Hotel Thieves

Today’s Chicago Tribune has a story on hotel (and restaurant) thieves. The article is not about the conventional thief but genuine customers who come in intending to use (and pay for) the hostelry but end up pocketing anything from sundry items to high ticket articles like bedsheets. While not a development in the industry, it is a phenomenon that takes constant vigilance and innovation to combat. As the article notes hotels have taken to innovative ideas that entice customers into buying rather than pilfering coveted items. Most hoteliers know it but the most common items that are stolen are ” Ashtrays, TV remote controls, Bathrobes, Silverware, Alarm clocks, Radios, CD players, Bed linens, Towels, Light bulbs”. Hoteliers may add a few of their own such as irons, (small) lamps and even artwork.