Some CA Target Stores Close Early Amid 'Alarming' Rise In Theft

CALIFORNIA — In response to a significant rise in theft, several Target locations in the Bay Area have trimmed opening and closing hours.

Five stores in San Francisco are now open only from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. No other Target locations have adjusted hours in California, Brian Harper-Tibaldo, a spokesperson for Target, told Patch Wednesday.

"For more than a month, we’ve been experiencing a significant and alarming rise in theft and security incidents at our San Francisco stores, similar to reports from other retailers in the area," he said.

Other retailers in San Francisco have also reported a rise in security issues, including H&M, Gap and Marshalls, he said.

"Target is engaging local law enforcement, elected officials and community partners to address our concerns," Harper-Tibaldo said. "With the safety of our guests, team members and communities as our top priority, we’ve temporarily reduced our operating hours in five San Francisco stores."

Walgreens has also closed several stores amid theft issues. Some Walgreens security guards have been told not to challenge suspected shoplifters, ABC7 reported.

"It's going to be lawsuits, obviously they don't want ourselves or anybody else to get injured while we're out here attempting to make these apprehensions, and leave it to law enforcement," Kevin Greathouse, a security guard at a San Francisco-based Walgreens, told ABC7.

A recent San Francisco Chamber of Commerce poll found that residents believe crime, homelessness and quality of life are worsening in the city.

A February report from the California Retailers Association also revealed that San Francisco is the fifth-worst city in the U.S. for organized retail theft.