City by the Bay? Or Stealing by the Bay? 🌉
Are your favorite retailers closing or cutting hours? We discuss why and a potential solution. Plus a store clerk who knew his stuff! Estimated Read Time: 3 Minutes
17 Bay Area Walgreens Have Now Closed 😶
It's no secret that shoplifting in San Francisco is on the rise📈. Stores such as Target, Walgreens, and 7-Eleven, have noticed a significant increase in criminal activity. This alarming increase in crime is forcing companies to take action to protect their employees and bottom lines💲.
“One strategy is closing stores earlier than usual, forcing a reduction in nighttime hours.” Target executives spoke out about the city's rise in crime. This started a chain reaction🔗 for other retailers to close their doors early too. This is no longer just petty theft. This is an organized criminal operation that understands the law, how it's enforced, and how to resell the stolen goods💰.
Proposition 47 is a controversial referendum that took effect in San Francisco back in 2014📃. Essentially, it made any theft under $950 a misdemeanor, instead of a felony. Many argue this is the major factor in the increase of such bold shoplifting. If thieves are caught, many are simply issued a citation can walk away the same day🚶♂️.
Flea markets are major landing spots for stolen products to be resold. Pricier electronics often make their way to eBay, while jewelry💍 can end up at cash4gold.com.
The most common products stolen are not always the most glamorous ones. Below is a percentage breakdown of the most often shoplifted items according to the California Retailers Association:
🧺Laundry detergent 21%
🪒Razors 20%
🌷Deodorant 15%
🤧Allergy Medication 13%
👶Infant Formula 13%
Pun of the week 😁
My idiot friend was caught shoplifting from the bakery 🏬 yesterday.
He has done stupid things before, but this one really takes the cake 🍰.
Is There a Solution?💭
It’s becoming the norm to see law enforcement wearing body cams👮♂️, but what if retail employees wore them? In the U.K, big investments are being made to try just that. These body cameras attempt to create a safer and more secure experience for employees and businesses. Bodycams could help:
💪Create Strong Boundaries: When a person is wearing a bodycam, it is immediately evident suspicious activity will not go unseen, or unrecorded. This boundary enables the employee to actually take action without literally taking action😅! Bodycams encourage good behavior and can help de-escalate any potential harmful behavior without the employee ever having to take physical actions.
👉Increase Accountability: With criminal activities being recorded, there will be evidence for what happens in the retail stores. With direct evidence, it cannot be overlooked or go unreported! Action is more likely to be taken and help change the precedent against shoplifting🦸♀️.
🧘♀️🧘♂️Decrease Conflict: When employees are faced with criminal activity, it can be scary as pressure to take action builds. An employee is typically taught not to approach a thief in case they are equipped with weapons or are willing to inflict harm. However, with a bodycam🎥, the employee’s presence alone can be enough of an action.
🤝Increase Trust: By giving an employee an extra layer of protection, their trust with the employers themselves will build. They will feel safer in their workplace and have a sense that they are truly improving society. The ripple effect of a bodycam can be positive, creating more trust between the employees and employer, and more trust in the business altogether.
Would you feel comfortable shopping near employees wearing body cams? Let us know in the comments!
What & Why 🤷♂️🤔
What🤷♂️: Adjustable Door & Sliding Door Security Bar
🏡Effective on virtually any floor surface
💪Protects against 300+ lbs of force
📏40 adjustable size settings
😎Sliding door security mode
✅Lifetime warranty
Why 🤔: Locks can be picked…
Whether you are closing up shop or locking up before bed, a multi-surface door security bar gives you additional peace of mind. Many skilled criminals can pick locks in a matter of minutes 🔒. An extra layer of defense that can withhold 300+ pounds of force may be wise to have in your hotel room, home, or business.
Gif of the week 🤣
That was awkward 😬. This store clerk was easily able to tell the attempted robber’s gun was fake…