Former Toys 'R' Us CEO Gerald Storch slams liberal cities for 'no prosecution ... trends now
The former CEO of Toys 'R' US has slammed liberal cities for their 'no prosecution stance' on shoplifters, warning that brazen thieves like the recent flash mob looters in Philadelphia should face consequences.
Gerald Storch, 66, criticized Democrat leaders for sending the message that 'crime is okay and we're not going to arrest you', adding that incidences of violent shoplifting across the nation are 'accelerating' at an alarming rate.
Retailers lost almost $80 billion to shoplifters last year, an increase of nearly $13 billion compared with 2021 figures - prompting big brands to close thousands of stores across major cities.
The National Retail Federation said the sector is under an 'unprecedented' threat from crime and violence, with store owners fearing for their livelihoods as well as their safety.
Storch said shoplifting is a particular problem in 'liberal areas where prosecutors have not prosecuted these crimes, or they have lowered penalties or raised the limits on how much you can steal and still have misdemeanor'.
Former Toys 'R' US CEO Gerald Storch (pictured) criticized Democrat leaders for sending the message that 'crime is okay and we're not going to arrest you', adding that incidences of violent shoplifting across the nation are 'accelerating' at an alarming rate
Around 20 people were arrested in Philadelphia after a night of widespread looting
'You're not going to just solve it by just saying crime is okay and we're not going to arrest you,' Storch, who also previously served as Target vice chairman, told Fox News.
'It has to be solved by dealing with the underlying causes, which is a lot more work… but that work has to be done or we're going to continue to see an increase in crime... it's terrible, frankly, and it's accelerating.'
His comments come after widespread looting broke out in central Philadelphia over several nights last week.
Around 100 teenagers moved from store to store in the Pennsylvania city grabbing goods and attempting to evade cops, resulting in violent clashes between officers and thieves.
Videos shared on social media show officers attempting to grab thieves, some of whom are wearing Halloween masks, as they ran riot through a Lululemon store. Nearby retailers including Foot Locker and Apple were also targeted.
Speaking about the spate in Philadelphia, Storch said: 'These are definitely cities that have a big problem with crime.
'There has to be a link with the prosecutors taking a no prosecution stance in these cases.'
The National Retail Federation said the sector is under an 'unprecedented' threat from crime and violence, with store owners fearing for their livelihoods as well as their safety.
Retailers lost almost $80 billion to shoplifters last year, an increase of nearly $13 billion compared with 2021 figures
The annual trade survey collected data from 177 brands across the country, accounting for more than $1.6 trillion of annual sales.
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