Theft can be a serious topic in Fort Thomas, so we are addressing it in two local businesses to help out the community’s safety.

​Although Fort Thomas is generally considered a safe community, theft remains the most common type of crime. When it does happen, it’s usually theft of small items. Theft has become an ongoing concern for local businesses, affecting both employees and daily operations, although incidents commonly vary over time.

​According to Niche, in Fort Thomas, theft occurs at a rate of 380 incidents per 100,000 residents annually. It is lower than the national average of over 2,000, but it still represents a significant change for a small and relatively safe town.

​Officer Zach Rolfer, a local school resource police officer, is familiar with theft trends in the area and says theft is constantly evolving.

​“Theft has always and will always occur, but it’s constantly changing how it happens,” Officer Rolfer said.

​Raj, an employee at a local subway said the uncertainty of theft can affect workers mentally.

​“…because as employees, it can affect us mentally, because [we] can be scared of people trying to steal, since we won’t know if the next person coming in is here to do something bad,” Raj said.

​This concern focuses on the impact on employees who may feel unsafe in unpredictable situations. Rather than large, obvious incidents, theft today often occurs in smaller, less noticeable ways. This shift can make it harder for employees and business owners to identify problems and prevent them.

​Rotel, a convenience store worker, talks about many thefts involving younger customers and inexpensive items.

​“Most of the customers are kids, so mostly candy but not much,” Rotel said.​

​This shift is evident in how theft shows up around town today, often in smaller, less noticeable ways. Because of this, theft doesn’t always look the way people expect it to anymore.

​Theft is also consistently affecting local businesses, shaping how people go about their daily routines and raising questions about how the community can respond. However, when theft shows up in everyday life, it’s easier to understand why it continues to be an issue. Instead of one clear pattern, theft shows up in different ways depending on the situation.