Most every night, the news programs show yet another “smash and grab” robbery of the various retail chain stores. It has gotten so bad that a number of Walgreens, Walmart, and other stores have ceased operation in the very high crime areas of San Francisco, Seattle, New York, and other cities that have decided to abandon the rule of law, defund the police, and implement a no money bail for those that “might” be arrested. Local government help for these retailers is unlikely. Let me propose an option that would help reduce theft greatly.
Do it like Costco. That is, a customer membership card is required for entry to the store.
That membership card contains a photo ID and the same data as a driver’s license. A card reader at the secure entry and exit is scanned and time-stamped. This would help identify potential theft. You might or might not get an arrest and conviction, but you could deny the thief any future access to the store.
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Very high-risk locations could (should) employ secure double-door entryway, remotely controlled access, and metering of small groups entering and exiting the controlled entrance and exit.
Dave Baker Washington