certainty think the economy has a lot to play with shoplifting and other types of crimes. People are losing jobs, which is an unfortunate situation, and I think that definitely plays into the increase in shoplifting incidences," says Mary Hope Gangwer, Harrisonburg Police Department Public Information Officer.

While reported shoplifting has increased, one supermarket owners says unreported shoplifting of smaller items is a common occurrence.

"From candy and gum to packs of steaks or whatever. It's everyday all day for shoplifting unfortunately," says Red Front Supermarket President, John Garber. "We typically see a bump in the summer months, with kids being out on the streets, although it's not always kids doing it of course."