Target is closing 9 stores in major U.S. cities, including New York, amid an increase in retail theft. Columbia law professor John Coffee told NTD that one concern both stores and consumers have is that crime levels are increasing, but that this is not being matched by an increase in the number of prosecutions—and especially for petty crimes committed by juveniles.
Organized retail crime is also a driving factor. Meanwhile, surveys show that one of the items stolen most often is laundry detergent.
Professor Coffee explained some of the reasons for the burdensome rise in retail theft.
