New York Metropolis shops lock up Spam amid shoplifting surge

Some drug shops in New York Metropolis are locking up Spam as New Yorkers resort to shoplifting meals gadgets amid spikes in each inflation and crime charges all through the nation.

A Duane Reade drugstore in Manhattan locked up the cooked pork merchandise and Movie star ham in particular person safety circumstances. Each gadgets retail for beneath $4 for a 12-ounce can. Locking up gadgets can stop theft, however it might additionally deter gross sales when shops are understaffed, in response to Tony Sheppard, the pinnacle of loss prevention at ThinkLP software program, and staffing shortages have been a standard downside in shops throughout the nation for the reason that outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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"Retailers do all types of issues to guard product, however even when merchandise is locked up, it hurts gross sales as a result of they do not have the manpower to unlock issues for patrons," Sheppard informed CBS News.

New York workers have stated the brand new circumstances are extra about safety "theater" than really stopping theft as a result of prospects will nonetheless shoplift gadgets after they're faraway from the safety. A buyer stole a $38 razor that was tucked away in a case after it was unlocked by an worker, in response to Fox News.

In Might, New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams (D) and Lawyer Basic Letitia James introduced the arrest of 41 individuals who have been allegedly in against the law ring that stole hundreds of things from drugstores. Thieves are emboldened by the truth that they'll promote stolen gadgets on-line, consultants say.

General crime in New York Metropolis has elevated by 36% as of the top of July, in comparison with July 2021. Though shootings and homicides, generally, have decreased within the metropolis, six of seven main crime incident classes have reached a 21-year excessive. As of July, robberies within the metropolis have elevated by 40% and burglaries by 33% in comparison with final 12 months, in response to town's newest crime statistics.

Inflation, which spiked to 9.1% in June, the very best in 40 years, has additionally contributed to rising crime charges within the metropolis.