PORTLAND, Ore. – Hard times are pushing more people to steal, according to retailers who have noted a recent surge in shoplifting.

Meanwhile, new and more technology being deployed by retailers has also led to more people getting caught in the act on video.

But retailers also said shoplifters are getting bolder and that organized shoplifting rings are becoming more common – and more effective.

One suspect reportedly shoplifted multiple high definition televisions from a Wilsonville Target store – and then called the store to taunt and brag about the crime.

Another man caught by security personnel tried to make off with six Nintendo Wii game consoles.

A female shoplifting suspect is accused of stealing more than $150,000 worth of goods over time.

Police said new laws in Oregon mean that people getting caught shoplifting now face a stiff penalty.

“It could be a pack of gum, and if you didn't pay for it you, you could be susceptible to a $2,500 fine,” Sgt. Bob Ray with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office told KATU News.

But the biggest threat to retailers are the recently discovered organized shoplifting rings. The groups are organized and have channels to moves stolen goods quickly. One such ring was recently busted in Portland.

Stolen items were sold at a fraction of retail value to buyers who placed orders ahead of the thefts. The suspects essentially had a shopping list of things to steal.

The buyers often paid for their stolen goods in an exchange near a downtown food cart. Suspects were rounded up after police staked out the cart and recorded the alleged transactions on video.

Back at Target, updated security systems may include cameras transmitting images to security experts hundreds of miles away who coordinate with local law enforcement and in-store personnel to catch thieves.

Target stores reportedly send video feeds from their 1,700 stores to regional centers for review.
      
And Kroger, the parent company of Fred Meyer, is adding devices in the check-out lane to alert cashiers if items are on the bottom of the cart.

Many retail outlets keep their security precautions private to avoid tipping off would-be shoplifters and out of privacy concerns from shoppers about intense surveillance.