Small businesses like Rail and Anchor in Royal Oak are taking a proactive approach to combat shoplifting. Julia Manzella, a buyer at Rail and Anchor, noticed declining profits and missing merchandise a few years ago. In response, the small business invested in a security system costing thousands of dollars and started sharing photos and videos of shoplifters on social media to catch the thieves.
Similarly, retail giant Target has also taken steps to address the issue of shoplifting. According to Bloomberg, they have lowered the threshold for confronting shoplifters from $100 to $50. While Manzella believes that if big companies like Target take a stand against shoplifting it might help make a difference, she emphasizes the importance of local agencies prosecuting repeat offenders to have a significant impact.
Manzella expressed concern about the impact of shoplifting on small businesses like hers. She mentioned that some of her friends had closed their businesses due to this issue. Despite these challenges, she is determined to keep the doors open and run a successful business. Unfortunately, Target has not provided any comments regarding their actions against shoplifting when asked by CBS News Detroit.
In conclusion, small businesses across the country are taking steps to combat shoplifting in various ways such as investing in security systems and social media campaigns while big companies like Target are lowering their thresholds for confronting shoplifters. However, local agencies prosecuting repeat offenders play an important role in making a significant impact on this issue.
