COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — Council Bluffs police say the city saw a 30 percent increase in shoplifting arrests last year compared to 2014. The Daily Nonpareil says  the police records department reported 1,013 shoplifting arrests as of Dec. 30. During the previous year, Council Bluffs police say they arrested 772 people for the crime.

Anyone who is arrested for allegedly stealing items worth less than $500 is considered a shoplifter. Council Bluffs Police Sgt. Dave Dawson says the opening of a new Walmart store likely played a role in the increase.