WESLACO – The Weslaco Police Department revealed reports of shoplifting rose nearly 30 percent in the first three months of 2017, compared to the same timeline last year.

They added businesses located at shopping centers are being targeted the most, especially stores located near I-2.

Weslaco police spokesperson Bernie Garza attributed the rise in reports to an increased police presence near busy shopping centers.

“That 28 percent increase from last year; we attribute that to our efforts already being there. We’re going to continue being out there diligently to catch these people to prevent the crime from occurring in the first place,” he said.

Garza added smaller, locally-owned shops in the city are not being targeted as much.

Anyone with information on shoplifting or any other crimes should contact the Weslaco Police Department at 956-968-8591.