CRIME FORCES STORES TO CLOSE, PRICES TO RISE

Changes in how Corporate America is handling crime and thefts within their retail stores have been hitting like a freight train recently. Some changes are visibly noticeable as we shop, and others at the checkout counter. And sadly, some of these stores are completely disappearing from our communities. When thinking of retail theft, the first thought that comes to mind for many is “shoplifting”, but the crime factor runs much deeper and is hitting our pocketbooks in the same manner.

Current headlines are announcing the closing of retail stores in areas where crime is rampant and criminal prosecutions for thefts are practically nonexistent. One retail giant, Walmart, has recently closed numerous stores in the Portland, Oregon area, which has adversely affected over 600 employees. They have also shut down stores in other areas of America over the past few years, for two principal reasons; the rise in retail thefts and community crime.

Following suit is the Tennessee-based Cracker Barrel Restaurant chain, which is joining the closings in Oregon. Other retail giants, such as Starbucks and McDonalds, are also among the ranks. These closures result in the loss of employment and inconveniences to consumers, and are also reflecting a sad state of affairs for their communities.

Blame cannot be misdirected toward these corporate giants, who are not at fault for pulling away from certain communities. Corporate executives have priorities and two of their main ones are to keep their employees safe and to make a profit. In these crime-riddled communities, neither of these benchmarks are being met; therefore, forcing companies to pull their assets. According to the National Retail Federation, yearly retail thefts are rapidly approaching the $100 billion mark. In examining just one major retail chain, Target, they are reporting a 50% increase in thefts over last year, amounting to a $400 million loss. And small mom-and-pop businesses that are closing for these reasons run into the thousands. These are unstainable numbers for retailers to continue with, leaving only two choices for survival; closing stores or passing the financial losses on to the consumer. Neither are wanted, but unavoidable.

These high-crime communities bear similarities. First, defunding law enforcement initiatives have stripped policing agencies of substantial manpower, leaving large security voids in their local societies. Also, numerous prosecuting attorneys across our nation have elected not to enforce certain laws and prosecute most property criminals, which only reinforces offenders to continue their maleficent deeds. But Corporate America is fighting back, but not without a cost to their consumers.

As we cruise the isles of our favorite retail stores, we notice electronic devices and cosmetics under lock-and-key, security surveillance cameras follow our every move, and maybe even a uniformed security guard browsing the isles. Some companies are being very innovative with technology. For instance, Lowes is installing microchips in rental tools, facial recognition systems are being used by some retail chains, and others are forced to place magnetic/electronic tracking strips even on shopping cards to deter them from being stolen. And all of this comes with a price, and we all are paying it.

So, the next time you want to complain about the rising cost of goods at your favorite retailer, or that a Walmart store is moving from your community, remember one of the major reasons this could be. Walmart is not to blame, it’s your local criminals hard at work. Crime is paying off for them and costing everyone else – time for a change!