CA Sheriff Accuses Target Of Being Soft On Shoplifters

SACRAMENTO, CA — While brazen retail theft is on the rise across California, one sheriff called out Target on social media for what he describes as a lack of cooperation with law enforcement.

Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper posted on X — formerly Twitter — about an encounter he had with the company after his department responded to shoplifting at the store.

"At the briefing, we were told by their head of regional security that we could not contact suspects inside the store; we could not handcuff suspects in the store; and if we arrested someone, they wanted us to [process] them outside... behind the store... in the rain," Cooper said. "We were told they didn't want to create a scene inside the store and have people film it and put it on social media. They didn't want negative press. Unbelievable."

He also said that his deputies watched a woman take items off the shelves and return them to customer service, which the store employees allowed to happen, he said.

"Target chose to do nothing and simply let it happen," he continued. "Yet somehow, locking up deodorant and raising prices on everyday items we need to survive is their best answer."

Cooper's post comes after several Bay Area Target stores closed earlier this September due to the uptick in brazen theft and organized retail crime.

"We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance," the company said in a September statement.

"We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all."

Target isn't the only major chain to scale back stores due to theft or other crimes.

In Southern California, six Starbucks stores in 2022 closed their doors in as a result of increased crime complaints that included stealing, drug use and attacks.

Former CEO Howard Schultz said in a message posted to the company's website that it's focused on safety, welcoming and kindness at its stores.

"In a world that is increasingly isolating and often divided, we can operate in a way that knits together the fabric of our neighborhoods," he said. "We can expect to protect each other, respect and include each other, and work together to create the kind of safe and welcoming environment we need at work."

READ MORE:

• Target Closing Bay Area Stores Over Crime
• CA City's 'Out Of Control' Shoplifting Leads To Another Closure
• 6 Starbucks Stores In LA Area Among 16 Closing In US Amid Safety Fears