Target Cuts Store Hours in San Francisco Due to “Alarming Rise in Theft”

Target (Minneapolis) has cut its operating hours at its San Francisco locations due to an increase in theft and “security incidents,” according to local San Francisco CBS broadcast news KPIX 5. These Target locations will now have a 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule as opposed to the retailer’s normal schedule of 7 or 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

A Target spokesperson shared this statement with KPIX 5 in response to their operating hours being cut: “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. Target is engaging local law enforcement, elected officials and community partners to address our concerns. With the safety of our guests, team members and communities as our top priority, we’ve temporarily reduced our operating hours in six San Francisco stores.”

Other retailers have faced a similar situation in regards to the recent uptick in theft, namely Walgreens and CVS. Rachel Michelin, President of the California Retailers Association, says drastic measures have to be taken by retailers, such as cutting hours, especially when store employees don’t feel safe coming to work.