Alcatraz East Crime Museum is putting retail theft in the spotlight and coordinating food and toy donations for charity

PIGEON FORGE, TN – Alcatraz East Crime Museum is opening a new temporary display targeting retail theft on December 12, 2025, that will remain open through March 2025. The display, titledSticky Fingers, Heavy Consequences: The True Cost of Retail Crime, will feature some of the most frequently stolen items, along with information about retail theft that will help consumers and businesses alike.

"Though we may not think about it, retail theft impacts us all," said Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “It is not a victimless crime, and the more aware we are, the better we can learn ways to prevent it as both businesses and consumers."

The temporary display will share some of the most commonly stolen retail items, along with information on the counterfeit industry and prevention tips to remember when shopping this holiday season. The display will be helpful to consumers and businesses who want to learn more about the issue, its consequences and penalties, and what can be done to curb retail theft.

Theft from stores and other businesses has always been an issue, but in recent years it's become more sophisticated and widespread. The National Retail Federation reports an increase across a variety of methods, including cargo theft and shoplifting, both in person and online. They report that retail crime is becoming increasingly complex, and businesses are scrambling to keep up with preventive measures.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a special report on Flash Rob groups committing retail theft and how it is a growing trend. A Flash Rob is when an organized group steals from a single retail store. The FBI reported that over four years, flash-mob retail robbery resulted in more than $8 million in goods stolen and more than $51,000 in property damage.

"We also have some great opportunities this month to help people in our community," Pennington said. "We encourage everyone to find a way to give back this holiday season if you can. We are happy to be a part of helping to make it happen!"

Alcatraz East Crime Museum will be hosting a food drive to benefit Sevier County Food Ministries. They are accepting donations of non-perishable foods, including canned meat, peanut butter, canned soup, and can openers. They will be accepting food donations through December 16, 2025. All patrons who make a food donation will be eligible to receive $2 off their admission ticket. To learn more about the ministry, visit the site at: seviercountyfoodministries.org

Those looking to help kids have a happy holiday season can drop off a new, unwrapped toy that will be donated to Toys for Tots. Alcatraz East will be a drop-off location through December 14, 2025, with all toys collected being donated to the Pigeon Forge chapter of Toys for Tots. For more information about the organization, visit the site at: www.toysfortots.org

The museum features over 100 exhibits and interactives, as well as four temporary exhibit spaces, showcasing many famous items, including Al Capone's rosary, Ted Bundy's dental molds, and Charles Manson's acoustic guitar. This top museum is open daily at 10 am. The last tickets are sold 60 minutes before closing. These interactive experiences are available for an additional fee for birthday parties, school groups, scouts, team building, or other special events. To get a discounted rate for groups of 15 or more, complete the online form and allow up to 72 hours for confirmation. For more information about tickets, discounts, temporary exhibits, and all the museum has to offer, visit the website: www.alcatrazeast.com.

Alcatraz East Crime Museum has updated its board of crime experts, which includes Derwin Bradley, a retired master police officer; James R. Knight, a crime writer; Robin Maynard, a certified crime scene investigator in Florida; Derek Newport, a law enforcement veteran who worked for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for 20 years; and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who presided over the notorious case against Casey Anthony, among others.

Source:
National Retail Federation.The Impact of Retail Theft & Violence Report. 2025. Read Report

Federal Bureau of Investigation.FBI Releases: Reported Flash Mob Shoplifting Incidents: 2020-2024 Special Report. December 3, 2025. Read Report