Chief’s Corner

By Chief Steven J. Wojnar

Dudley Police Department

            On Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11th, I was posed with a question about the charge of shoplifting.  Some of the folks were in search of an explanation for a portion of this law.  In particular, they wondered what was shoplifting by “asportation.”
            Shoplifting, under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266 Section 30A, contains many definitions which comprises a violation.  Asportation is contained in the first section of this law.  It is defined by Webster's Dictionary as "The act of carrying a thing away; the removing of a thing from one place to another."  This is the common offense which most people associate with shoplifting.  The definition can be rather complex, however; it generally involves intentionally taking possession of an item and carrying it away from the place in which it is stored.  Several other charges are contained in this section including concealment, altering merchandise, label switching, and more. 
            Shoplifting cost the retail industry billions of dollars each year and the losses are passed on to the paying customers.  The asportation of merchandise may be considered as the most common form of shoplifting.  Penalties can include a fine or jail time, depending on the value of the item.  Police officers also have a statutory right of arrest for this charge without a warrant. 

            I wish to thank, and also congratulate, the Dudley Veterans Agent, Mr. Richard Holewa, and the Webster Veterans Agent (and local Dudley boy) Mr. Donald Baker, for another fitting and appropriate observance of Veterans Day on Saturday November 11th.  Brief ceremonies were held in both Towns along with a parade from the Dudley Veterans Court of Honor to the Webster Veterans Court of Honor.  It was great to see all the veterans and their organizations, the scouts, and the numerous others who came out to pay their respect to all our veterans, past and present.  These two gentlemen were also recognized for their efforts and dedication to the Veterans of the area.  Thank you again for this remembrance and thanks to all who put their lives on the line in service to this country. 

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