By: Hal C Clarke

CVS, a popular drugstore chain, is facing criticism for allegedly turning a blind eye to shoplifting incidents, thereby putting law-abiding customers at risk. Councilman Robert Holden from Queens, New York, penned a scathing letter to CVS , NY Post reported.

Holden specifically targeted CVS after receiving numerous complaints about three stores in his district, including one on Grand Avenue in Maspeth that experienced an armed robbery recently. While it’s true that other drugstore chains like Walgreens have also instructed their staff not to confront shoplifters, Holden chose to address CVS due to the complaints he received.

Over 100 frustrated customers of the Maspeth CVS store signed a petition urging CVS to take immediate action. They requested enhanced security measures and the launch of a public awareness campaign to combat shoplifting. Ann Marie McGee, a Maspeth resident who organized the petition, expressed her discontent, stating to the NY Post , that customers fear for their lives when they enter CVS and other drugstore chains. She also highlighted that shopping at these stores has become time-consuming due to rampant theft, resulting in empty shelves and locked-up items, including ice cream.

The severity of the situation was further emphasized by a recent incident at an Upper East Side CVS, where a shoplifter slashed a 63-year-old security guard below his left eye with a knife. This incident occurred despite the workers being instructed to be “extra friendly” in the hopes of deterring potential shoplifters. Retail shoplifting has seen a surge since the start of the pandemic, affecting major cities across the country. In response, retailers like Walgreens and CVS have resorted to locking up merchandise behind plastic cases and plexiglass.

However, even these measures have not been foolproof. In Queens, a bold shoplifter reportedly used a blowtorch to set fire to the plastic security cases at a Walgreens, allowing them to steal approximately $448 worth of skin care products. The incident was witnessed by shocked shoppers and employees who recorded the act on their phones.

In response to the accusations, CVS spokesman Mike DeAngelis stressed that the drugstore chain takes crime seriously. He claimed that CVS has collaborated closely with the NYPD and assisted in the arrests of over 100 shoplifting suspects since the beginning of the year. DeAngelis acknowledged that retail crime is a challenge for the entire industry but assured the public that CVS prioritizes the safety of its customers and employees. The company has implemented security measures to deter theft and maintain a safe shopping environment.

The allegations against CVS raise concerns about the growing problem of shoplifting and its impact on both customers and retailers. The calls for stricter security measures and increased awareness campaigns reflect the need for effective solutions to tackle this issue and ensure the safety and satisfaction of law-abiding customers.

The surge in shoplifting in NYC and other major cities which are mainly run by “progressive” ideologues began during the pandemic and has since essentially become  decriminalized when Alvin Bragg told his prosecutors they should seek to reduce charges and seek diversion and treatment programs in many cases where no one is injured; Bragg met with the police commissioner to discuss their different views on crime, deterrence, and fairness, in 2022 to declare his agenda.

While reforming certain nonviolent crimes such as marijuana offenses most Americans agree with; Bragg has not prosecuted evasion of paying public transportation fare or trespassing for example