With thefts on the rise, some retailers have elected to ratchet security measures up a bit. Over the past six months stores such as CVS, Target, Rite Aid and Walmart have resorted to locking up more everyday items like deodorant and laundry detergent in the hopes of curbing the rising number of thefts in their store. Rite Aid is literally considering putting every item under lock and key so as to ensure their products are there only for their paying customers.
The problem with locking everything up is that it is off-putting to the paying clientele; the potential patron’s recourse could be to just buy their desired items online. Thus, a conundrum is at play. How do these stores curb their ever growing theft problem without offending patrons? For folks of color the stepped-up security measures can be even more alienating, as they may already feel over-policed. Perhaps a solution is to allow the patron a key to the locked-up item they desire in exchange for their cellphone information. But this may simply be too invasive for some. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out; no doubt prosecutors will be pressured to file more charges for retail theft if things don’t stabilize in the near future.
SQ Attorneys is a Washington State criminal defense law firm comprised of two seasoned criminal defense lawyers, Greg Schwesinger and Saad Qadri. Although the firm and its attorneys does not support, or otherwise condone, criminal behavior, the criminal attorneys that make up the SQ team certainly realize that sometimes good people make bad choices or otherwise get caught up in bad situations. Some crimes like DUI – for instance – don’t even include a ‘state of mind’ element – the government has simply legislated that certain behavior – regardless of the person’s intent or knowledge – is illegal. If you or a loved one is cited for a crime – theft or otherwise – don’t despair, contact a qualified criminal defense attorney (like the ones that make up the team at SQ Attorneys) to assist you in navigating the criminal justice system. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 or (206) 441-0900.
