A recent viral video on Twitter captured a supermarket employee engaged in a physical altercation with a shoplifter. In the midst of the struggle, the shoplifter pleaded, “I have to feed my family!” This sentiment is often echoed by shoplifters, suggesting that their actions are driven by desperation to provide for their loved ones. However, this narrative is misleading, as the issue of shoplifting in America extends beyond mere economic struggles.
Contrary to popular belief, the surge in shoplifting cases predates our current economic difficulties. Store owners and security experts argue that much of the theft is organized rather than driven by basic needs. This trend has been particularly detrimental in cities where criminal justice reforms have inadvertently made it easier for criminals to escape consequences.
According to the National Retail Federation, retail theft in America has ballooned into a staggering $94 billion epidemic, marking a 90% increase since 2018. This problem gained traction about a decade ago when states began to decriminalize low-level shoplifting. By raising the threshold for felony charges, these changes inadvertently incentivized theft of higher-value items. Now, over two-thirds of states only regard shoplifting as a misdemeanor if the stolen goods are valued at less than $1,000, with some states setting a limit as high as $1,500. Unsurprisingly, more than 70% of retailers reported a spike in shoplifting incidents after these reforms were implemented.
Furthermore, bail reforms that allow individuals arrested for shoplifting to be released without posting bail have also contributed to the problem. This has made retail theft a low-risk and high-reward venture, as criminals face minimal consequences for their actions.
The consequences of rampant shoplifting extend beyond individual retailers. It erodes their profits, leads to the closure of stores, and eliminates jobs. Major retail giants like Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, and Whole Foods have all felt the impact of this epidemic. Notably, organized retail crime accounts for about half of store losses. This form of theft is less motivated by the need for essential items and more focused on the profitability of reselling stolen goods.
The rise in organized theft can be attributed to the establishment of a sophisticated illegal infrastructure. Today, shoplifters, known as “boosters,” sell stolen items online, making it difficult to detect or track them. Additionally, there are individuals known as “cleaners” who remove security devices from stolen goods or repackage them, as well as money launderers who facilitate the illicit transactions.
While luxury goods theft often grabs headlines, the real money lies in everyday items from mass-market retailers. Research conducted by security experts found that Tide Pods, diapers, makeup, and baby formula were among the most commonly stolen items advertised on classified-advertising sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
Social media has further compounded the issue by glamorizing and normalizing shoplifting. Platforms like TikTok and Reddit provide tips, how-to videos, and discussions on the best practices for stealing from stores. This cultural shift has created a sense of impunity among perpetrators, who view shoplifting as a harmless property crime and a means to challenge the capitalist system.
The consequences of this epidemic are far-reaching. States and cities are losing an estimated $15 billion in sales taxes annually, in addition to the massive losses incurred by retailers. Shoplifting incidents are also becoming increasingly violent, with cases of security guards being murdered or assaulted. In some instances, authorities have declined to press charges against security guards who have killed shoplifters, citing self-defense.
Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, law enforcement agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have begun focusing on organized retail crime, particularly “smash and grab” operations. Retailers are also advocating for the passage of the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would establish a dedicated unit within Homeland Security to address this problem. Some states are taking action by cracking down on shoplifting offenses.
However, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be sufficient to reverse the incentives created by the decriminalization of retail theft and flawed bail reform policies. The issue of shoplifting in America requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to effectively tackle the root causes and protect businesses, communities, and individuals.
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