With several grocery stores in St. Paul noticing more sophisticated thefts at their businesses, the Chamber of commerce is putting together an information network that stores can use.

The idea came from a meeting between some of the larger retailers in town. One store reported having an entire shopping cart of meat lifted from its inventory, which required a coordinated effort from four different people to pull off.

The network will allow stores to inform each other of potential thieves. President Kevin Bernhardt explains that businesses can email the chamber with information of any thefts, which will then be emailed to all other members.

A second meeting will be held in the new year that will include more businesses to expand the network’s reach.