Retail Crime: A New Yorker’s Perspective

The Ground Reality: Business Meets Crime

Picture this: Gen X on Decatur Boulevard. It’s not your average day—shoplifters abound. Store manager Omar Camargo is on edge, with thefts happening as often as pizza orders in Manhattan. The shop slaps pictures of banned customers right at the entrance. Forget bringing in large backpacks or bags; that’s an open invitation for trouble.

Yet, all those rules? More bark than bite. Just last Monday, three women in their 20s decided it was free-for-all at Gen X. Not only did they lift merchandise, but they also attacked an 89-year-old security guard. His condition? Still a mystery. You see, for folks like Camargo, this isn’t an isolated incident. It’s déjà vu.

The Elephant in the Room: Shoplifting Laws

Here’s where Nevada’s politics come into play. In 2019, Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager and the Democrats had a little brainstorm. They decided to soften the blow for shoplifters. Imagine raising the felony theft limit to $1,200. Go ahead, swipe $1,000 worth of goods, and walk away with just a misdemeanor.

Yeager argued, “We are sending too many people to prison for nonviolent crimes.” But let’s be real, rampant retail theft isn’t a victimless crime. Businesses feel it, and the effects ripple throughout the community.

Voices from the Trenches

At an event last month, small-business owners put a spotlight on the retail crime wave. Bryan Wachter, president of the Retail Association of Southern Nevada, summed it up: “Retail crime is a huge issue.”

The Asian American and Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce of Southern Nevada echoed that sentiment. Their president, Catherine Francisco, noted a disturbing rise in these crimes. She urged business owners to hit speed dial on the police.

Interestingly, businesses hesitate to report thefts. Why? They know that police response is like waiting for the next L train—slow, if it happens at all. Even arrests hardly lead to jail time. It’s like shouting into the void.

Are We Too Lenient?

Sure, Yeager has a point about leniency. First-time offenders or those caught in dire straits could use a break. However, chronic shoplifters or organized thieves? Time to face the music.

Yeager’s ambition to join the Clark County Commission might need a reality check. Even if he insists there’s no uptick in crime post-bill, those on the ground beg to differ.

A Call to Action

It’s time Yeager and his fellow Democrats own up. Stand by Gov. Joe Lombardo’s initiative to amp up penalties for shoplifting. No need to gather everyone for a legislative pizza party, but if Lombardo calls the shots, this needs top billing.

Sure, throwing folks in the slammer costs a pretty penny. But turning a blind eye to retail theft? Equally, if not more, taxing. Just ask that brave 89-year-old guard.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are drawn from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.