The rise in shoplifting incidents is becoming a major concern for small businesses across the United States, with cities like Baltimore and New York City experiencing significant increases in theft.
In Baltimore County, police were called to the same block as the now-closed Walmart in Towson over 300 times in 2023, representing a 149 percent increase from previous years. Business owners like Mohsin Ali of APlus Convenience Store in Towson are feeling the impact, with Ali stating, “We have to be mentally prepared for anything. As a businessman, you don’t want to be afraid of fighting somebody all the time.”
In New York City, the problem is also widespread, with organized groups of juveniles and individuals taking items and leaving quickly. Lisa Sorin, president of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the fear small business owners have of people entering their stores, especially young adults.
To combat the rise in shoplifting, New York City recently launched a pilot initiative where individuals caught stealing are given trespass notices, allowing for their arrest if they return to the same store. However, many business owners feel this initiative is not enough.
According to the Council on Criminal Justice, New York City has seen the largest increase in shoplifting between 2019 and 2023, with retail businesses losing $121.6 billion to theft in 2023 alone. With projections suggesting that losses could exceed $150 billion in 2026, the issue of shoplifting is a complex problem that requires collaboration between businesses, first responders, and government officials to address.