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Target is closing two stores in the Seattle area, the Ballard and U-District stores, citing safety concerns for staff and customers.
According to the press release from the company on September 23,
‘We invested heavily in strategies to prevent and stop theft and organized retail crime in our stores, such as adding more security team members, using third-party guard services, and implementing theft-deterrent tools across our business. Despite our efforts, unfortunately, we continue to face fundamental challenges to operating these stores safely and successfully.’
The decision to close the stores will result in a loss of employment for many employees.
The crime and safety problems in Seattle are a direct result of the defund policing efforts of the Seattle City Council and the increased restrictions on officers to pursue criminals passed into law by the Washington State legislature over the last few years.
Seattle has recently began to reverse its anti-law enforcement policies, but there is more to be done.
Seattle leadership needs to continue focusing on fully restoring funding for public safety, hiring more officers and incentivizing businesses to return to the downtown area. A program of allowing the police to enforce the newly passed drug laws, arresting criminals and reducing taxes on business will revitalize the downtown core. New York did this in the 90’s and saw a dramatic turnaround in the city.
Seattle can do the same.