San Francisco Store Implements Customer Escorts to Combat Shoplifting

Fredericksen’s Hardware and Paint in San Francisco is implementing a one-on-one shopping experience to combat rampant shoplifting, with certain hours dedicated to individual customer assistance and a blocked-off entrance to deter thieves. The store's manager cites significant losses and safety concerns for employees and customers, with little help from city leaders or police. San Francisco supervisor Catherine Stefani acknowledges the crisis and calls for urgent action to address the police staffing shortage, while Mayor London Breed reports declines in certain crime rates for January.