In the face of escalating shoplifting incidents, businesses across major U.S. cities are adopting measures to protect their merchandise. Fredericksen’s Hardware and Paint in San Francisco has introduced a one-on-one shopping experience to deter thieves; the move comes as retailers grapple with what many perceive as a shoplifting epidemic, prompting a reevaluation of store policies and security measures.
“It’s pretty bad,” Fredericksen’s manager Sam Black said. “I mean, the dollar amounts are pretty significant, and with the tools, and now we’re getting snatch-and-grabs when they take whole displays, so it’s getting kind of dangerous for the employees and the customers… We just want to make it uncomfortable for the thieves so they go somewhere else.”
Shoplifting has surged in cities like New York and Los Angeles, with the former seeing a 64% increase in reported incidents since the pandemic began, according to a study by the Council on Criminal Justice. This rise has forced retailers to secure everyday items in lockers and employ heightened security measures, signaling a broader trend of businesses taking drastic steps to curb retail theft. New York City, in particular, has led the nation in this uptick.
The response from city leaders and law enforcement has varied. In San Francisco, local officials have called for increased police presence and action to address the crisis, while New York City has seen over 25,000 shoplifting arrests in 2023 alone, as part of efforts to suppress the crime wave. These efforts include the “Second Chance” program aimed at rehabilitating repeat offenders.
However, the effectiveness of these measures is subject to debate. Some, like Queens City Council Member Tiffany Cabán, argue that attributing store closures and security measures solely to shoplifting oversimplifies the issue, suggesting that corporate accountability should also be examined. Meanwhile, the National Retail Federation reports that organized theft rings have contributed significantly to retail losses, underscoring the complexity of the shoplifting phenomenon.
Businesses like Fredericksen’s Hardware are at the forefront of adapting to this challenging landscape, seeking solutions that balance security with customer experience. As cities and businesses grapple with the rise in shoplifting, the debate continues over the best approach to safeguarding communities and economies from the repercussions of retail theft.
