Can Targeting Shoplifters Stop Violent Crime?

New Mexico News Insiders · May 31, 2022 · 28m

If you've shopped in the Albuquerque-metro area anytime in the last few years, you've probably noticed at least a few security changes at most big box stores. Whether its more security guards, police officers or even camera trailers with flashing blue and red lights, a lot of New Mexico's supermarkets, pharmacies and other stores have increasingly been targets for brazen shoplifting. In the summer of 2021, the New Mexico Attorney General's Office announced it would target this issue, calling it "organized retail crime," while dispelling the idea that the suspects are "just petty thieves."

So…