If you work in a store, would you stop a shoplifter for $50 Bucks? Target plans to crack down on retail theft by lowering the threshold for how much shoplifters can swipe before employees are allowed to finally step in. According to a report in The Minnesota-based big box retail chain — which has blamed retail theft for hurting its bottom line — instructed store staff to halt bandits who try to flee with items totaling $50, down from the previous sum of $100, Bloomberg News reported Thursday. Retailers such as Target have gone to great lengths to try to curb retail theft, including hiring more security guards as well as locking up everyday items such as toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo behind glass encasing.
Businesses and law enforcement officials have been critical of criminal justice reform initiatives such as California’s move to decriminalize thefts under $950 which they say has fueled a spike in the number of organized shoplifting incidents. Republicans in the Golden State are now seeking to toughen shoplifting laws by making theft a felony — a move opposed by Democrats. Other jurisdictions run by progressive Democrats such as New York City have also been hit with high-profile retail thefts — prompting criticism over lax laws.
