A security guard was terminated from employment after he stopped a teenager from attempting to steal alcohol, because he allegedly went against the company policy that only selected officers could deal with shoplifting situations. Dean Babcock, a 54-year old former policeman who is now a security guard at a local Targer, said that Monday he spotted a 16-year old girl attempting to steal a bottle of tequila worth $45. Upon closer inspection, Babcock identified the girl as the same one who security cameras caught stealing a bottle of rum a few days earlier.

Local authorities reported that a bank in the town's shopping center was held up Thursday by an old man in a wheelchair. Reports say that the suspect was an elderly white male, between 65 and 70 years old, has grey hair and was sporting a beard. He was immobilized, police said, as he was seen with bandaged legs, with one in a cast.

British magazine Bookseller recently published poll results that revealed the past year's three strangest book titles, continuing the magazine's annual trend. The award, named the Diagram Prize, for the oddest book title for 2007 was given to one titled "If You Want Closure In Your Relationship, Start With Your Legs. "

earing their best stiletto heels, around 150 young women dashed in Amsterdam's 'Stiletto Run', in a bid to win the $15,000 (10,000 euros) cash prize. The annual race on PC Hooft street, on its third run, has fast grown in popularity and has been imitated in Germany, Sweden, Poland and Russia. The race's motto is "Shopping is a Sport" and friendly competition is encouraged, but usually not practiced by the aggressive participants.

The latest look at shopping comes from Shermans Travel, which has put together its list of the top spots for "shopaholics. " The Thai capital Bangkok topped the list for its reputation as one of the best shopping destinations in Asia. Good finds in the city are high-quality silk, jewelry, and traditional crafts for a reasonable amount of money. Buenos Aires in Argentina is cited for its low cost leather products. Denmark's Copenhagen is among the top five for its wide-range of merchandise especially home accessories and glassware such as Holmegaard and Royal Copenhagen Porcelain.