Have retailers in Phoenix given up on combating theft? (Mesa: low income, crimes)

[My2cents55]

I had to get a few things at Target today while shopping I noticed two males in their teens maybe early 20s walk up to the Deli and take a few items off the hot case and walk out of the store like it was nothing.

A few minutes later another individual rode one of those scooters for the handicapped full of merchandise out of the store. Granted the loss prevention person caught them and took the stuff back but no consequences for the thief or thieves.

Seems every week I go to this store I see thieves mostly vagrants/druggies walking out with items without the security people or the employees doing anything to stop it.

I did ask a few of the employees what is going on I was informed management has told them they cannot apprehend or touch any of the thieves and that because the store is insured it's not a big priority for the store I was floored say what? Are you telling me theft is now no big deal at Target? the employee also said it's because of covid.

I remember back in the day Target used to crack down big time on thieve-stacking them and arresting them. They also used to have police officers throughout the store. You don't see them anymore either.

It's not just Target I saw a vagrant walk out of Safeway with a fruit basket the security woman saw him and just shrug her shoulders as he walked out of the store.

No wonder prices at the store are through the roof.

[grmi66]

A few weeks ago saw a guy casually stroll out of a Lowes with an expensive chainsaw. The guy is such an habitual shoplifter that the store employees even know his name. The loss prevention officer simply called out his name and begged him to put down the chainsaw. He kept walking and with a big smile hit the parking lot where the store employees had to stop following him.

After I witnessed this I asked the loss prevention officer about it and they told me that this particular guy hits the store a few times a week, grabs the most expensive tools he can grab and simply walks a block down to the nearby pawn shop.

The Walgreens across the street finally just closed it's doors in response to the shoplifting.

[john3232]

Here in East Mesa the Fry store on Rucker and McKellips doesn’t have a big problem because they nipped it in the bud.

During Covid people were ringing up food at the self-checkout and walking out without paying. One time I called after the person in front of me when I noticed th checkout machine had the items he purchased still on the screen. He gave me a nasty look as an employee walked over to help.

I thought I was doing the guy a favor. I thought he ran his card through, and it might be still active. But no. He wasn't planning to pay or hoped I wouldn't notice and add his items to my bill. However, this store is hip to that. They have people watching and if a person attempts to walk out without paying they will be stopped and if need be the police called. Theft is not out of control because it’s not tolerated.

The same with the Home Depot up the street. They watch people as they leave. If someone is panhandling or mulling around the parking lot they will be told it’s private property. Time to leave.

The Red Mountain Park which is nearby is the same. You want to get high near the lake and/or sleep on a bench. Well, the Mesa Sheriff's department will have a talk with you. There is a sign. This park is closed after 10 pm. Just not worth the hassle.

Better to go to somewhere else.

[john3232]

Originally Posted by grmi66

A few weeks ago saw a guy casually stroll out of a Lowes with an expensive chainsaw. The guy is such an habitual shoplifter that the store employees even know his name. The loss prevention officer simply called out his name and begged him to put down the chainsaw. He kept walking and with a big smile hit the parking lot where the store employees had to stop following him.

After I witnessed this I asked the loss prevention officer about it and they told me that this particular guy hits the store a few times a week, grabs the most expensive tools he can grab and simply walks a block down to the nearby pawn shop.

The Walgreens across the street finally just closed it's doors in response to the shoplifting.

And why not? Plenty of people will walkout of Loews with a power tool or push a cart with food out the door at Fry's without paying if they know there will be no repercussions.

If it's tolerated there are people who will take advantage.

[grmi66]

Originally Posted by john3232

And why not? Plenty of people will walkout of Loews with a power tool or push a cart with food out the door at Fry's without paying if they know there will be no repercussions.

If it's tolerated there are people who will take advantage.

And then seem shocked that the neighborhood Walgreens which had the only pharmacy within a two mile walkable radius for low income residents shut down.

[My2cents55]

Originally Posted by grmi66

And then seem shocked that the neighborhood Walgreens which had the only pharmacy within a two mile walkable radius for low income residents shut down.

I just hope they don't start shutting down stores in Phoenix because of rampant theft as they did in Portland.

[WanderingRebel]

Originally Posted by Goofball86

I did ask a few of the employees what is going on I was informed management has told them they cannot apprehend or touch any of the thieves and that because the store is insured it's not a big priority for the store I was floored say what? Are you telling me theft is now no big deal at Target? the employee also said it's because of covid.

Covid strikes again....lol

[john3232]

Originally Posted by grmi66

And then seem shocked that the neighborhood Walgreens which had the only pharmacy within a two mile walkable radius for low income residents shut down.

They shouldn't be.

I am completely devastated by this news - this Walgreens is less than a mile from seven schools and has been a staple for seniors, families and children for decades. This closure will significantly impact this community.
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/artic...-16527801.phpI

[My2cents55]

Originally Posted by grmi66

A few weeks ago saw a guy casually stroll out of a Lowes with an expensive chainsaw. The guy is such an habitual shoplifter that the store employees even know his name. The loss prevention officer simply called out his name and begged him to put down the chainsaw. He kept walking and with a big smile hit the parking lot where the store employees had to stop following him.

After I witnessed this I asked the loss prevention officer about it and they told me that this particular guy hits the store a few times a week, grabs the most expensive tools he can grab and simply walks a block down to the nearby pawn shop.

The Walgreens across the street finally just closed it's doors in response to the shoplifting.

I'd hope the Pawn shop would recognize the merchandise is stolen and either fill out a police report or return it to the store.

I know they have to hold items for some time just in case it's stolen.

[Mike from back east]

Some retailing as we know it is bound to shut the doors from this as the issue of shoplifting is, for some stores, a tipping point beyond which they cannot absorb any more losses and still stay profitable. Finding enough workers to fill retail job vacancies is also becoming an issue. Advantage here goes to home delivery retailers like Amazon, Walmart, etc, and/or any security firms who can figure out how to stop shoplifting and/or organized massive thefts.

Theft is not the real problem, theft is a symptom of the real problem, primarily drug addiction and secondarily the lack of our industrial base which had decent paying jobs for masses of workers. Closing retail stores will stop theft of merchandise, the drug addicted will switch to other crimes to get money, so more people can expect to be robbed on the street at gunpoint since guns are spreading faster than a Flu and police forces are shrinking from low pay. Greatest country on earth, so I'm told, but no, I'm not leaving, just living further out.