KTLA

Shoplifting spikes out of control, forcing some retail chains to close

The mundane crime of shoplifting has spun out of control in some parts of the United States, forcing some retail chain stores to close.

Over $60 billion was lost to shoplifters in 2019, according to the National Retail Federation.

One particular city, San Francisco, has been particularly hit with the retail chain Walgreens saying they were forced to close 17 stores in the past five years because of revenue losses due to shoplifting.  

Sandra Mitchell reports for the KTLA 5 News on June 18, 2021.