SHOPPERS have been left fuming over more items being locked up at major retailers in an attempt to curb retail theft, as the top 15 items most commonly shoplifted have been revealed.
Major retailers, like Walmart and Target, have been slammed with rampant shoplifting across the country for years.
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Consistent theft and threats against employees have forced the companies to come up with various security measures to protect their products.
Some of these policies have included receipt and bag checks after checking out.
However, one that has continued to cause concern among shoppers has been the locking of items.
Target shoppers have taken to social media to showcase the locked items, which have included basic everyday items such as socks and underwear.
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Many have blasted the security measles as “depressing.”
“The Target at Northgate in Seattle has locked up socks and underwear and placed additional security cameras in those aisles,” one Target shopper said in a post to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
“As I was going to ask an employee who to provide feedback to about this, I witnessed Security harassing a homeless man who’d already bought his stuff.”
“It's so depressing that this is the norm,” another customer wrote.
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“As I was leaving FMs in Ballard yesterday, I saw an employee roughly snatch a cart from some guy who had *just* walked in and ushered him right back out (into the rain of course). A living nightmare”
A third shopper chimed in, simply saying, “Depressing.”
'Makes me feel helpless,' says store owner victimized daily by rampant theft - it costs him $750 every day to stay openWhile shoppers continue to complain about the anti-theft measures, there doesn’t appear to be any sign that shoplifting is stopping anytime soon.
In fact, FinanceBuzz recently released its list of the top 15 items continuously stolen from Target, including grooming products, food, clothing, and more.
Here is the complete list of the most stolen items from the major retailer:
- Toys
- Razor Blades
- Electronics
- Meat
- Printer Ink
- Cosmetics
- Baby Formula
- Accessories
- Socks
- Skincare
- Medication
- Clothing
- Alcohol
- Trading Cards
- Batteries
As these items continue to be stolen from stores nationwide, companies like Target have stood by their new security policies.
In May, 2023, the company revealed that losses from organized retail crime – such as stolen merchandise – would jump by $500 million compared to the year before.
At the time, CEO Brian Cornell said the theft was becoming a “worsening trend,” according to CNBC.
“The problem affects all of us, limiting product availability, creating a less convenient shopping experience, and putting our team and guests in harm’s way,” Cornell said, adding that Target had seen more violent incidents inside stores across the country.
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To help combat the growing problem, Cornell explained that Target would be moving forward with protective fixtures for its products.
He also said at the time that Target would be working with local law enforcement, politicians and industry trade groups to find solutions.
