QuikTrip has increased security and put locks on cabinets and drawers behind checkout stands and on cooler doors for some items, he said. But now criminals are breaking off the locks.

“We are here to ask you today as you go through deliberations, please understand not everything fits every size,” Thornbrugh said. “We are concerned about the habitual career criminal. That is how they make their livelihood. We are not going after somebody that comes in and steals a donut because they are hungry.”

Oklahoma County Public Defender Bob Ravitz questioned Thornbrugh on his claims.

“You mentioned that you were in numerous states,” Ravitz said. “Every one of those states you are in have a higher felony limit than the $1,000 felony limit that Oklahoma has. How come we have the problem that you are enunciating that other states don’t have?”

“Bob, I wish I could give you that answer,” Thornbrugh said. “All I can do is to tell you the statistics we have and what we deal with day in and day out in those various states. I am not trying to avoid your question. I don’t know. We would like to know the answer to that, too.”

Ravitz said he didn’t understand Thornbrugh’s statement that the increases came after the implementation of State Question 780.