Several major retailers in California have taken drastic measures to combat the rising levels of retail theft in the state. Target and Walmart stores in the San Francisco Bay Area have begun locking up underwear and socks, frustrating customers who now have to wait for assistance to access these items. The move comes as retailers continue to face significant losses due to theft, with an estimated $112 billion lost in 2022 alone.
The initiative to lock up undergarments has sparked controversy among shoppers. Some have expressed concerns about the perception of the practice, questioning the need to lock up basic items like socks. Others have voiced frustration over the inconvenience of having to wait for store associates to unlock the cases.
The issue extends beyond the Bay Area, with other retailers across the country resorting to similar measures. Beauty, hygiene, and cleaning products have been locked up in various stores to deter theft. However, this recent development indicates that the effort to limit losses is now reaching the clothing department.
Target stores in the East Bay area, specifically in Richmond and Pleasant Hill, have already implemented the undergarment lockdown. Walmart, which has been a frequent target of organized theft rings, has also started locking up underwear in certain locations. Clerks at a Walmart store in the Hilltop area report experiencing theft incidents almost daily.
While the lockdown may help reduce theft, it has raised concerns about its impact on the community. Richmond City Councilmember Cesar Cepeda warns that the cost of goods may increase, and residents may have to travel farther to access essential items like groceries and prescriptions.
Retail crime has been on the rise across the United States, prompting congressional hearings on the matter. The House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence held a hearing titled “From Festive Cheer to Retail Fear: Addressing Organized Retail Crime” to address the issue. Subcommittee Chair August Pfluger, a Republican from Texas, attributed the rise in theft to “soft-on-crime policies” and emphasized the need to prioritize community safety.
Big chain stores like CVS have resorted to locking up merchandise behind plastic barriers to prevent theft. A survey conducted by the National Retail Federation revealed that 70% of retailers believe organized retail theft has become more prevalent in recent years.
In response to the escalating problem, California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, proposed new legislation to crack down on retail and property crimes in the state. The legislative framework aims to enhance enforcement tools, increase penalties for large-scale stolen goods resellers, and eliminate sunset dates for organized retail crime.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins supports Newsom’s proposal, stating that it will make communities and businesses safer. The reforms are intended to hold prolific thieves accountable and ensure consequences for those who defy the law.
As retailers continue to grapple with escalating theft rates, the locking up of undergarments in stores serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face. While the move may inconvenience some customers, it reflects the industry’s determination to protect their merchandise and maintain a safe shopping environment.
