Feb 28, 2021 Customers shop Nov. 28 at Balfour of Norman during Small Business Saturday. While a recent study finds shoplifting has increased nationally since the beginning of the pandemic, local business leaders and law enforcement said the trend does not hold true for most businesses in Norman. Kyle Phillps / The Transcript While a recent study finds shoplifting has increased across the country over the last year, the national trend does not hold true for most businesses in Norman, owners and law enforcement said. The study from shows that 88% of small businesses experience shoplifting, and 40% have experienced an increase in shoplifting since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Washington Post also reported in December a marked increase in theft of food and hygiene products during the pandemic.