Stores Locking Up Frozen Foods to Prevent Shoplifting in Liberal City
Freedom Wire

Stores Locking Up Frozen Foods to Prevent Shoplifting in Liberal City

Shoplifting has become a rampant issue in San Francisco, prompting some stores to take extreme measures to protect their merchandise. In an effort to deter shoplifters, certain stores in the city have resorted to locking up their frozen food sections. This drastic step aims to combat the increasing number of incidents where shoplifters target frozen goods, such as pizza, ice cream, and microwave dinners. The implementation of frozen food lockdowns, however, has not been without consequences, leading to frustration among both customers and employees.

San Francisco has been grappling with a surge in shoplifting incidents in recent years. According to police records, there was a sharp increase of reported shoplifting incidents in 2022, following a 34% decrease in 2020 due to lockdown-enforced business closures. Shoplifters have been known to target various items, stealing anything that isn’t tied down. The theft of merchandise valued at $950 or less is considered a misdemeanor under California law, often resulting in minimal consequences and little to no investigation. This lenient approach has contributed to a sense of impunity among shoplifters, emboldening them to continue their criminal activities.

Among the items frequently targeted by shoplifters are frozen foods, particularly pizza, ice cream, and microwave dinners. The appeal of these items lies in their high demand and resale value. Shoplifters can easily sell these products on the black market or to unsuspecting buyers. The lucrative nature of frozen food thefts has prompted stores to take extraordinary measures to protect their inventory.

To combat the rampant shoplifting of frozen foods, stores in San Francisco have resorted to locking up their freezer sections. This drastic step involves chaining freezers shut, preventing access to the frozen food items. One example of a store implementing this measure is a Walgreens location that had been targeted up to 20 times a day by shoplifters. Videos posted on social media by CBS News Bay Area reporter Betty Yu showcased the extent of the frozen food lockdowns, with chains securing products ranging from ice cream to frozen fish sticks. Additionally, other high-value items such as makeup, hair products, cleaning supplies, candles, and laundry detergent have been placed in locked cases to further deter theft. While these measures aim to protect merchandise, they have also created significant inconveniences for both customers and employees.

Written by Jon Archer - July 20, 2023