FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — A brazen thief is caught on camera stealing hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise from a small business in Franklin.
Employees at The Shop Around the Corner on 3rd Avenue North said the incident happened Saturday afternoon. They noticed some merchandise was missing, and reviewed their security cameras to find out why. They saw a woman enter the store, walk around, and grab a sweater and put it in her large bag. She casually talked with store employees before walking out.
The store owner estimated the woman got away with around $500 worth of clothing and jewelry, which is a big hit for a small, locally-owned business.
“We just can’t believe it,” said Teresa Powers, Owner of The Shop Around the Corner. “It was all very fast. She wasn’t in here longer than 20 minutes.”
Powers said she didn’t recognize the woman, and didn’t believe she had been in the store before.
The Shop Around the Corner has been in Franklin for about 10 years. There are four separate boutiques under one roof that sell clothing, jewelry, home décor and art.
Saturday’s incident marks the second time in two weeks someone has stolen items from the store.
“We know this kind of thing happens everywhere,” said Paula Hey, owner of the HeyDay Gift Shop. “I think we tend to think it isn’t going to happen here, but it does.”
The store is already armed with security cameras. Powers said in the future, employees will need to stay alert and keep an eye out for any customers acting suspiciously.
The store is located in a busy area of Franklin, and employees expect foot traffic to increase throughout the holiday shopping season.
Powers did report the incident to Franklin Police. She also shared photos of the thief on social media in hopes of warning other nearby businesses.
If you have any information on the theft, call Franklin Police at (615) 791-3217.
