Utah’s crackdown on shoplifting appears to be achieving results at least in the juvenile category. W. James Mortimer of Salt Lake City, new president of the Utah Retail Merchants Association, reports that juvenile shoplifting in the state has dropEqed 35 per cent since merchants unched their anti-larceny campaign. The campaign slogan, “Shoplifting doesnt pay – you do,” places a sobering fact before the public. Somebody has to pay for the substantial larceny bill and the burden hits the public in the form of higher price. But that’s only part of it- the thieves caught shoplifting face heavy penalties themselves. Mr. Mortimer said the association intends to “keep the pressure on.” He noted that this year’s legislature authorized a study committee on shoplifting. ”It’s our aim to re-examine shoplifting from every possible angle – not only from the merchants viewpoint but from the position of law enforcement officials, courts, juvenile authorities, psychologists, etc.” A 1975 law passed by the Legislature gave impetus to the anti-shoplifting drive, with provisions conducive to a crackdown, including stiffer penalties. The retail merchants association supports the measure, which generally appears to have good public acceptance. Shoplifting is a scourge and a blight on our society. Any positive steps to stamp it out should be encouraged. As with so many crimes, public education and recognition of the problem are good initial steps. So They Say ”I’m in possession of some information, which I w0n’t disclose, that leads me to believe that I would be elected to office, if I choose to seek it.” – Former Vice President Spiro Agnew, saying chances are 90 to 10 against his seeking a political comeback. ‘ “This study is a crime. And if those responsible for it were tossed in jail, I’ll bet they wouldn’t need a dime of the taxpayers money to decide why they wanted to get out.” – Sen. William Proxmire, giving his “Golden Fleece of the Month” award to the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration for its spending nearly $27,000 to determine “Why Inmates Want to Escape from Prison.”