The article also doesn't dispute any of the numbers in regards to the staggering volume of theft, despite higher investments in store security. Combined with dozens of videos of blatant mass theft circulating on Youtube, I wonder if any amount of provable facts would convince the author. It's reminiscent of arguing with climate change deniers or evolution deniers where facts don't seem to matter.
The real question to the author is why? Why write a piece like this? Why defend organized crime? Is the desire to combat any narrative that the other team has so strong that they're willing to deny undeniable evidence?
This author admits he's political, but it's bizarre in this case because it's to the benefit of literal gangs of criminals ruining the city he lives in.
Are some people so entrenched by their politics that they're willing to defend those destroying their own community?
> Target shortens hours in San Francisco due to ‘alarming rise’ in shoplifting
> “For more than a month, we’ve been experiencing a significant and alarming rise in theft and security incidents at our San Francisco stores, similar to reports from other retailers in the area. Target is engaging local law enforcement, elected officials and community partners to address our concerns,” a Target spokesperson said in a statement to MarketWatch.
Walgreens also closed ~70 stores in NYC, a similar % as the SF closures.
I don’t think anyone is defending shoplifting, or crime, but I think the story deserves some scrutiny. Shoplifting did spike in 2020, but it also seems possible that Walgreens is covering a strategic shift with the shoplifting story.
All retailers are making exactly the same accusations of sky-rocketing theft. ...and with so many cases literally caught on film - who are the deniers? Why deny proven facts? Is politics that important to you?
A large number of stores were permanently closed in NYC and other urban areas as well, and brick and mortar retail has been struggling for years.
> Is politics that important to you?
This is a weird response I see on HN a lot lately.
The article featured here, and the data, suggest there is more to what’s going on than “shoplifting is killing Walgreens.”
It’s not about politics, it’s about fully understanding the situation, and avoiding sensationalist responses to crime.
tens of vendors with goods spread out on blankets: o big plastic jugs of laundry detergent o hand cream o toothpaste o hair dye o shaving cream ...etc.
this is your new Walgreens..idk what happens when WG shuts down the last store
