US Consumers Express Safety Concerns as New York Is Caught in a Retail Theft Epidemic

Ann McGee, a resident of the Queens neighborhood of New York City, dislikes the dread she has recently experienced while visiting establishments. According to McGee, “it’s not normal to be scared” when shopping. She was the driving force behind a recent petition against the increased retail theft in her area, which is often carried out by gangs of thieves who threaten everyone in their vicinity with violence.

Retailers all around the United States have reported a substantial spike in theft in recent months, combined with a concerning surge in violence. “You can’t accept the fact that these people can rob these stores without being stopped,” she remarked.

Grandmother McGee, who has lived in the borough for the last 41 years, said she now leaves her purse and valuables, including her wedding ring, at home when she goes shopping because she is so worried about her safety.

It’s unfair, she said. Even going to the supermarket fills us with dread of harm. “It has to stop, and the only way to get things done is if people start getting involved,” she said. “We need to come together; I want to file a class action.”

Some stores have started locking away everyday supplies like toothpaste, deodorant, and tissues behind transparent doors in reaction to the recent spike in theft.

THE PETITION

McGee’s petition, which she also sent to the Democratic councillor in her area, Robert Holden, was directed at the pharmacy company CVS in June.

Holden complained to Karen Lynch, the group’s chief executive, about what he termed “rampant retail theft” at four CVS shops and the company’s failure to notify the police.

In a letter to Lynch, he said that failing to report retail theft constituted a breach of duty and had grave repercussions. He said, “It unintentionally encourages criminals to continue their illegal activities while placing CVS staff and customers in unnecessary danger.”

According to Holden’s office, the chief of security at CVS responded and promised that going forward, all incidences will be reported to the police. However, when it comes to security on the ground, “nothing has changed,” according to McGee.

“It’s awful, everything is locked up. ‘I feel like a criminal,’ said mother-of-four McGee. “I don’t like shopping like this,” she continued. “I recently went to CVS to get air freshener for my vehicle. “Everything was secured,” she said. I chose not to purchase it since I didn’t want to wait for an attendant only to do that.

Due to the recent increase in violence, McGee now does her shopping in upstate New York because “it’s very, very secure and very safe.” According to McGee, prices have increased as a result of the recent rise in shoplifters.

She questioned, “Why is it more expensive for us because of the criminals getting all that for free?” The shops submit a claim to their insurance and get payment, she said. You realize what’s gonna happen there, right?” she questioned. “These businesses will close, and this place will be deserted.”