To help stores, shoplifting’s ‘no prosecute’ rule must be stopped

There is dawn after the darkness that currently surrounds us amid the coronavirus pandemic, and the resolve to boost our economic recovery must be as strong as that undertaken to conquer COVID-19. To that end, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins must take shoplifting off her list of “no prosecute” crimes.

Retailers across the state deemed “non-essential” (as opposed to grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants providing takeout, etc.) have taken a financial pounding since restrictions aimed at halting the spread of the virus led to their closure, under orders by Gov. Charlie Baker. Stores selling clothes, video games, flowers, furniture, books and a host of other merchandise — including recreational pot — have to wait it out until the all-clear is given and customers can return.

That means no revenue coming in, but rent, taxes and operating expenses to pay nonetheless. For small businesses, it’s been crippling. After Gov. Baker requested economic relief loans through the Small Business Administration last month, the Massachusetts Congressional delegation wrote a letter underscoring the dire need to shore up businesses: “This ongoing public health emergency has already caused significant disruption and economic harm to our constituents and is likely to continue for weeks or months to come.”

Some of Greater Boston’s retailers may not be able to bounce back from the extended shutdown.

Even in the best of times, the “no-prosecute” designation for the crime of shoplifting was a bad idea. It’s not victimless, in spite of the perception that stores can just “absorb” the loss. They don’t — they just lose money. Retailers Association General Counsel Ryan Kearney, in decrying Rollins’ move last year, noted that Massachusetts businesses lose an estimated $1 billion annually in stolen merchandise. That leaves the state roughly $62.5 million short in sales tax revenue.

Stores who’ve had to shut due to coronavirus restrictions are already losing money, and so is the state. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned by the onslaught of unemployment applications filed in recent weeks, it’s that stores and businesses are not just brick and mortar buildings — they are comprised of people. Loss of revenue has enormous impact.

Another key takeaway from these difficult days has been the incredible selflessness and grit of our community — so many continue to help others in time of need. Kudos go to those who step up, not those who steal. What an extra kick in the teeth to say to struggling retailers once they open their doors again — “it’s no big deal if your inventory walks out the door. You matter less than those who rob you.”

Hopefully, with stimulus funds and loans, Bay State retailers will be able to ride out this period and continue to stay in business. We eagerly await the day when it’s OK to go out and shop, to visit the great stores in Boston and environs and see those places come back to life.

It’s key that impediments to their survival, such as tacit approval of property theft, be eliminated.