We have a noticeably big problem here in the City of Milwaukee which will become even bigger soon. Most of us go out shopping every now and then and some probably a lot more. Have you been listening to the news lately and heard the stories of all the various stores that are closing in our community? Let me give you those that do not know or are aware of a little history on this subject. How many of you remember when there was a Target and Lowe’s store in Midtown? People have been upset the past several weeks with 2 Walgreen’s and a CVS store closing. What do all or most of these stores have in common? Can anyone guess what the main issue is? What all or most of these stores have in common is theft or stealing from the various locations. To tell the truth most of it is customer theft but employee theft also comes into focus.
These stores cannot stay profitable with this theft issue going on. Have you noticed at some Walgreen’s many of the products are locked up and you must ring a bell for someone to come and open it up for you. A lot of these locations have rules that state the employee cannot confront or stop that person who is committing theft. In matter of fact a few employees who tried to do the right thing were fired after it came out in the news, they tried to stop these people stealing. I was at a Walgreen’s on Valentine’s Day and a subject had a hand full of flowers, candy plus other items and walked right out of the door with them. Now some of these stores do have armed guards or off duty police officers working there. Now, of course, these places do not have these issues. Another Walgreen’s a lady said her son told her people come in with shopping bags, loading them up, knowing no one will stop them.
One more crazy story to prove my point. I was at a gas station last week and a subject inside the store with me was loading up his pockets and coat with all kinds of items. The female clerk went over by the door and loudly stated you better put all that stuff back because I am calling the police, and you are not getting out of here with that stuff. He finally put everything back and left. Now can you see why all these stores are leaving our community? The Common Council needs to pass a law to have armed guards in these stores. It will just have to be the cost of doing business. They might have to raise prices to help pay for it. We must do something before it is too late. If not, we will look around one day, and all the stores will be gone, for good.