Walgreen’s reports its losses to shoplifting in San Francisco are four times the national average. As a result, it closed 17 stores. Other retailers instruct employees not to pursue shoplifters to avoid violent confrontations. Clerks and even security officers have been assaulted. Note that assault on a private security officer is punishable by a year in jail, and if injury occurs for up to three years, but apparently shoplifters do not fear this law.

In part this is due to recent changes in California law. Thefts under $950 are now misdemeanors. But this is only a partial explanation – misdemeanors are punishable by up to a year in jail. The laissez-faire attitude of the progressive city administration must take most of the blame. Apathetic district attorneys and city attorneys seem to lack any understanding that petty crimes are not petty – they demoralize a society.

But in the end, there is only one real cause of the problem. If we do not raise children to respect “Thou shalt not steal,” it is becoming all too clear what the result will be.

https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/San-Francisco-s-Shoplifting-Surge-16193767.php

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