“Free Luigi,” “eat the rich,” “an oligarchy is taking shape.” Whether it be a simple hashtag on Instagram or a sincere warning during a farewell speech, resentment towards “the powers that be” are gaining traction. While some citizens may use these sentiments to reflect on their own privilege, others are using this newly formed class consciousness to justify actions that further damage society, namely people who excuse shoplifting because “it’s from a large corporation.” Despite good intentions directed at improving wealth equity, stealing from a large chain does not result in burning a pile of money under a CEO. Rather, it serves to further destabilize local economies and diminish the working class.
Of course, there are probably situations where stealing is acceptable. No one is saying stealing is reprehensible when you are facing life or death, hunger, sickness. Yet, the problem with shoplifting from corporations in Lower Merion is that the majority of teenagers living in this area are well off enough to simply buy the items. And when this privileged group steals, the heightened security that often results rarely affects them. Heightened security after rampant retail theft most often targets marginalized groups. According to Vera, Black and Hispanic people are 20 percent more likely to be arrested for shoplifting. “Retail Racism” or “Shopping while black” is a term where people of color face unjust treatment when shopping at a store. Legal trouble is not where this targeting stops, at times this bias can turn lethal. In 2022, a Black trans man, Banko Brown, was killed by a security guard after being accused of stealing. Stealing creates heightened security, which disproportionately targets marginalized groups. Essentially, when students in Lower Merion frequently shoplift, the effects of heightened security will rarely target them, rather, further disparage minorities.
Besides creating a hostile environment towards people of color, theft from large corporations also dismantles individuals’ desire to work. Working in customer service is already undoubtedly a hard job. From having to keep your schedule available for lackluster pay to dealing with huge corporations’ labor strategies, it is not typically a person’s first choice when it comes to employment. The distress that comes with having to monitor a constant stream of theft may just be the nail in the coffin for these employees. In some cases, incidents where people steal from large chains can be “traumatizing” as indicated by Best Buy CEO, Corie Barry. Research shows that it is getting progressively harder for companies to retain employees, largely due to unsafe atmospheres caused by theft. Individuals working near minimum wage jobs should feel secure in their jobs and not frightened by futile attempts to “redistribute wealth.”
Possibly the greatest thing theft affects is consumers themselves. Shopping in a store is supposed to be enjoyable or at the least, efficient. When you have employees constantly keeping a watchful eye, or metal detectors at the door way, the consumer experience is largely spoiled. In some situations, companies go as far as to lock items on shelves, like in Walmart or CVS. Even in Lower Merion township, essential hygiene products are locked within stores like RiteAID and Target. These locked items create increased wait times and an overall inconvenient experience.
Theft, especially from large corporations, is more gray than black and white. I am not saying that a single mother who steals medicine for her sick kid should receive capital punishment, but in a wealthy suburb like Lower Merion, stealing is an unnecessary flex of privilege. Theft also weakens the economy, deters laborers, and simply makes your shopping experience less convenient.
