BEAUMONT — Years ago, James Eller had a group of about five individuals steal some of his trailer equipment. He ended up tracking down the thieves and getting them arrested. Eller said since that time he's paid more attention to people to make sure what happened to him doesn't happen to anyone else.
Eller said whenever he goes to hardware stores, electronic stores, etc., he comes across similar people, usually addicts or individuals down on their luck.
"I monitor them and watch them end up walk out with products, I stop them at the door," said Eller.
Eller said he follows all kinds of safety guidelines to protect himself, but he does what he can to deter them from taking the items. After they leave the store, he takes photos of their license plates and reports it to the store managers, police, and even his social media.
Eller said he posts to various Facebook pages to let the public know to watch out, but it's not always well received.
"I've gotten all kind of hate from the family members or friends of those individuals," said Eller.
On the other hand, Eller has come across appreciative family that thank him for letting them know what those committing the crime are up to. One individual is even going back to rehab after a family member came across Eller's post about their shoplifting.
Eller explains shoplifting not only affects the stores, but affects the consumer.
"It ends up being the consumer is still paying for everything they take up to that point, so how long is it going to take and how long is the consumer going to have to pay," said Eller.
While Eller admits he's not always the most friendly to those caught stealing, he does try to help the individuals after the fact.
"I'm not trying to pick on anybody, I'm trying to put them out there to the public so maybe someone can help them," said Eller.
Eller said in one of the stores he visits frequently he's prevented almost $10,000 from being stolen in a months time.
Beaumont Police Sergeant Cody Guidry says the appreciate the community's assistance in the prevention of crime.
"As long as it does not create a safety issue we welcome it," said Guidry.