Police 'Workspace' to Curb Shoplifting at Walmart

Photo byYasin Ozturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Walmart is taking drastic action in response to the ongoing shoplifting problem affecting big retailers. Following an arson incident that temporarily closed a Walmart store in Atlanta, the company is planning to create a police "workspace" inside the location in Vine City, a low-income neighborhood on Atlanta's west side.

This workspace will provide a designated area for police officers to complete paperwork, conduct meetings, and recharge their devices, including phones and body cameras. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the presence of law enforcement within the store will serve as a deterrent to potential criminals.

The goal is to enhance safety for shoppers and retail employees while minimizing inventory loss due to theft or damage, also known as "shrinkage." Walmart's CEO, Doug McMillon, had previously warned of potential store closures in areas with lenient crime policies. “You’re thinking about going into this Walmart to do some shoplifting or a robbery or whatever — you see the APD logo and you say, ‘Ah, not today’,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens told RoughDraft Atlanta, a local newspaper. “After talking with the Merchants Association on MLK and Clark University and other people in the neighborhood, folks were saying they want to see more police presence,” Dickens stated.

In 2022, it was estimated that big retailers lost approximately $94.5 billion due to shrinkage, according to The National Retail Foundation. Companies like Target, Nordstrom, Dick's Sporting Goods, Foot Locker, and Macy's have reported declining sales, a significant portion of which can be attributed to this issue. The Atlanta location in question, covering 60,000 square feet, will employ around 130 workers, with a starting pay of $14 per hour.

Walmart has a history of supporting local law enforcement and views this initiative as a way to collaborate more effectively with the police and support the community. This decision comes in response to a rise in organized theft and disruptive customer behavior, which has made retail workers' jobs increasingly challenging. Stories from employees recount incidents of theft, unruly customers, and even violence in stores like Walgreens and H&M.

A recent survey conducted by the National Retail Federation revealed that the majority of retail workers are increasingly concerned about "guest-on-associate" violence, organized retail theft, and mass violence incidents compared to five years ago.

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