WATCH: Man steals from SF Walgreens during live news report on shoplifting

October 13, 2021 in News, Video by RBN Staff

 

Source: Audacy.com

A TV crew from Inside Edition was in a San Francisco Walgreens recording a segment on the increase in shoplifting at the store, when a man brazenly entered, jumped over the counter and started stealing merchandise.

The incident happened earlier this week.

Inside Edition was not only reporting on the huge increase in shoplifting at the Walgreens location at Van Ness Ave. and Eddy St., but also the fact that it will be one of three locations in the area that will close November 11.

At this store in particular, there were barely any items on the shelves to begin with.

About six stores will be closing due to the increase in shoplifting incidents.

“It works closely with all members of the public we serve, including businesses. We are always assessing crime trends and addressing staffing to accommodate for fluctuations in crimes,” San Francisco Police said in a statement.

It seems a combination of lack of security and a Walgreens policy which doesn’t allow members of the staff to harass anyone – even if they’re suspected of stealing – have led to the empty shelves in stores throughout the Bay Area.

California law states any thefts less than $950 are treated as a non-violent misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of six months in jail.

“All the seniors that live around here in all these buildings now have nowhere to go to get their medicines,” one man told Inside Edition. Police told KRON4 they have officers on foot patrolling the area.