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In recent years, a pattern of aggravating retail thefts along with Mob Looting has swept across the nation, evolving into an epidemic. High-value retail outlets from liquor to iPhone stores to big box retailers have fallen victim. Now, in 2023, even the resilient giants like Target are feeling the strain, announcing the closure of nine stores across four states due to repeated thefts. https://www.axios.com/2023/09/26/target-stores-closing-list-2023-theft-crime
What's shocking is that in certain jurisdictions, such as California, where up to $950 can be stolen without the crime escalating beyond a misdemeanor charge at best along with the Police Reportedly not responding to theft of under $1000, the problem is even more pronounced. But perhaps even more surprising is where the brunt of this crime wave has hit —communities that are predominantly left-leaning and which have historically taken a tolerant approach to crime.
This 'soft on crime' stance is believed to contribute significantly to the explosive growth in retail theft. The permissive stance on shoplifting has instigated a vicious cycle where businesses like Walmart are closing or scaling back their operation in these communities. The outcry that follows is the scarcity of investment and ensuing economic issues, which allegedly further fuel the vicious cycle of crime.
The effect of this epidemic extends far beyond the immediate victims of the theft. Added security measures and replacement of stolen goods come with a hefty price tag—a cost indirectly shouldered by law-abiding citizens across the country. You've probably noticed an uptick in your own shopping costs. In a climate already burdened with record inflation, these 'theft taxes' amount to salt in the wound.
Another concerning factor fueling theft is the misinformation propagated by certain provocateurs that these crimes are victimless, stating that insurance covers any losses and thus no real harm is done. This, however, is a gross misrepresentation. While insurance policies do cover losses from theft, they do not absorb all costs. If those losses continue to increase beyond what is expected or 'normal', insurance premiums rise. Aware of this reality, businesses are compelled to offset this increased expenditure by hiking up their prices.
Consider Walmart; if their theft costs become exorbitant, the expense is redistributed onto their products, and ultimately paid for by their customers across the country. Consumers are left to bear the brunt of the increased prices, making it clear this is not a victimless crime but one that affects us all.
The realization that such a model is unsustainable in the long run has started to dawn. There is a growing call for a return to law and order, for states that allow this level of theft to occur without serious consequences to be penalized. The narrative of 'crime without punishment' serves only to incite more theft.
The current challenge then is to strike a balance—a balance between maintaining a forward-thinking and human approach to law enforcement, while also ensuring that those who break the law are held accountable. The answer surely lies somewhere in the middle, perhaps with alternative approaches such as restorative justice, increased community policing, or re-investment in struggling areas that show initiative and work alongside Law Enforcement and Local Government to improve crime in their community.
There's a broader conversation to be had about the societal conditions that breed crimes like these. Unfortunately in todays woke environment it seems impossible to have a honest conversation that may include unpopular Topics however true the subjects may be. People find these topics Quite often uncomfortable to talk about due to the fear of labeling and/or retribution. Until that conversation happens, it feels certain that the problem of rampant retail theft and dangerous Mob Looting may continue to spiral out of control.
As it stands, the escalation of this epidemic forces us to translate crime into economics and forces us all to participate in a system that isn't sustainable. A swift and thoughtful resolution is needed, not only for the economic health of our communities but for their societal well-being too. The writing is on the wall; the question now is how we choose to read it.
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